The Case For Buying A Used EV Just Got Loads Better

A new UK study offers some reassurance for anyone weighing a used electric car over a used gas car. The British Vehicle Rental and Leasing Association looked at 47.4 million standard vehicle safety tests (the UK's "MOT" test, which checks brakes, tires, suspension, steering, and lights) and found that high-mileage EVs fail these tests less often than gas-powered cars. At 20,000 to 40,000 miles, EVs and gas cars failed at nearly the same rate. But past 90,000 miles, EVs failed about 25 percent less often, and the gap held past 120,000 miles. Older EVs also stayed on the road longer: 94.6 percent of 15-year-old EVs made it back for another test, versus 88.1 percent of gas cars.

The long-held assumption that high mileage means more repairs turns out to hold true mainly for gas engines, not electric ones, likely because EV drivetrains have fewer moving parts. That's good news for affordability, since most car buyers purchase used rather than new. Still, the study flagged some real issues to watch for: EVs showed more tire wear problems, and older, low-mileage EVs had more brake issues tied to corrosion from being used less often.

None of this is a US program or rebate, but it matters if you're shopping for a used EV. The advice from researchers and dealers alike: don't rule out a car just because of high mileage, but do check its battery health percentage, charging history, warranty status, and overall maintenance record before buying.