5 Concerns When Shopping for a Used Tesla/Electrical Car

The gross sales of electric vehicles, together with Tesla, proceed to extend in Hong Kong. In response to the Transport Division, the variety of newly registered electrical automobiles for 2023 has exceeded 20,500 as of September of the 12 months, with Tesla alone accounting for over 7,000 automobiles. Many individuals are contemplating a used Tesla/electrical automobile to keep away from the restrictions of the One-for-One Substitute Scheme and lengthy supply occasions. Nevertheless, there are particular variations between shopping for a used Tesla/electrical automobile and shopping for a standard used gasoline car that you just want to pay attention to.

On this article, we’ll share 5 important issues when shopping for a used Tesla/electrical automobile to cut back the probabilities of complications and regrets.

Variations Between Electrical and Gasoline Automobiles

If you’re fascinated by shopping for an electrical automobile, 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 instantly energy the automobile, eliminating the necessity for elements akin to engines and transmissions. The profit is that there isn’t any want for normal upkeep of the engine, akin to oil modifications and transmission fluid replacements, like for gasoline vehicles. Nevertheless, different elements akin 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. Nevertheless, 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 sort of 1/4 of the overall automobile weight, or greater than double the load of a standard 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 big burden on the automobile.

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

The buying issues for used Tesla/electrical automobiles are typically much like these for conventional gasoline vehicles. Other than elements such because the automobile’s situation, mileage, exterior, brakes, and driving efficiency (for extra particulars, consult with Steps in buying a used car and precautions to take in 2023), there are 5 key factors to contemplate when shopping for a used Tesla/electrical automobile.

As the center of an electrical automobile, the battery’s situation is of utmost concern to most patrons. A study means that electrical automobile batteries expertise an annual capability decline of roughly 2.3%, and the cooling methodology used (air-cooled or liquid-cooled) has a bearing on battery sturdiness. A comparative examine performed 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 examine 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 speedy within the first 2-3 years and step by step stabilizes over time, so patrons needn’t be overly involved. The analysis firm additionally gives an online database for checking battery degradation information of 27 electrical automobile fashions, permitting potential patrons to check completely different fashions and perceive their most popular used electrical automobiles higher.

To evaluate battery well being, let’s take the Tesla Mannequin 3 SR+ proven beneath for instance (with an approximate whole mileage of 80,000 km). We are able to calculate the battery capability utilizing the next system:

(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 standard gasoline automobile engine depends upon upkeep and might vary from over 100,000 km to over 1 million km. Alternatively, electrical motors require minimal upkeep and have a lifespan of almost 500,000 km. This not solely saves on upkeep prices and time but in addition meets the calls for of Hong Kong customers.

At the moment, 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 positioned on the backside of the automobile 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 lowered lifespan. Shock absorbers and management arms are among the many elements most affected, and an entire alternative will probably be pricey. Subsequently, it is very important pay particular consideration throughout check drives, significantly on uneven street surfaces, to examine for any unexplained noises.

Many electrical automobiles characteristic massive heart console screens, with bodily buttons contained in the cabin being nearly utterly 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 house owners have reported issues akin to LCD leaks or malfunctioning screens. Subsequently, it’s important to conduct an in depth inspection when buying a used electrical automobile.

Many electrical automobiles have connectivity options that not solely present leisure and navigation features but in addition enable Over-the-Air (OTA) software program updates for the automobile. Subsequently, earlier than taking possession of a used electrical automobile, 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 automobile 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 must endure manufacturing facility inspection and include a further guarantee for one 12 months or 20,000 km (whichever comes first). Potential patrons can name to make an appointment to view the vehicles, however check drives will not be provided.

Used Automotive Sellers

Owing to the recognition of electrical vehicles, used automobile sellers naturally carry electrical vehicles as effectively. For instance, DCH Certified Used Car, which has a gross sales heart in Kowloon Bay, provides used Tesla vehicles in addition to used electrical vehicles from different manufacturers. All used electrical vehicles can be found at no cost check drives and include a 3-month guarantee.

On-line Used Automotive Platforms

Used automobile web sites akin to 28car.com, BuyCar.hk, and HKCarTrader have search filters that help you shortly discover listings for used electrical vehicles and select your required automobile. These web sites characteristic used automobile listings from each automobile dealerships and personal automobile house owners. It’s advisable to have a pal who’s educated about vehicles accompany you when making a purchase order.