Drivers’ issues concerning the lifespan of second-hand EV batteries may nonetheless be an element holding again gross sales of used EVs, in line with analysis by AA Vehicles.

An AA Vehicles ballot of 12,200 drivers discovered that just about half (45%) are anxious about battery lifespan, whereas 44% doubt their skill to examine if a used electrical automobile is mechanically sound. 

AA Vehicles consider these fears, whereas comprehensible, are “most likely unfounded”, in line with analysis.

There are additionally quite a few examples of older EVs with 100k plus miles on the clock on the AA Vehicles web site the place the batteries are nonetheless going sturdy.

An additional third (33%) of drivers fear that second-hand EVs can have a decrease vary than model new fashions.

EVs signify 15.6% of gross sales within the new automobile market, however restricted inventory means they presently account for only one.8% of used automobile gross sales.

Nevertheless, take-up of used EVs ought to develop as extra fashions come onto the second-hand market; the AA Vehicles analysis discovered that just about a fifth of drivers really feel prepared to purchase a used EV now (7%) or inside the subsequent two years (11%). 

Though there are some boundaries to EV uptake, the Authorities’s ban on gross sales of recent petrol and diesel automobiles from 2035 signifies that they’re right here to remain and this must be a development space for used automobile sellers. 

Practically half of drivers say receiving sensible recommendation from a vendor would make the method of shopping for a greener automobile simpler.

This illustrates the significance individuals place on sellers’ skill to talk knowledgeably about EVs and supply clear, sensible steering to their prospects.

AA Vehicles’ analysis means that sellers must be focusing their recommendation on batteries, and will additionally profit from offering automobile inspection experiences which present their vehicles have been independently examined and are mechanically sound. 

To assist sellers navigate the EV panorama, AA Vehicles has launched its Vendor’s Information to Electrical Autos to assist them supply prospects the recommendation they want most when buying greener vehicles. 

Mark Oakley, director of AA Vehicles, stated: “Drivers are embracing the EV revolution, however gross sales of used EVs stay low when in comparison with new vehicles.

“Whereas used EV gross sales are constrained by decrease inventory ranges, our analysis suggests purchaser issues about batteries and vary may nonetheless be a limiting issue too.

“As extra second-hand EVs come to market, sellers should step as much as assist drivers with their used car-buying expertise by providing recommendation on the problems that matter most to them.”

Oakley stated promoting EVs which have been independently inspected is one other approach to supply drivers reassurance concerning the situation of the used automobile they’re contemplating.

He added: “Above all, sellers should guarantee all gross sales workers have the information to speak confidently about EV charging, vary and depreciation in the event that they want to capitalise on the rising demand for greener automobiles.”