JoshElectric vehicles have gained widespread popularity over the last five years. Last year, over 60,000 new EVs were registered, and this figure looks set to rise again at the end of 2019. The biggest benefit of buying an electric vehicle is the fact that they produce no emissions, but it can also be extremely cost-effective. If you’re on the lookout for an electric vehicle, you may be wondering if you should buy a new one or opt for a used model. In this article, used Vauxhall Viva dealership Motorparks take a look at new vs used electric vehicles and examine the benefits of each.
Should I pick electric or hybrid?
Hybrids are also available as plug-in models, where the batteries can be plugged in and recharged at an electrical source. If your hybrid’s performance begins to wane, you can also replace your hybrid battery for sustained vehicle life and a great investment.
Saving potential
Firstly, let’s take a look at how the used car market is performing. The UK’s used car market finished last year slightly down compared to the previous 12 months, with a -2.1% difference. However, one riser in the industry was the sales of hybrid, plug-in hybrid and battery electric cars. This market share recorded a rise of 27%. SMMT Chief Executive, Mike Hawes, said of the development:
“It’s encouraging to see more used car buyers snapping up low-emission vehicles as supply grows – but those sales remain low as an overall proportion of the market. We still need the right policies and incentives from the government to give new car buyers confidence to choose the cleanest petrol, diesel and electric models that best suit their needs, so that even more drivers can benefit from this exciting technology as it filters down to the used market in the coming years.”
One of the main advantages of buying a used car is the savings potential. If money is tight, then a used car ticks all the boxes. New cars are still popular, and rightly so thanks to the constant updates in technology and safety measures, but with approximately 20% of a new car’s value being immediately lost when you drive it away, it’s led to almost three used cars being sold to every new vehicle in the UK.
But why else would you choose a used car over a new one? Nowadays, factory warranties are even longer than before, meaning that the appeal of buying a used car can be enhanced by its longevity. Also, all the gadgets you often pay extra for when buying new may well already be in a used vehicle and this too will come at a fraction of the cost compared to buying it new.
The more impatient among us may also enjoy the fact that you can drive a used car straight from the dealership. This certainly isn’t the case when it comes to new cars, with your car needing to be specifically ordered and, depending on your choice of extras, this could take several months. With a used car there is no waiting period. Simply pay your money and drive on by.
New cars are a lot more expensive when it comes to insurance too. This is because there is obviously a lot more equity at risk if you’re involved in a crash. Therefore, you may find that you don’t have to fork out as much on your policy if you choose a used car.
Other benefits
Electric cars are making a lasting impression in the UK. Many of the reasons for going down this route are the same as buying new, including the positive impact these vehicles have on the environment compared to petrol and diesel cars. The main stumbling block for the quarter that baulked at purchasing a second-hand EV was due to the price. Due to technological advancements, it is stated that their batteries will last between 10 and 20 years before needing to be replaced and can cover around 150,000 miles. Experts say that manufacturers have now proven themselves and this sector, giving prospective buyers more confidence in buying a used vehicle.