100% EV “EASY” GUIDE 9:
Why a Used 2023 100% EV is the “Smartest Buy in Motoring”
As SmartGrandad, I’d argue that with so many established 100% EV models to choose from,
that the Smart Buyer with savvy, will get a better deal on a second-hand 100% EV,
as a new vehicle ALWAYS depreciates heavily, in the first 3 years.
Used EV Market Surges
The headlines from fossil lobbyists, are full of doom: new EV sales are slowing, and people are genuinely terrified of buying a used “paperweight” with a dead battery.
Yet, while the new fossil car market stutters, the used EV market has surged by 27%.
Why? Because the smart Buyers stopped listening to the noise about the latest and greatest features and started looking at the data.
In the last 2-3 years, just think how many high quality, high value for money 100% EV models there are around, as pressure from chinese manufacturers forces up quality and down on prices.
Reality Check: No, An 100% EV Is Not a Paperweight
The biggest myth 100% Electric Vehicles, is that EV batteries expire like a carton of milk.
Fresh 2026 data shows that the average EV still retains 97% of its original range after three years. Just get the dealer to show you the battery condition report, so you know what you are buying.
If you buy a 2023 model today, you aren’t buying a degraded relic, you’re buying a machine that’s barely broken in at a fraction of the price. In addition, many EVs receive OTA (Over the Air) updates to their software, much like a mobile phone, improving performance and features.
Do The Maths: Running Costs are Much Less
Petrol/ Diesel prices remain volatile, but Smart EV owners are playing a different game.
If you can charge at home and use an overnight EV tariff, a full battery will cost you a fraction of a full tank of petrol /diesel.
With a monthly subscription—like Ionity Power—you can almost halve your “on-the-go” charging costs, bringing rates down to roughly £0.45/kWh.
Maintenance /Servicing costs, in my experience, are around 70-75% less as are there are no oils, brakes, etc. to be changed. Also, with no gearbox, no clutch and a simple electric motor those larger high milage costs are largely a thing of the past.
Overall, the monthly savings over a petrol/ diesel equivalent are enough to fund a better EV , very nice weekend away or just help stretch your money a bit further.
Still worried about "Range Anxiety"?
The Elephant in the room! Forget it!
On most main roads, motorways, the sheer density of Europe/ Uk. ultra-fast chargers has increased greatly, turning a cross-country trek from a stressful mission into a series of simple “coffee and a 15-minute stretch” stop(s).
Also, many “normal” petrol stations / supermarkets have EV chargers where you can “top up” or “fill up” when you are in town.
SmartGrandads 100% EV - Buying Tip!
