Guide and tips
Car purchases are rarely spontaneous, especially in times of geopolitical uncertainty and the mobility transition. The future belongs to electric cars, while combustion engines are being phased out. As new electric vehicles are expensive, the used car market for electric cars is becoming increasingly important.
Check your EV before you buy
The market for second-hand electric cars is growing rapidly. More and more people are interested in buying a second-hand electric car – whether out of environmental concern, because of low running costs, or due to attractive electric car incentives. But what should you look out for when buying a second-hand electric car?
When it comes to buying a second-hand car, there are additional – and sometimes even fundamentally different – aspects to consider with electric cars, alongside the general tips for buying used cars.
High prices for new cars and long delivery times make second-hand electric cars particularly attractive to many buyers. The range of second-hand electric cars is growing steadily, offering an opportunity to get into electric mobility at an affordable price. Due to the sharp fall in the prices of many new vehicles, attractive second-hand electric cars are now available at very fair prices.
Found your dream car? With the Car Buy Check from TÜV NORD, you’ll receive a professional and objective assessment of the condition of the second-hand electric vehicle. You’ll get all the key information about the vehicle’s condition, as well as details of its accident history – and you can do it all conveniently online from the comfort of your own home.
Before you start looking for a vehicle, you should analyse your actual needs.
The following questions will help you make your choice:
Many buyers focus solely on the maximum range. In practice, however, a real-world range of 250 to 350 kilometres is perfectly adequate for most commuters.
The battery’s condition plays a key role in determining its range. The battery’s current condition is described by what is known as the State of Health (SoH).
A joint analysis by TÜV NORD and Carly, based on around 50,000 measurements, shows that battery degradation increases significantly from around 90,000 kilometres. Up to this mileage, the SoH decreases by an average of 0.7 points per 10,000 kilometres; thereafter, it decreases by around 2.3 points per 10,000 kilometres.
TÜV NORD tip:
Whether you’re planning to go on holiday in your electric car or regularly undertake longer journeys, a high SoH value is essential.
The condition of the high-voltage battery is one of the most important factors to consider when buying a second-hand electric car. This is because age and mileage alone say little about how much power the battery still has. What matters is the actual condition of the battery, which can be described using the term “State of Health” (SoH).
The State of Health indicates how the high-voltage battery’s current condition compares to its original condition. A visual inspection alone is not sufficient for a reliable assessment. The TÜV NORD BatteryCheck reads the relevant battery data directly via the vehicle’s diagnostic interface and determines the current SoH.
The test is carried out without removing the battery or interfering with the vehicle’s systems. It takes just a few minutes. You will receive the result in the form of a clear test report containing the SoH score, classification and recommended action. The analysis is carried out in accordance with the European CARA standard.
A second-hand electric car may look in very good condition on the outside, whilst the high-voltage battery may already have lost some of its capacity. An independent battery check provides an additional basis for your decision. You can have the actual condition of the battery checked before you buy and better assess any potential loss of capacity.
The SoH does not provide a direct indication of how many kilometres the electric car can still travel in everyday use. The actual range depends, amongst other things, on driving style, speed, outside temperature, heating and air conditioning, and traffic conditions. The range may be significantly lower, particularly at low temperatures.
TÜV NORD tip:
When buying a second-hand electric car, you should therefore consider both the condition of the high-voltage battery and the range required for your day-to-day needs. Use the BatteryCheck to objectively assess the condition of your battery.
The battery is the heart of an electric vehicle. A complete battery failure is often regarded as a total economic loss, as a new battery, including fitting, can quickly cost several thousand euros. This is why many prospective buyers have reservations when considering the purchase of a second-hand electric car.
The good news is that, in many cases, the battery does not need to be replaced entirely. Instead of an expensive complete replacement, individual faulty battery modules can often be repaired or swapped out. This reduces the cost considerably and makes buying a second-hand electric car much more attractive.
The battery condition of the electric car is particularly important here. This is often referred to as the State of Health (SoH) and indicates what percentage of the original capacity is still available. The higher this value, the better the performance and range of the electric car.
Another important factor is the battery warranty. According to Fraunhofer ISI, leading vehicle manufacturers offer standard warranties of eight years or 160,000 kilometres with a guaranteed minimum capacity of 80 per cent. Anyone buying a second-hand vehicle should check whether the warranty is still valid and transferable to the new owner.
