The used electric vehicle market is growing fast, offering plenty of choice — and some real gems — if you know what to look for. Here’s what to keep in mind before you plug in and drive off.
1. Don’t Trust the Brochure — Do Your Range Homework
Official range figures are often, shall we say… optimistic. Real-world conditions like weather, driving style, and terrain can all eat into that number. Check out owner reviews, online forums, and independent tests to get a truer picture of what you’ll get on a full charge.
2. Battery Health is Everything
Think of the battery as the beating heart of your EV — and the most expensive part to replace. Always ask for a battery health report. Many modern EVs will allow a diagnostic check, either through the infotainment system or via a plug-in tool. If in doubt, get a professional to inspect it.
3. Trust Matters — Buy from Someone Reputable
Whether it’s a dealer, an independent garage, or a private seller, make sure they know the car inside out. A good seller should be upfront about the vehicle’s history, charging habits, and any previous issues.
4. Check the Paper Trail
Most EVs come with a generous battery warranty (typically 8 years or around 160,000km). Make sure it’s still valid — and equally important, check for a full and verifiable service history. Regular software updates and maintenance count for a lot in an EV.
5. Know Your Charging Setup
Home charging is a game-changer, not to mention a money-saver. You can apply for a €300 SEAI grant towards installing a home charger. If you don’t have off-street parking check out where public chargers are available near your home or work, especially fast-chargers.
6. Plan Ahead for Road Trips
Ireland’s charging network is improving, but it’s not perfect. If you do frequent long journeys, use apps like PlugShare or Zap-Map to locate charging points before setting off. It’ll help avoid those nerve-wracking, battery-on-1% moments.
Geraldine Herbert
