5 Concerns When Shopping for a Used Tesla/Electrical Car

The gross sales of electrical automobiles, together with Tesla, proceed to extend in Hong Kong. In keeping with the Transport Division, the variety of newly registered electrical automobiles for 2023 has exceeded 20,500 as of September of the yr, with Tesla alone accounting for over 7,000 automobiles. Many individuals are contemplating a used Tesla/electrical car to keep away from the constraints of the One-for-One Alternative Scheme and lengthy supply instances. Nonetheless, there are particular variations between shopping for a used Tesla/electrical car and shopping for a conventional used gasoline automotive that you simply want to pay attention to.

On this article, we are going to share 5 important concerns when shopping for a used Tesla/electrical car to scale back the possibilities of complications and regrets.

Variations Between Electrical and Gasoline Automobiles

If you’re concerned about shopping for an electrical automotive, it’s best to have a primary understanding of the variations between electrical and gasoline vehicles. Electrical vehicles use electrical motors as a substitute of gasoline engines to immediately energy the car, eliminating the necessity for parts equivalent to engines and transmissions. The profit is that there isn’t any want for normal upkeep of the engine, equivalent to oil adjustments and transmission fluid replacements, like for gasoline vehicles. Nonetheless, different parts equivalent to air-con, brakes, steering, and suspension methods are much like these of gasoline vehicles.

Do Electrical Automobiles Have Inherent Shortcomings?

Electrical vehicles require a considerable amount of battery storage to supply energy to the electrical motor. Nonetheless, batteries are fairly heavy. Taking the older model of the Mannequin 3 Lengthy Vary for instance, the battery alone weighs round 480 kg, which is almost 1/4 of the overall car weight, or greater than double the load of a traditional gasoline engine which weighs round 200 kg. Add to that the load of the electrical motor, and electrical automobiles simply weigh greater than their gasoline-powered counterparts, imposing a major burden on the car.

5 Important Concerns When Shopping for a Used Tesla/Electrical Car

The buying concerns for used Tesla/electrical automobiles are usually much like these for conventional gasoline vehicles. Aside from components such because the car’s situation, mileage, exterior, brakes, and driving efficiency (for extra particulars, check with Steps in shopping for a used automotive and precautions to soak up 2023), there are 5 key factors to contemplate when shopping for a used Tesla/electrical car.

As the guts of an electrical car, the battery’s situation is of utmost concern to most consumers. A research means that electrical car batteries expertise an annual capability decline of roughly 2.3%, and the cooling technique used (air-cooled or liquid-cooled) has a bearing on battery sturdiness. A comparative research carried out on the 2015 Tesla Mannequin S and the 2015 Nissan Leaf discovered that the Tesla’s battery capability decreased by 2.3% yearly, whereas the Leaf’s battery skilled a decline of 4.2% every year. The research attributed this distinction to Tesla’s use of cooling liquid to control the battery temperature, whereas the Leaf solely employed an air-cooling system.

Analysis signifies that battery degradation is extra fast within the first 2-3 years and progressively stabilizes over time, so consumers needn’t be overly involved. The analysis firm additionally gives an on-line database for checking battery degradation information of 27 electrical car fashions, permitting potential consumers to check totally different fashions and perceive their most well-liked used electrical automobiles higher.

To evaluate battery well being, let’s take the Tesla Mannequin 3 SR+ proven under for instance (with an approximate complete mileage of 80,000 km). We will calculate the battery capability utilizing the next formulation:

(1) Vary on Absolutely-Recharged Battery x (2) Common Power Consumption x (3) Projected Mileage ÷ (4) Projected Precise Mileage

The ensuing worth is 44,866, indicating a battery capability of 44.866 kWh, which represents a decline of roughly 10% from the producer’s indicated battery capability of 55 kWh.

The lifespan of a conventional gasoline automotive engine is dependent upon upkeep and might vary from over 100,000 km to over 1 million km. However, electrical motors require minimal upkeep and have a lifespan of practically 500,000 km. This not solely saves on upkeep prices and time but additionally meets the calls for of Hong Kong customers.

At present, many electrical vehicles can be found in each single-motor (front-wheel or rear-wheel drive) and dual-motor (all-wheel drive) variations. Whereas single-motor variations have higher vary, dual-motor variations provide higher efficiency and energy distribution, lowering reliance on a single motor and probably mitigating put on and tear over the long run.

Electrical automobiles carry important battery weight, and infrequently weigh over 2,000 kg and even near 2,500 kg. Though the batteries are situated on the backside of the car and the load is distributed evenly between the chassis and suspension system, over time the driving will put important stress on the suspension system, leading to diminished lifespan. Shock absorbers and management arms are among the many parts most affected, and a whole alternative might be pricey. Subsequently, it is very important pay particular consideration throughout take a look at drives, notably on uneven highway surfaces, to verify for any unexplained noises.

Many electrical automobiles function massive middle console screens, with bodily buttons contained in the cabin being nearly fully eradicated. Most management features and settings are actually operated by way of the display screen. If the display screen encounters points, it may be fairly inconvenient. That is very true for early Tesla fashions, as some homeowners have reported issues equivalent to LCD leaks or malfunctioning screens. Subsequently, it’s important to conduct an in depth inspection when buying a used electrical car.

Many electrical automobiles have connectivity options that not solely present leisure and navigation features but additionally enable Over-the-Air (OTA) software program updates for the car. Subsequently, earlier than taking possession of a used electrical car, see that the earlier proprietor has disconnected their account or reset the system to the manufacturing facility settings. The brand new proprietor ought to promptly log in with a brand new account to make sure clean future updates.

The place to Purchase Used Electrical Automobiles?

Approved Sellers

Many electrical automotive dealerships in Hong Kong periodically promote used electrical vehicles on their official web sites, with Tesla and Zung Fu (the official distributor of Mercedes-Benz in Hong Kong) being examples. Within the case of Tesla, the used automobiles need to endure manufacturing facility inspection and include an extra guarantee for one yr or 20,000 km (whichever comes first). Potential consumers can name to make an appointment to view the vehicles, however take a look at drives should not supplied.

Used Automobile Sellers

Owing to the recognition of electrical vehicles, used automotive sellers naturally carry electrical vehicles as properly. For instance, DCH Licensed Used Automobile, which has a gross sales middle in Kowloon Bay, presents used Tesla vehicles in addition to used electrical vehicles from different manufacturers. All used electrical vehicles can be found at no cost take a look at drives and include a 3-month guarantee.

On-line Used Automobile Platforms

Used automotive web sites equivalent to 28car.com, BuyCar.hk, and HKCarTrader have search filters that assist you to rapidly discover listings for used electrical vehicles and select your required car. These web sites function used automotive listings from each automotive dealerships and personal automotive homeowners. It’s advisable to have a pal who’s educated about vehicles accompany you when making a purchase order.