The Euro 7 standard, which came into force on 29 May 2024, sets out, amongst other things, requirements regarding the durability of electric vehicle batteries, which manufacturers must comply with. However, the Euro 7 standard will not have binding effect until 29 November 2026.
For the first time, Euro 7 sets out requirements regarding how much capacity the drive batteries of electric cars and plug-in hybrids must retain after a certain number of years. After five years or 100,000 kilometres, the storage capacity must not fall below 80 per cent of its original value. After eight years or 160,000 kilometres, at least 72 per cent must remain. These requirements are not to be equated with an additional statutory battery warranty. In future, it will be easy to check the current battery condition of a second-hand electric car.
A high-performance battery alone is not enough. It is also crucial that the charging technology works flawlessly and that suitable charging options are available. As part of a comprehensive electric car buying guide, the following points should be checked before making a purchase:
1. Check the charging cables
When buying second-hand, you should check that all charging cables are present and undamaged. Faulty or missing cables can result in costly replacements. This point is part of any thorough inspection of a second-hand electric car.
TÜV NORD tip:
Ask your dealer about the TÜV NORD charging cable check.
2. Understanding charging technology
Make sure you check which charging options the vehicle supports. Some models can only be charged using alternating current (AC), whilst others also allow fast charging using direct current (DC). Fast-charging capability is a particularly important factor for frequent drivers.
3. Consider charging power
Charging power is measured in kilowatts (kW) and directly affects charging time. The higher the maximum charging power of the vehicle and the charging point, the quicker the battery will be ready for use again. This has a positive impact on day-to-day use and the usable range of the electric car.
4. Charging options in everyday life
Before purchasing, you should clarify which charging options are available. A wallbox at home enables convenient charging that is gentle on the battery. Charging points at work or near your home are also advantageous. Anyone who regularly drives longer distances should also check the availability of fast-charging stations.
In a nutshell: Battery & charging technology
Anyone looking to buy a second-hand electric car should examine the battery particularly closely. The condition of the electric car’s battery, the remaining battery warranty and the charging technology fitted are crucial factors in making a safe purchase decision. With a TÜV NORD BatteryCheck and the right advice on buying a second-hand electric car, you can find high-quality second-hand electric cars that will continue to run reliably for many years to come.
When buying a second-hand electric car, the brakes should be checked carefully. In fact, faults with the brakes are found more frequently during the annual roadworthiness test (HU) for electric vehicles.
The reason for this lies in what is known as regenerative braking. This process recovers kinetic energy during deceleration and feeds it back into the battery. As a result, the mechanical brakes are used less frequently, which can lead to rust forming on the brake discs and a reduction in braking performance.
That is why it is important to take a close look at the condition of the braking system as part of the TÜV NORD Car Purchase Check. Look out for rust, wear and tear, and the braking performance during the test drive. This is because replacing brake discs and brake pads can be expensive, depending on the model.
As at September 2026
Anyone wishing to buy a second-hand electric car is not currently eligible for a government purchase incentive. The federal government’s electric car subsidy scheme (source: BAFA eligibility criteria) currently applies only to new vehicles. Nevertheless, owners of a second-hand electric car can benefit from an annual incentive via the GHG quota. Furthermore, the fall in second-hand car prices and the fact that battery warranties are often still valid are arguments in favour of buying a second-hand electric car.
There are currently no longer any nationwide subsidies available to private homeowners for individual wallboxes. However, many federal states, local authorities and energy suppliers continue to offer attractive grants for charging infrastructure.
Owners of second-hand electric cars and new vehicles can benefit from the Greenhouse Gas Reduction Quota (GHG) bonus every year. This incentive rewards electric car drivers for the fact that their vehicles produce no local CO₂ emissions. Depending on the provider, this can result in several hundred euros of additional income each year.
The greenhouse gas reduction quota (GHG quota) is a climate protection measure introduced by the German Federal Government to gradually reduce greenhouse gas emissions in the transport sector. Since 2022, private households, businesses and fleet operators have also been able to apply for the GHG quota from the Federal Environment Agency.
A market analysis by the Fraunhofer Institute for Systems and Innovation Research (Fraunhofer ISI) published in June 2026 shows that the supply of second-hand electric cars in Germany is growing significantly. More and more leased and company cars are entering the second-hand car market, resulting in a wider choice. Buyers now benefit from a wide variety of models, attractive prices and modern vehicles with good electric car range and charging capacity suitable for everyday use.
