Used EVs are finally hitting the Australian market in meaningful numbers. First-generation Nissan Leafs, early Teslas, and Hyundai Konas from fleet disposals are appearing on car lots and online marketplaces. For buyers who can’t justify a new EV, the second-hand market is increasingly attractive.

But buying a used EV isn’t quite the same as buying a used petrol car. Battery health is the big variable, and assessing it requires different knowledge. Here’s what you need to know.

Battery health: the key metric

An EV’s battery degrades over time — it holds less charge as it ages. A battery that was 64kWh when new might hold 58kWh after five years and 100,000km. That reduction directly affects your range.

State of Health (SoH) is the metric that matters. It’s expressed as a percentage: 100% means the battery holds its original capacity, 90% means it’s lost 10%. Most EVs display SoH somewhere in their diagnostics, though some make it harder to find than others.

What’s acceptable? I’d consider:

• 95-100% SoH: Excellent. Minimal degradation. Common in low-mileage, newer vehicles.
• 88-95% SoH: Good. Normal degradation for a 3-5 year old vehicle with moderate use.
• 80-88% SoH: Acceptable but factor the reduced range into your buying decision and price negotiation.
• Below 80% SoH: Warranty territory for most manufacturers (many guarantee 70-80% after 8 years). I’d avoid unless the price is very low.

How to check battery health

OBD-II readers. Devices like the OBDLink MX+ paired with apps like LeafSpy (for Nissan Leaf) or TeslaMate (for Teslas) can read detailed battery data including SoH, individual cell voltages, and charging cycle count.

Dealer diagnostics. Authorised dealers can run a comprehensive battery health report. For a pre-purchase inspection, this is worth the $100-200 cost.

Range test. Not scientific, but practical. Charge the vehicle to 100%, note the estimated range, and compare it to the vehicle’s WLTP range when new. If the estimated range is 85% of the original, the SoH is roughly 85%. This is approximate but useful as a quick check.

Charging speed test. A healthy battery accepts charge quickly. If DC fast charging is dramatically slower than the vehicle’s rated speed, the battery management system may be throttling due to degradation or thermal issues.

Best used EV buys in Australia right now

Tesla Model 3 (2020-2022): Strong resale market but prices have come down as new inventory normalised. Expect $35,000-45,000 for a Standard Range Plus with reasonable mileage. Battery health is typically excellent — Tesla’s thermal management is best-in-class.

Hyundai Kona Electric (2019-2022): Available from $28,000-38,000. Good range, decent efficiency. Watch for vehicles affected by the 2021 battery recall — make sure the recall work has been completed.

Nissan Leaf (2018-2021): The budget option, from $18,000-28,000. Be careful with battery health — the Leaf uses passive air cooling, which means batteries in hot Australian climates degrade faster. Always check SoH before buying a used Leaf.

MG ZS EV (2021-2023): Budget-friendly at $22,000-30,000. Build quality is average but the price is hard to argue with. Battery health has been generally acceptable in the Australian market.

Red flags to watch for

No service history. EVs need less maintenance than petrol cars, but they still need it. Brake fluid changes, cabin filter replacements, and software updates matter. A car with no service history may have been neglected.

Excessive DC fast charging history. Frequent DC fast charging degrades batteries faster than AC home charging. If a used EV was part of a ride-share fleet and DC-charged daily, the battery may have aged faster than its mileage suggests.

Accident damage repair. Battery damage from impacts is expensive and potentially dangerous. Get a thorough inspection from an EV-qualified mechanic. Check for any recalls or safety notices.

Grey imports. Some used EVs are imported from Japan or the UK. These may not meet Australian standards, may have incompatible charging systems, and may be difficult to service. Proceed with extreme caution.

The warranty question

New EVs come with 8-year battery warranties. Used EVs typically transfer the remainder of this warranty to the new owner (check manufacturer terms). If you’re buying a 2019 model in 2026, you’ve got about one year of battery warranty left.

Extended warranty products exist but are expensive for EVs because battery replacement costs are high. Whether they’re worth it depends on the vehicle’s age, SoH, and your risk tolerance.

My advice

The used EV market is going to grow rapidly as the first wave of EVs sold in 2019-2022 come off lease and fleet cycles. Prices will continue to drop. If you can wait, you’ll get a better deal next year.

If you need a car now, a used EV with verified battery health above 90% is a solid buy. The running cost savings compared to a petrol car start immediately, and you get the joy of silent, smooth electric driving for a fraction of the new-car price.

Just do your homework on the battery. It’s the single most important thing you’re buying.