Used electric car: battery SoH and warranty checks

Buying a used electric car can save a lot compared with new, but the sticker price tells you little: the real value is in the battery. An EV a few years old often costs less than an equivalent petrol car precisely because it lost value quickly, and that is only a bargain if the battery pack is healthy and the warranty is still valid. Here is what to check, in order, before you sign.

SoH and SoC: two acronyms not to confuse

SoC (State of Charge) is the charge left right now, as a percentage. A low SoC does not mean a damaged battery: it depends on recent use and temperature. SoH (State of Health) is the battery's condition: how much capacity it can still deliver compared with when it was new.

That is the number that matters when you buy. The catch is that SoH is not easy to read from the dashboard: you generally need an OBD diagnostic and an evaluation at a specialist workshop or through an independent certification service. As a rough guide a test costs 50 to 150 euros, small money next to the cost of a battery pack.

How fast does a battery really degrade

Industry estimates talk about physiological degradation of roughly 2-3% a year, with large variation by use. Mileage is not the only factor: deep discharges, repeated fast charging and how the previous owner treated the car all count. Two EVs with the same mileage can have very different SoH. So do not just trust the seller, especially if the car is expensive or no longer young.

Battery warranty: length, kilometres, transferability

Manufacturers normally warrant the battery for 8 years, with a mileage cap that varies by model. Before buying, verify four things:

• how many years and kilometres remain;
• the capacity threshold below which the battery counts as defective (it differs between makers);
• the exclusions;
• whether the warranty transfers to the new owner.

If you buy from a professional you also get the legal conformity guarantee of the Italian Consumer Code; from a private seller protections are more limited. Get the declared battery condition, mileage, warranty, known defects and work done in writing.

Real range and charging

The range shown on the dash should be compared with your own trips: winter, motorway, full load. On the test drive, watch how fast the estimate drops against distance covered.

Then check charging: plug type, maximum accepted power, compatibility with your wallbox or public chargers, and the condition of the charging port. Make sure the cables are included, undamaged and compatible: a missing or damaged cable is an extra cost right after purchase.

Paperwork, PRA and recalls

As with any used car, ask for the Documento Unico and run a PRA search, which with the plate shows administrative liens, mortgages and the owner. Then check the service history with invoices and any open recalls: on EVs, software updates and recalls on the battery or charging system matter more than on a conventional car.

Test drive: what to look at beyond the battery

A drive of at least 20-30 minutes tells you a lot. Look for warning lights, smooth regenerative braking, suspension noises, and tyre and brake wear. EVs are heavy and wear tyres faster: a new set can weigh on the budget. Brake discs often last longer thanks to regeneration but can rust if rarely used.

Inspection, road tax and running costs

The first inspection is due four years after first registration, then every two years. On road tax (bollo), the EV exemption depends on the Region and on the date of first registration, not on the change of ownership: a car registered a few years ago may have fewer months of exemption left than you think. Ask your Region before deciding. On insurance, EVs tend to have higher premiums, especially on optional cover such as comprehensive: get a plate-based quote before committing. In 2026 there is no state bonus for buying a used EV; some Regions or municipalities may run temporary schemes, so check case by case.

The practical summary

1. Have the SoH measured with a certified test (about 50-150 euros).
2. Verify the battery warranty: years, km, threshold and transferability.
3. Compare real range with your own trips.
4. Check the plug, charging power and cables.
5. PRA search, service history and recalls.
6. Insurance quote and a bollo check with your Region.
7. Everything in writing before you sign.

If the battery is healthy and the warranty still long, a used EV is one of the best-value choices on the market today. If the seller will not let you run the test, the low price is not a bargain: it is a warning.

Further reading

[1] AutoScout24, Cosa controllare prima di comprare un'auto elettrica usata (2026). [2] SicurAUTO, Batteria auto elettriche, SOH e SOC: significato e differenze (2022). [3] Quotidianomotori, Moto usata: tutti i controlli, dalla visura PRA alla prova su strada (for the cost and purpose of a PRA search).