Buying a used EV in India: the eight checks that matter

The used EV market in India is finally deep enough to be worth shopping in. It is also new enough that the usual second-hand car checks miss the things that matter.

1. State of health, not odometer

Ask for a battery state-of-health report from an authorised service centre. Anything above 90% after three years is healthy. Below 85% on a car under five years old warrants an explanation.

2. How it was charged

A car that lived on DC fast charging at 100% every day has aged its pack harder than one charged overnight on AC to 80%. Service records and the owner's honest account are the only sources here.

3. Warranty transfer

Most manufacturers offer 8 years or 1.6 lakh km on the battery, but transfer terms vary and some require the transfer to be registered within a window. Confirm in writing before money changes hands.

4. Charging cable and adapters

A replacement portable charging cable costs ₹18,000 to ₹35,000. Check it is present and undamaged.

5. Software version

EVs receive meaningful updates — charging curve improvements, range estimation, battery management. A car several versions behind may simply never have been serviced.

6. Test a DC session

Take the car to a fast charger during the inspection. Watch the peak power it accepts and how it tapers. A pack with cell imbalance often reveals itself here rather than on a test drive.

7. 12V battery

Almost every EV still has a conventional 12V battery for the electronics, and it is the single most common breakdown cause. They last three to four years.

8. Real range, not claimed

Charge to 100%, note the estimate, drive 50 km normally, and check consumption. Extrapolate. Expect 70 to 80% of the ARAI figure, which is normal and not a defect.