Growing demand for used electric vehicles: “But what about battery issues…”

There is growing demand for used electric vehicles, but the battery condition remains a key issue. As does the actual mileage of the car in question.

Increased demand for used cars, prices remain affordable

carVertical conducted a survey among around fifty Italian dealerships in September 2026 to explore market trends. 55.1% of respondents said customer interest had increased over the past year (significantly for 16.3%). Another 28.6% claimed demand remained unchanged. For 57.1% of dealers, rising gasoline and diesel prices had at least a moderate impact on demand for used electric vehicles. “The main advantage is price. In their early years, electric cars tend to lose value more quickly compared to those with internal combustion engines, making relatively recent models available on the used market at much more affordable prices.” “Additionally, maintenance costs are lower, especially for those who can charge their car at home,” explains Matas Buzelis, an expert in carVerical.

Doubts about batteries are prolonging sales times

The real obstacle to the sale of used electric vehicles is the lack of transparency regarding the condition of batteries, the most expensive component. For 67.3% of dealers surveyed, the main source of uncertainty in sales planning comes from doubts about the technology itself. An even larger percentage, 75.5% of dealers, believe that buyers’ concerns about battery lifespan and cost are of critical importance. Followed by doubts about actual range (71.4%). This uncertainty affects the time required to close a sale. For 51% of dealers, selling an electric car takes more than three months, while for 34.7% it takes more than six months. Only 18.4% are able to close a sale within a month.

Battery testing: 79% of dealers lack the necessary tools

Regarding price, mileage, and battery condition, all are equally important in determining the cost for 61.2% of dealers. For 26.5%, the battery is the decisive factor, provided it can be assessed reliably. Meanwhile, 8.2% place greater emphasis on mileage. However, 79.6% of dealers claim they do not use specific tools to test batteries. Yet the dealers themselves admit that reliable battery data could help overcome major obstacles. With a tool capable of providing detailed information on the condition of the cells in a used electric vehicle, 71.4% expect a significant increase in buyers’ confidence. 59.2% anticipate faster sales, while 55.1% believe it could lead to more accurate and higher prices.

Higher demand for used cars / Few tampered mileage counters

Electric vehicles are not immune to odometer fraud. However, carVertical’s investigation shows that 69.4% of dealers believe odometers are tampered with less frequently compared to vehicles with internal combustion engines. The remaining 30.6% think the risk is equivalent or even higher. Data collected in Italy from 2024 to 2026 indicates that 0.99% of electric vehicles inspected had tampered odometers. This figure rises to 3.22% for diesel vehicles and 2.40% for gasoline vehicles, while it is 0.97% for hybrid vehicles. “Odometer readings are important: odometers can be tampered with even on electric vehicles. And the distance traveled remains a key indicator of battery wear. That’s why it’s crucial to carefully inspect a used electric vehicle before purchasing it,” warns Buzelis.

Also read / Cheaper electric cars, Filosa’s obsession

Previous article

Volkswagen loses money on electric cars, but what about you...

Next article

Tesla’s autonomous driving? It could save your life...