[vijaysrk]

Voted no.

All the standard EV gremlins notwithstanding (range anxiety, reliability of the electronics post a few years of use, repairability post warranty, etc.), for me the biggest question mark would be around the battery. Let me explain:

- The typical replacement cost of batteries post warranty in most models is around ~40% of the new car price. The standard assumption I would make is that this battery replacement cost is something I will incur immediately on expiry of the warranty. So if a used EV is available at the standard depreciated price minus the battery replacement cost, that's when I will consider buying it. (As an example, for a 2020 Nexon EV, that would roughly translate to a price of around around 6 Lakhs!

- New battery chemistries: There are a slew of new battery chemistries in the offing (Sodium Ion, Iron-based batteries, solid state/graphite batteries etc.) that could potentially halve the cost of the battery in an EV. Now when that happens, imagine what that would do to the resale value of 1st Gen lithium ion based EVs!

Right now, buying an EV (new or used) makes sense to fleet owners who cover lakhs of kms a year, or to enthusiasts who want the driving experience of an EV (which is nothing to scoff at, by the way- the torque on demand can be addictive!).

For the rest of us "regular" car users, any calculation based on the economics of car ownership will most likely lead to a single conclusion - stay away for now!

[siren373]

If it is still in warranty and is priced reasonably, i dont see why not

[vamsi.vadrevu]

Voted No.

EVs that are currently on the market are still too early in developmental phases to be considered reliable over a long period of time.

And the EVs that are sold in India are ICE converts.

Until we have EVs that are designed and built from the ground up as EVs (with the platform exclusively catered to EVs) and then a couple of generations of these EVs are sold on the market, we can't buy used EVs. We'd just be beta testing "unfinished" products.

However, EVs in USA (Tesla), are mature enough and I would probably consider a used Tesla (but nothing older than 2020).

But for the rest of the brands, we've to stay away from used EVs.

[sumit1609]

Yes--CONSIDERATIONS WHEN BUYING A USED EV:
While contemplating the purchase of a used electric vehicle (EV), it is essential to engage a knowledgeable individual well-versed in the intricacies of EVs. This expert can provide insights into whether the specific EV model is a sound investment. Additionally, assessing the seller's loyalty, though challenging, is crucial for a transparent transaction.

A knowledgeable advisor can evaluate the EV's condition, battery health, and overall performance, offering valuable guidance on whether it meets your requirements. As all sellers may claim loyalty, thorough research and possibly obtaining references can help ensure a trustworthy transaction.

If all factors align, including the expert's positive assessment, a reliable seller, and an attractive price point, opting for a used EV could be a viable and cost-effective choice for your electric vehicle needs

[Newtown]

At this stage of EV technology - Absolutely no.

An Ioniq 5 replacement battery costs $45,000 to replace. Adjust that for Indian taxes and currency exchange, I wonder what it would cost to replace in India.

[SS-Traveller]

Originally Posted by supermax

...your post seems like something straight out of a dystopian future horror movie like Mad Max...

Did it? I apologise. The world over, people buy refurbished parts to keep (usually old and expensive) cars running, when new parts are not available. Those parts don't come from the producer / director of Mad Max, but from other similar cars that have been scrapped and cannibalised. Recycling parts is good for the environment, which is also the reason most people start driving EVs.

[supermax]

Originally Posted by SS-Traveller

Did it? I apologise. The world over, people buy refurbished parts to keep (usually old and expensive) cars running, when new parts are not available. Those parts don't come from the producer / director of Mad Max, but from other similar cars that have been scrapped and cannibalised. Recycling parts is good for the environment, which is also the reason most people start driving EVs.

Oh, I'm well aware of exotic and vintage cars which are years out of their production runs and people indeed need to find whatever means necessary to keep it running, but like I wrote clearly noted, must people buying a car don't do it because they can fix broken cars, but instead hope to have a reliable car. I'm sorry if you didn't like the Mad Max reference, but if you have seen the movie, you'll also know that it's a fairly apt reference.

[GreenerPlanet]

Originally Posted by vijaysrk

:

- The typical replacement cost of batteries post warranty in most models is around ~40% of the new car price. The standard assumption I would make is that this battery replacement cost is something I will incur immediately on expiry of the warranty. So if a used EV is available at the standard depreciated price minus the battery replacement cost, that's when I will consider buying it. (As an example, for a 2020 Nexon EV, that would roughly translate to a price of around around 6 Lakhs!

- New battery chemistries: There are a slew of new battery chemistries in the offing (Sodium Ion, Iron-based batteries, solid state/graphite batteries etc.) that could potentially halve the cost of the battery in an EV. Now when that happens, imagine what that would do to the resale value of 1st Gen lithium ion based EVs!

Right now, buying an EV (new or used) makes sense to fleet owners who cover lakhs of kms a year, or to enthusiasts who want the driving experience of an EV (which is nothing to scoff at, by the way- the torque on demand can be addictive!).

For the rest of us "regular" car users, any calculation based on the economics of car ownership will most likely lead to a single conclusion - stay away for now!

This perfectly captures my thoughts as well.
On numbers, the most sold of these cars today would be the ones having old generation battery technology
These would not be efficient and also lead to long queue times at charging centers. Good cars which may be available now for resale with good battery chemistry and supporting quick charging will be pricey (they would have been pricier when new). So basically you would get new mainstream car (EV) at same price points.

