Ask for an independent battery State of Health report, confirm that the battery warranty transfers, complete a PPSR search and arrange a pre-purchase inspection by someone familiar with EVs. Test both AC and DC charging where practical and confirm that every cable, key and app account transfers with the car.
The basic used-car checks still matter: service history, tyres, suspension, brakes, crash repairs, finance owing and written-off status. An electric car adds several important questions about battery condition, charging compatibility, software and the remaining high-voltage warranty.
Your used-EV inspection checklist
| Check | What to ask for | Why it matters |
|---|---|---|
| Battery health | A recent State of Health report from an independent or recognised diagnostic service | It estimates usable capacity compared with the battery when new |
| Battery warranty | Original terms, start date, kilometre limit, capacity threshold and transfer conditions | A general vehicle warranty and a battery warranty may have different rules |
| Vehicle history | VIN, registration details and a current PPSR certificate | Helps identify finance owing, stolen records and written-off status |
| Charging | AC cable, portable charging lead, plug type and a successful charging demonstration | Replacement cables cost money and older plugs may limit public charging |
| Service and recalls | Complete records, software updates and completed recall campaigns | Missing work may affect reliability or warranty support |
| Digital ownership | Both keys, account removal and proof that the manufacturer app can be transferred | The previous owner should not retain access to location or vehicle controls |
Start with a battery State of Health report
State of Health, usually shown as a percentage, compares the battery's present condition with its original capacity and performance. It is more useful than guessing battery health from the dashboard range estimate, which can move with recent speed, weather, heating, air-conditioning and driving style.
Ask who produced the report, when it was completed and what test method was used. Treat a seller's screenshot or a single fully charged range display as supporting information—not a substitute for an independent assessment. If the result is materially lower than expected for the car's age and kilometres, ask a battery specialist or the manufacturer to interpret it before proceeding.
Confirm the warranty transfers
Many new EVs have a separate battery warranty, often around eight years or 160,000 km, but the exact duration, capacity guarantee and exclusions vary. Confirm the original in-service date, kilometres remaining and whether scheduled servicing or an ownership-transfer process is required.
Get the terms in writing: do not rely on a classified advertisement or a verbal promise.
Check both warranties: the general vehicle warranty may expire before the high-voltage battery warranty.
Review exclusions: commercial use, missed servicing, accident damage or unauthorised repairs may affect cover.
Ask about recalls: confirm all safety campaigns and important software updates are complete.
Inspect the charging equipment and ports
Most newer Australian-market EVs use Type 2 for AC charging and CCS2 for DC fast charging. Some older imports and models use CHAdeMO or another arrangement, which may reduce the number of convenient public chargers available on your regular routes.
- Inspect the charge-port pins, covers and seals for damage, corrosion or looseness.
- Confirm which portable charging lead and AC cable were supplied when new—and which are included now.
- Ask the seller to demonstrate home-speed AC charging and, where practical, a public DC fast charge.
- Watch for repeated charging errors, unexpectedly low power or a connector that does not lock and release properly.
- Check the car's maximum AC and DC charging rates so your expectations match the model.
Arrange a proper pre-purchase inspection
An EV still has tyres, suspension, wheel bearings, air-conditioning, coolant systems, brakes and a 12-volt battery. Its extra mass and instant torque can be hard on tyres, while regenerative braking can mean the friction brakes receive less regular use. Ask the inspector to check tyre wear across the full tread, brake condition, underbody and battery-case damage, diagnostic fault codes and evidence of previous crash repairs.
During the test drive, listen for suspension knocks and bearing noise, check that regenerative braking behaves consistently, test climate control and driver-assistance systems, and compare the displayed energy consumption with the type of driving you are doing.
Check the paperwork and digital handover
Match the VIN on the vehicle, registration documents and service records. Complete a PPSR search immediately before purchase using the VIN. The ACCC notes that protections differ between licensed-dealer purchases and private or traditional auction sales, so understand which statutory rights apply in your state or territory.
Before leaving, obtain both keys, charging cables, adapters, manuals and service records. The seller should remove the vehicle from their manufacturer account, erase saved addresses and personal data, and help confirm that you can register the car in your own app.
Questions to ask before paying a deposit
Can I see the latest independent battery State of Health report?
When did the battery and vehicle warranties start, and what remains?
Has the vehicle had battery, charging-system, accident or underbody repairs?
Which cables, adapters, keys and connected-app access are included?
Can my inspector scan the car and can we demonstrate AC and DC charging?
Sources and methodology
EV Matchup prioritises Australian manufacturer pages and government resources. Editorial recommendations are our own.