EV hot topic: Which used electric car has the best battery?

Imagine this: you've been driving a fine diesel for years. You know your gas station by name, you know exactly how far you get on a full tank, and you never really have to think about your range. Until you consider your first used electric car. Then that one question comes up: how far will I actually get on a full battery?

Battery life and range is the number one issue for many people when making the switch. But how concerning is that range really? And what does it mean when looking at used models? In this blog we list the facts, nuances and practical examples for you.

Why the battery is often the talk of the day

Everyone who starts driving electric for the first time encounters the phenomenon of range anxiety - the fear of standing by the side of the road with a dead battery. Logical too, because whereas with diesel you fill up in five minutes, charging takes time and sometimes requires some planning and preparation.

Yet the range is often less exciting than it seems. In the Netherlands, we drive an average of about 32 kilometers per day (source: CBS). So even an older Nissan Leaf with a range of 100 kilometers can handle that with ease. But if you regularly take long trips to visit family or go on winter vacation to Austria, range does become a decisive factor.

So it comes down to this: the battery range is as important as you make it. For short daily trips, it is less crucial. For long-distance riders, it is the number one priority.

Average battery life, by model

With used cars, battery life plays an extra big role. An oft-told wisdom is that a battery loses 2-3% capacity per year on average(source: ANWB). This would mean that a car that reached 400 km when new might only reach 340 km after five years. However, this requires some nuance.

Based on scientific research (underlined by our sales data) it is described that after a rapid initial degradation the capacity changes to a much slower decline around 85%. In other words, an effective smoothing in degradation over time, depending on the model. Below is a chart showing the average battery degradation by model.

* various internet sources have led to this graph

You can see that there are big differences by model between battery degradation. For this reason, you can buy the 2016 Nissan Leaf at a much more favorable price than, say, a Tesla. Of course, this is not a problem as long as you know it fits your daily mobility needs.

On the other hand, there are models like the Hyundai Kona. These often still maintain a range of 350-400 km even as an occasion. The used price is then also higher (often €15,000-20,000), but you get more freedom and less charging stress in return. And then, of course, there's the Tesla Model 3. With a used price tag of around €20,000 or more, this is no bargain, but its 400-500 km range and rock-solid Supercharger network do make it the king of the class among used cars.

Want to know more about our price forecast by model? Read our separate blog about it.

But, is a big battery range always necessary?

Whether you need a long battery range varies greatly based on your needs and lifestyle. The advantage of a long range is simple: less thinking, more freedom.

• Long trips can be done without plans or with only one charging stop.
• In winter, when cold can reduce your range by 10-20%, you have slack.
• Your battery needs to be charged less often → fewer charge cycles → longer life.

Therefore, for people who are frequently on the road or use their car for business, increased range pays off in convenience and time savings.

Long range sounds ideal, but it is not necessary for everyone. There are drawbacks, too:

• Price: cars with a large battery are more expensive, even second-hand. Here you can think of a Polestar 2 or Tesla Model 3.
• Weight: larger batteries make the car heavier and less efficient for short trips. The Audi e-tron is a good example of this.
• Charging time: bigger battery = longer charging time (unless you use mostly fast chargers). In addition, the charging infrastructure is also important here; for example, can you charge at home or at work? Then you may not find more frequent or longer charging a problem. Also check the charging speed possible for your type of car. A Tesla can charge up to 4x faster than a Niro.

For those who make mostly short trips, a car with a more modest range may actually be smart. Why spend €30,000 on a Tesla when a €15,000 Leaf will do just fine for your 20 km commute?

The middle is often the best choice

Most Dutch people fall somewhere in between those two extremes. And that's exactly where models like the Hyundai Kona Electric and Kia e-Niro are popular. With a range of around 400 km and a price usually between €15,000 and €25,000, they offer a fine balance between price and range.

There are also newer models such as the Volkswagen ID.3. That one has a range of 330-420 km and is increasingly appearing on the used market. Prices are often just below Tesla's, making it an interesting option for those who want to drive modern without the most expensive price tag.

What to consider with used electric cars

1. Battery condition: at Eccasion, we provide an independent diagnosis on the battery condition before you purchase it.
2. Charging behavior: frequent fast charging, charging up to 100%, letting it run completely empty can cause the battery to wear out faster.
3. Software updates: some models (such as VW ID.3) have received updates that improve performance. The on-board computer will give you information about the latest updates.
4. Usage: honestly consider how you drive. Do you drive 40 km to and from work every day? Or do you drive 300 km every weekend?

Conclusion: which range suits you?

The question "which used electric car has the best battery range?" actually has two answers. Objectively, it is the Tesla Model 3, which offers the greatest range and the finest charging network. But subjectively, it depends entirely on your usage.

• Short trips around town? Then a Leaf is a smart, inexpensive choice.
• Looking for balance between price and range? Then you'll end up with the Kona or e-Niro.
• Want to drive long distances with ease? Then it becomes the Model 3 or an ID.3.

The important thing is to choose what fits your driving habits and budget. Because one thing is certain: even with a used electric car, you'll drive cleaner, cheaper and a lot more relaxed than with that old diesel.