Buying a used electric car is a good idea to enter the world of sustainable mobility. But accessing a very old electric used car carries certain risks. For example, that the battery is degraded and autonomy is affected. You can change the battery of a used electric car, but how much does it cost? There are several factors that influence the price.
The emerging market used electric car opens up a whole range of possibilities to be able to enter the fascinating world of 100% electric mobility without having to face the high price that the vast majority of electric vehicles have today. The arrival on the market of new, more technologically advanced models has been decisive in increasing the supply of second-hand electric cars.
One of the main consequences of the increase in the supply of second-hand electric cars is price adjustments. Now it is possible to find real bargains. However, before embarking on the purchase of an electric second-hand car, several issues must be taken into account. And among them is, how could it be otherwise, the battery. It is the main component of an electric car.
The battery of a used electric car
Carrying out a responsible use and always in accordance with the manufacturer’s instructions, it is possible to significantly extend the useful life of the battery of an electric vehicle. However, and over time, it is clear that the battery will be degraded and, therefore, the autonomy will be affected. When buying an electric used car we must verify the state of the battery.
Regardless of whether we buy a used electric car from an individual or from a professional in a sale, it is of vital importance request a report that allows us to guarantee the state of the battery. We can go to the after-sales service of the vehicle brand or directly to a specialized workshop. Once we have the report in our possession, we can clear up any doubts.
“First generation” electric cars like the Nissan Leaf or the BMW i3 offered really modest ranges at the time. And over the years, that range may have been significantly reduced due to battery degradation. It is at this point where we must balance the real performance of the used electric vehicle that we want to buy and its sale price.
How much does it cost to change the battery of a used electric car?
One of the options that is on the table is to buy the used electric one, deal with the autonomy it offers and, in the future, choose to change the battery for a new one. But, How much does it cost to change the battery of an electric car? The answer to this question is neither simple nor short. And it depends on several things. From the manufacturer to the battery itself.
About €2,000 to change defective modules at Volkswagen
Volkswagen is one of the most popular brands in the used electric car market. It is easy to find units for sale of the missing Volkswagen e-Golf. And after the commercial journey that the modern Volkswagen ID.3 has already traveled, the offer has been improved. Volkswagen allows you to replace defective loose modules, or change the entire battery if necessary. The cost of replacing a module is approximately €2,000. The ID.3 battery, depending on its capacity, can have up to 12 modules.
The change of the Renault ZOE battery costs about €14,000
Renault also has one of the most outstanding electrics in its range. Is he Renault ZOE. The French firm allows you to replace both a defective module and the battery in its entirety. The cost of changing a battery module is around €2,700. As for the price of changing the battery for a new one, it will be around €14,000.
The cost of changing the battery of the Nissan Leaf
Nissan has been one of the brands that has been in the spotlight on this issue. We must bear in mind that his electric vehicle, the Nissan Leaf, is known worldwide for being one of the first electric vehicles for the mass public. Hundreds of thousands of units have been sold around the world. Nissan does not allow the replacement of damaged modules, which is why it forces its customers to carry out the replacement of the entire battery. The cost of this operation is around €16,500.
Buy a damaged used car and fix it?
At this point we must take into account not only the state of the battery, but also the vehicle itself in general. And it is that it cannot be ruled out that in a short space of time the battery ends up degrading and we find ourselves in the position of, yes or yes, having to change and/or repair it. That is why you have to analyze the price of the vehicle, its general condition and that of the battery in particular.