5 Issues When Shopping for a Used Tesla/Electrical Car

The gross sales of electrical autos, together with Tesla, proceed to extend in Hong Kong. In response to the Transport Division, the variety of newly registered electrical autos for 2023 has exceeded 20,500 as of September of the 12 months, with Tesla alone accounting for over 7,000 autos. Many individuals are contemplating a used Tesla/electrical car to keep away from the restrictions of the One-for-One Alternative Scheme and lengthy supply instances. Nonetheless, there are specific variations between shopping for a used Tesla/electrical car and shopping for a conventional used gasoline automotive that you just want to concentrate on.

On this article, we’ll 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 all for shopping for an electrical automotive, it’s best to have a fundamental understanding of the variations between electrical and gasoline vehicles. Electrical vehicles use electrical motors as a substitute of gasoline engines to instantly energy the car, eliminating the necessity for parts corresponding to engines and transmissions. The profit is that there isn’t a want for normal upkeep of the engine, corresponding to oil adjustments and transmission fluid replacements, like for gasoline vehicles. Nonetheless, different parts corresponding to air-con, brakes, steering, and suspension techniques are just 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 full car weight, or greater than double the burden of a traditional gasoline engine which weighs round 200 kg. Add to that the burden of the electrical motor, and electrical autos simply weigh greater than their gasoline-powered counterparts, imposing a big burden on the car.

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

The buying concerns for used Tesla/electrical autos are usually just like these for conventional gasoline vehicles. Other than components such because the car’s situation, mileage, exterior, brakes, and driving efficiency (for extra particulars, discuss with Steps in shopping for a used automotive and precautions to absorb 2023), there are 5 key factors to contemplate when shopping for a used Tesla/electrical car.

As the center of an electrical car, the battery’s situation is of utmost concern to most patrons. A examine 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 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% annually. 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 regularly stabilizes over time, so patrons needn’t be overly involved. The analysis firm additionally supplies an on-line database for checking battery degradation knowledge of 27 electrical car fashions, permitting potential patrons to check totally different fashions and perceive their most well-liked used electrical autos 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 components:

(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 relies on 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 in addition 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 supply higher efficiency and energy distribution, lowering reliance on a single motor and probably mitigating put on and tear over the long run.

Electrical autos carry important battery weight, and sometimes weigh over 2,000 kg and even near 2,500 kg. Though the batteries are situated on the backside of the car and the burden is distributed evenly between the chassis and suspension system, over time the driving will put important stress on the suspension system, leading to decreased lifespan. Shock absorbers and management arms are among the many parts most affected, and an entire substitute shall be expensive. Due to this fact, you will need to pay particular consideration throughout check drives, notably on uneven street surfaces, to verify for any unexplained noises.

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

Many electrical autos have connectivity options that not solely present leisure and navigation features but in addition enable Over-the-Air (OTA) software program updates for the car. Due to this fact, 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 unit settings. The brand new proprietor ought to promptly log in with a brand new account to make sure easy future updates.

The place to Purchase Used Electrical Automobiles?

Licensed 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 autos should bear manufacturing unit inspection and include an extra 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 supplied.

Used Automotive Sellers

Owing to the recognition of electrical vehicles, used automotive sellers naturally carry electrical vehicles as nicely. For instance, DCH Licensed Used Automotive, 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 totally free check drives and include a 3-month guarantee.

On-line Used Automotive Platforms

Used automotive web sites corresponding to 28car.com, BuyCar.hk, and HKCarTrader have search filters that permit you to shortly 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 house owners. It’s advisable to have a pal who’s educated about vehicles accompany you when making a purchase order.