EV BATTERY LAB
Used EV buyer’s checklist
Vehicle: ____________________ Registration: ____________________ Date: ____________________
1 — Battery warranty
- Ask whether the high-voltage battery warranty transfers to a new owner.
- Confirm the warranty start date, year limit, kilometre limit and any State of Health floor with the manufacturer.
- Check how much time and how many kilometres remain.
2 — Charging and daily use
- Ask how often the car has been DC fast-charged.
- Ask whether it is routinely charged to 100% or left sitting at a very low charge.
- Compare the dashboard range at full charge with the original figure, allowing for weather and driving conditions.
3 — Equipment and software
- Check which charging cables and adapters are included and whether they are original.
- Ask the age of the 12-volt battery.
- Check the current software version and ask about outstanding recalls.
4 — Condition and history
- Inspect tyre wear across all four tyres; EV weight and torque can make wear more noticeable.
- Ask directly about flood exposure and underbody damage, because the high-voltage battery pack sits under the vehicle.
- Review the service history and who carried out the work.
- Check for warning lights, charging errors and unusual noises during a drive.
What a checklist cannot tell you
A checklist cannot measure how much energy the high-voltage battery can still store. A measured battery test adds State of Health, usable energy, cell behaviour, pack temperature behaviour, high-voltage fault information, realistic range and a five-year State of Health projection.
This checklist supports a conversation and visual inspection. It is not a battery assessment, full pre-purchase inspection or roadworthy inspection.