About Buying Used Electric Cars? These Are Consumer Concerns

JAKARTA - The global automotive industry is experiencing a major transformation with the increasing use of electric vehicles (EVs) in recent years. However, this increase also faces several challenges, one of which is consumer interest in used electric cars.

The latest consumer survey in the UK shows 75 percent of them are worried about buying used electric cars. Their biggest concern is the battery condition left on the car.

This finding was obtained from the Autocar poll which involved 1,462 respondents, quoted from the Daily Mail, June 7. The survey participants stated that they were aware of the validity of the battery due to repeated refills by previous owners.

Whereas EV battery guarantees are legally required for a minimum of eight years in the UK, 47 percent of respondents admit that they will be more interested in buying electric cars if the warranty is longer.

Interestingly, only a third (67 percent) of respondents bought the full-sale package when they bought their latest car, regardless of whether the car was electric, gasoline, or diesel.

For those who have never bought an EV, almost half (47 percent) admitted that they refused to buy a used electric car at all. In addition, nearly two-thirds (62 percent) of respondents failed to switch from their gasoline or diesel because electric car insurance is still more expensive, although in general the cost of operating is cheaper.

Another survey conducted on 66 used car dealers in the UK shows that they are also alert to take over the stock of electric cars. More than half of respondents admitted that their interest in buying EV stocks had dropped dramatically.

The dealer's refusal to take over the stock of used electric cars could further suppress the selling price of the car.

According to Mark Tisshaw, Autocar Business editor, there is still "natural skepticism" around electric cars because the technology is still relatively new.

"Car manufacturers and sellers are trying to allay this concern by offering comprehensive battery guarantees and after-sales packages, but our research shows this is not enough to convince most used car buyers," Tisshaw said.

"There are also real concerns about insurance costs that cannot be ignored," he added.

Meanwhile, Auto Trader, an online car buying and selling platform, warned that the lack of affordable used electric cars in Great Britain also hindered the shift to environmentally friendly cars.

Industrial data shows that more than 100 different electric car models are now available at British dealers for the first time. This increase reached more than 500 percent compared to a decade ago.

With a population of more than one million EV units listed on UK roads, it is hoped that the used electric car market will grow and its selling price will fall.

However, Auto Trader stated that the increase in sales of new electric cars has not provided an option for a pocket-friendly electric car.

Buyers need extra guarantees for the technology they have discovered for the first time.