Why it can pay off

The battery matters most

A battery loses a little capacity as it ages. How much it can hold compared with when it was new is called State of Health (SoH). Most batteries hold up well, but replacing or repairing one outside the warranty can cost many thousands of kroner. So ask for a battery test before you buy. A brand workshop can often read the battery's condition from the car. There are also independent battery tests, for example at FDM (the Danish motoring association), and apps with an OBD dongle that show SoH on many models. A figure from the seller alone is not enough.

The battery warranty

Manufacturers typically give a battery warranty of 8 years or 160,000 km, whichever comes first. It usually applies if the capacity drops below about 70%. Terms vary from brand to brand, and some require the car to have been serviced according to the manufacturer's schedule. The warranty normally passes to the next owner, but check it for the specific car, and work out how much of it is left.

Real-world range

The range in the advert is often the WLTP figure from when the car was new. With an older battery and in winter, the car goes less far. On a long trip you only use the battery from about 80 to 10%. Ask yourself whether that covers your daily driving with a good margin, also in January. A heat pump helps the range in winter, but not every car has one.

Charging: plug and power

Check how fast the car rapid-charges. Older and smaller EVs often charge slowly, some at 50 kW or less, and then the stops on long trips take longer. Look at the charging time from 10 to 80%. Check the plug too. Older Nissan Leafs and a few other older cars use CHAdeMO, and there are few CHAdeMO chargers. At home it helps if the car can charge on 3 phases, so a home charger can deliver 11 kW.

Cables and equipment

Ask whether the Type 2 cable and possibly a granny charger come with the car. A new cable costs money. Also check that the equipment listed in the advert is actually in the car, for example a heat pump, seat heating and Apple CarPlay or Android Auto.

Software, app and subscriptions

Electric cars get new features and fixes through software. Ask whether the car has the latest software, and whether it can be updated in the future. The seller must remove the car from their account in the car's app, so you can add it to your own. Some features are subscriptions or paid upgrades tied to the first owner that do not go with the car. It can even be a limit on charging power that can only be unlocked for a fee. You need to sign up for the brand's own charging programme yourself.

The usual used-car checks

Dealer or private seller?

If you buy from a dealer, you have a 24-month right to complain about defects under the Danish Sale of Goods Act (købeloven), also on a used car. What you can claim depends on the car's age, price and condition. A private seller can sell the car "as seen" (som beset), and then as a rule you have no right to complain. There is no right of withdrawal on a car, neither from a dealer nor privately. So get the car tested before you buy, and get the agreements in writing. Also consider whether leasing suits you better.

Imported cars

Many used EVs in Denmark are imported. Here the warranty is the big question. In many markets the new-car warranty is only 2 years and counts from the first registration abroad. Check that the car's warranties still apply, and have it registered with the Danish importer. Then the car is also included when there are recalls. Check that the language, emergency call (eCall) and equipment are set up for Denmark.

Pitfalls

Test drive checklist

Find the right car

What size and battery do you need? See new EVs by need, range and charging time in Choose an EV. It gives you a good starting point for what to look for used. And work out what electricity will cost before you buy.