The batteries often last longer than manufacturers say, advises Volker Blandow, head of electric mobility at TÜV SÜD, a leading technical inspection association in Germany.
If you buy the car through a dealer, you should be able to get a report on the battery's condition, which will indicate the number of charges it had undergone and the remaining capacity.
In particular, the nature and frequency of charging has an effect on the lifespan and performance of the battery. TÜV SÜD advises against charging from a normal power outlet, as the current is too low.
A better idea is to instead install an 11-kilowatt wallbox in the garage or parking place.
It's also important to check what kind of charger the e-car can take. Most can accept 11-kW chargers or even 22-kW, but first- and second- generation e-cars often have only 3.7-kW connections, meaning they will charge more slowly.
