Very few buyers purchase used electric cars directly from private individuals.

According to the “Electric Vehicle List 2026” survey, if one is considering buying a used electric vehicle, it is clearly most common to find them at a brand dealership.

06.11.2026 10:33 | Updated 10:34

Based on the survey conducted among Norwegian electric vehicle owners, 60 percent of those who bought a used electric vehicle said they purchased it from a brand dealership.

24 percent bought from used car dealers such as Rebil, Nettbil, or similar. Only 15 percent bought from private sellers.

Do Used Car Buyers Seek Safety?

For a long time, electric vehicles have been largely tied to the new car market, with few options available to most people who buy used cars.

“Currently, about one in three used cars listed on Finn are electric. An increasingly better selection of used electric vehicles provides more options to participate in the electric vehicle scene,” says Christina Bu, general secretary of the Electric Vehicle Association.

The figures from the Electric Vehicle Association’s survey show where respondents made their purchases, but not why they chose that specific dealership.

“One possible explanation is that some used car buyers also had a car they wanted to sell and found a trade-in deal they considered good at a brand dealership. Another explanation is that brand dealerships and used car dealers may be seen as safer alternatives than buying from private sellers,” says Bu.

It is important to be aware of which laws apply when purchasing a used car. When an individual buys a car directly from another private party, the sales law applies.

Since the change on January 1, 2024, the external warranty period has been extended to two years from the date of purchase. As a result, one can no longer sell the car “as is.”

When purchasing from a dealer, the consumer sales law applies, which provides even stronger protection for the buyer. However, the warranty right does not mean that the seller is responsible for all defects that arise.

Private purchases can offer lower prices

The secretary general of the Electric Vehicle Association is still surprised by how cheap cars can be when purchased privately.

– Buying privately might offer a lower price, but it’s important to do thorough research before purchasing. The Electric Vehicle Association recommends testing the battery pack as close to the purchase date as possible. Otherwise, it’s wise to obtain written documentation on the warranty terms and written information about the vehicle’s history. And of course, it’s essential to test drive the vehicle, says Bu.

Facts about “Elbilisten”:

The figures are from Elbilisten, a survey conducted by the Electric Vehicle Association among electric vehicle owners. The 2026 survey is the 15th in the series. Over 3000 used vehicle buyers responded to questions about used electric vehicles.

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