Those planning to pick up EV6 as a second owner for 20+L, would certainly be put off when putting that money down knowing the cost of replacement battery due anytime soon, and knowing they may have new EV they can drive off a showroom floor for the same money.

ICE technology has had decades to mature and stabilise in pre-owned route. EVs will need atleast 10-15 years more.

[Shresth_EV]

Originally Posted by GreenerPlanet

Good cars which may be available now for resale with good battery chemistry and supporting quick charging will be pricey (they would have been pricier when new). So basically you would get new mainstream car (EV) at same price points

The real question is of rate of advancement — whether the current crop of ev’s will “die” first, or will the new crop of ev’s become better than the older ones first.

Think of it this way — will the EV6 battery “die” first or will a 20L EV have a 500km range, 3.5s 0-100 and 350kW charging first.

If the latter doesn’t happen, then obviously the EV6 holds its value better. The EV6 is a bad example because it represents what a E300 was 10y ago. (70L barely gets you C200 now)

The fact is, that an EV6 is a bigger benchmark to meet for a 20L car today (320km 9s 0-100 and 30kW charging)

To ask whether or not the combination of inflation and car depreciation can match EV tech trends (cheaper ev’s getting more feature rich)

Those planning to pick up EV6 as a second owner for 20+L, would certainly be put off

I mean — the availability and known fact of old German luxbarges being a money pit doesn’t stop people from buying them, does it?

Even when they can have a City eHEV or Virtus 1.5 for that kinda money.

[shyampsunder]

Voted Yes,

I was just talking about this to my friend today and I would definitely do it because I understand that for most buying an EV is in itself a gigantic leap of faith, buying a 2nd hand EV is another leap of faith. This will naturally mean that the market will discount the prices relative to their fair values. Will throw up some great bargains.

Personally I know enough about EVs to be able to make a realistic assessment of the vehicle and pull the trigger. Buying >4 years old vehicle means you still have a minimum of 4 years of battery warranty left. Good enough in my opinion if you can rule out any current issues.

[iamahunter]

Voted - No

I would go to the lengths of saying that I would not even prefer to buy a new one at the time. The EV technology, infrastructure and the disposal is still an open question. I believe, the user is only looking at end product at its current lifestage.
Most of the electric car users I am aware of have not brought it as its cleaner, most reasons include cheaper running cost, tax benefits and subsidies, some then dwell into the cleaner aspects after these reasons. But looking at the other activities, the clean environment factor is no where to be seen. 100% of them have an EV as their secondary or even tertiary vehicle and a gas guzzler as a primary gas guzzler. I once saw a well educated family throwing out plastic bottles and food remains out of and Mahindra XUV400 EV, so much for the cleaner cars!
If possible I personally would prefer to wait till the hydrogen technology evolves and is out in the main stream.

[prasanna_indaje]

Yes.
For the following reasons :
1. EVs depreciate by good percentage. For example a 2 year old, 30-35 k run Nexon Prime can be owned for 10-12 lakhs.
2. Case above will still have 6 years of warranty on battery and motor.
3. EVs diagnosed themselves and issues if any are easily trackable.

[AnAntinspired]

Considering I anyway consider it a ridiculous reinventing of the wheel (or what drives it, to be more precise!) I wouldn't Ever Venture (EV- gettit?)

[vijaysrk]

Originally Posted by prasanna_indaje

Yes.
For the following reasons :
1. EVs depreciate by good percentage. For example a 2 year old, 30-35 k run Nexon Prime can be owned for 10-12 lakhs.
2. Case above will still have 6 years of warranty on battery and motor.
3. EVs diagnosed themselves and issues if any are easily trackable.

Yes EVs depreciate by a much larger percentage compared to their ICE counterparts(though you wouldn't realise that based on prices quoted on OLX!)

The one caveat I would add to your statement above is that merely having warranty is not a guarantee of a hassle-free ownership, unlike in ICE cars. Case in point is with the Nexon EV, where stories abound of owners having to wait for weeks(nay, months!) for replacement parts to arrive.

The only EVs worth considering right now IMHO are the ones being made by MG and BYD. Both seem to have decent battery(and overall) reliability, good service support and an overall greater ground-up investment in designing and manufacturing EVs at scale globally, and that matters more than one may realise!

[vijaysrk]

Originally Posted by sumit1609

Yes--CONSIDERATIONS WHEN BUYING A USED EV:
While contemplating the purchase of a used electric vehicle (EV), it is essential to engage a knowledgeable individual well-versed in the intricacies of EVs. This expert can provide insights into whether the specific EV model is a sound investment. Additionally, assessing the seller's loyalty, though challenging, is crucial for a transparent transaction.

A knowledgeable advisor can evaluate the EV's condition, battery health, and overall performance, offering valuable guidance on whether it meets your requirements. As all sellers may claim loyalty, thorough research and possibly obtaining references can help ensure a trustworthy transaction.

If all factors align, including the expert's positive assessment, a reliable seller, and an attractive price point, opting for a used EV could be a viable and cost-effective choice for your electric vehicle needs

Sorry, couldn't resist reacting to this post - did you generate this using ChatGPT? Either that, or this has been written by a professional copywriter with inputs from multiple generic online forums!