Used electric cars: Filipe Neves discusses the market on Auto Talks

Buying a used electric car still raises questions for many consumers, although their interest is increasing very significantly.

This is not simply a matter of opinion: the figures prove it. That is according to Filipe Neves, director of Pisca Pisca, who appeared on Auto Talks, Razão Automóvel’s new editorial format, which debuted at the ECAR Show.

Based on the figures presented by Filipe Neves, searches for electric cars on Pisca Pisca are rising almost exponentially. But is this growth in demand leading to completed sales? And is depreciation really far greater for electric cars than for combustion-engined vehicles? This Auto Talk answers those questions.

To buy or not to buy: that is the question

While Portugal’s new electric car market is thriving - sales already account for more than 20% of the total - the used market appears to tell a different story.

Supply remains limited, although it is growing. Despite lower prices caused by steep depreciation - they lose value around twice as quickly as a combustion-engined car - many consumers are still hesitant to go ahead with the purchase.

That reluctance highlights the many questions that remain around used electric cars, particularly regarding the battery - or, more specifically, its condition. After all, it is the most expensive component in an electric vehicle.

Consumers need reassurance that the battery is in “good health” and has many years of service ahead of it. How can that be achieved? Filipe Neves points to several tools that already exist, as well as others currently being developed, to reduce the risk for buyers.

“What we clearly see is the need for information and confidence to take that final step of buying the car.”

• Filipe Neves, director of Pisca Pisca

Used electric car prices and depreciation

As well as gaining a better understanding of the used electric car market, this Auto Talks also explored whether low prices will remain - because of depreciation - or whether values may rise over the medium term.

The Pisca Pisca director says the real question is what will happen to the prices of older electric cars as newer electric models - with better technology - begin entering the used market.

If you are considering buying a used electric car, this is an Auto Talk not to miss.

Join the next Auto Talks

There are therefore plenty of reasons to watch or listen to the latest Auto Talks, Razão Automóvel’s new editorial format, on the usual platforms: YouTube, Apple Podcasts and Spotify.