A market analysis by Fraunhofer ISI shows that second-hand electric cars are largely on a par with comparable combustion-engine cars in terms of price. Well-equipped compact and mid-range models typically cost between 20,000 and 40,000 euros. Some smaller electric cars are already available for between 10,000 and 15,000 euros.
The market offers a wide choice, particularly for price-conscious buyers: from compact city cars to high-performance SUVs, there are vehicles in almost every price range. The good availability and growing variety of models make the transition to electric mobility more attractive than ever.
According to the Federal Motor Transport Authority (KBA), a total of 2,034,260 battery electric vehicles (BEVs) were registered in Germany as at 1 January 2026. This marked the first time the two-million mark for electric cars had been exceeded.
A joint study by the International Council on Clean Transportation (ICCT) and the Fraunhofer Institute for Systems and Innovation Research (Fraunhofer ISI) shows that the prices of comparable electric vehicles fell by around 18 per cent in real terms between 2020 and 2025. Over the same period, the average list price rose in nominal terms from around 37,000 to 53,000 euros. This is primarily due to changes in the mix of vehicles on offer: the proportion of mid-range and upper mid-range models rose to 73 per cent. By contrast, real prices for vehicles with internal combustion engines rose by around two per cent.
Preparing to buy a second-hand car
As well as the specific features of electric cars, the general tips for buying a used car also apply. You can also make use of our free sample purchase contract.
| Federal state | Number of electric cars (BEV) |
| North Rhine-Westphalia | 454,782 |
| Bavaria | 395,271 |
| Baden-Württemberg | 322,060 |
| Lower Saxony | 221,823 |
| Hesse | 179,213 |
Source: Federal Motor Transport Authority (KBA), number of electric passenger cars by federal state, as at February 2026.
A life-cycle assessment carried out by the Association of German Engineers (VDI) shows that, after around 90,000 kilometres, electric cars in Germany are more climate-friendly than comparable combustion-engine vehicles.
| Drive type | CO₂ emissions over a distance of 200,000 km |
| Petrol | 37 tonnes |
| Diesel | 33 tonnes |
| Plug-in hybrid | 24.8 tonnes |
| Electric car | 24.2 tonnes |
Source: Association of German Engineers (VDI), Life cycle assessment for passenger car powertrains, as at December 2023.
When buying a second-hand electric vehicle, it is important to consider criteria specific to electric vehicles in addition to the usual vehicle checks:
There are currently no government subsidies available for the purchase of second-hand electric cars. A federal subsidy for electric cars currently applies only to new vehicles.
It is advisable to keep up to date with the latest information on official websites such as those of the Federal Ministry for Economic Affairs and Climate Action or the Federal Office for Economic Affairs and Export Control (BAFA).
A market analysis by Fraunhofer ISI shows that three-year-old electric cars still command, on average, 50 to 70 per cent of their original list price. After five years, the average residual value stands at around 40 to 45 per cent. After that, the rate of depreciation slows significantly.
Age is the most decisive factor in determining a vehicle’s value. Mileage, by contrast, often plays a lesser role than it does with internal combustion engine cars. Even electric cars with high mileage can achieve stable residual values if they are in good technical condition.
Models with large batteries and a long range retain their value particularly well. The make also has a significant influence on the resale value.
This rapid depreciation is influenced by several factors:
For buyers, however, this also presents an opportunity: the current market offers attractive prices for used electric cars. Vehicles from former company fleets are particularly recommended, as these are often well maintained and still covered by manufacturer’s warranties.
Modern batteries often last 8–10 years or more. What matters is their current state of health (SoH).
The so-called State of Health (SoH) describes the battery’s remaining capacity compared to when it was new.
Example:
A vehicle with high mileage and a battery in good condition can often be a better choice than a vehicle with low mileage but a battery that is already significantly
The range specified by the manufacturer is determined under laboratory conditions.
In practice, numerous factors influence the range:
Particularly in winter, range losses of 20 to 40 per cent can occur.
You should therefore always take into account empirical values and real-world ranges.
The market for second-hand electric cars is growing — and so is the choice. TÜV NORD inspects the battery condition, charging technology and the entire high-voltage system — independently of the manufacturer, with certification and a clear inspection report. So you can buy with confidence.
