In this blog, we delve into the distinctive features of dedicated used EV dealerships, shedding light on their crucial role in shaping the future of the automotive market. Green Wave Electric Vehicles and EcoAuto stand out as trailblazers in this shift towards a greener future: both dealerships are unique in that they only sell used EVs.Jesse Lore from Green Wave Electric Vehicles and Jeff Mann from EcoAuto provide valuable insights into the financial considerations, customer preferences, and essential advice for those contemplating the switch to a used electric vehicle. As we explain in our pre-owned EVs webpage, used EVs have fewer maintenance issues than used gas-powered cars, reduce your carbon footprint, and can save you some money, too. So, if you’re in the market for an EV, consider buying a used model! 

Tell us about your dealerships. 

Jesse Lore: Green Wave Electric Vehicles is the first and only dedicated EV dealership serving New Hampshire and surrounding communities. Our mission is to accelerate the decarbonization of our economy by providing electric vehicle solutions to people and businesses. As a sustainable car dealership, we only sell electric vehicles and plug-in hybrids, with no internal combustion engine cars or gas hybrids (hybrids that do not plug in) available on our lots. Our vision is a world in which all people who want a more sustainable vehicle can have one that fits their budget and lifestyle. Regardless of social and economic status or geographical location, everyone should have the opportunity to experience improved air quality, reduced operating costs, a smaller carbon footprint, decreased maintenance requirements, and enhanced performance.  

Jeff Mann: Eco Auto is a premier used EV dealership franchise headquartered in Tewksbury, MA with a sensible expansion plan in New England and beyond. We are excited about the partnership with CENNTRO Automotive as the company's leading EV technologies in the commercial space expand on Eco Auto's product offerings to a wider selection of customers aligning perfectly with our mission of lowering the barriers to entry for EVs. (A note from Green Energy Consumers: CENNTRO produces vehicles that Eco Auto will sell throughout New England.) 

How do used EV dealerships differ from traditional used car dealerships?

Jesse Lore: As a dealership, we are committed to only selling electric vehicles. Through our commitment to sustainability, we also plant 100 trees in the name of all purchasers at no cost to them, in partnership with OneTreePlanted. We deliver Transportation Impact Reports to customers educating them on the benefits of electrification, both financial and environmental. We commit to the concept of a circular economy. Therefore, we only sell used vehicles looking to enhance the product's life cycle and connect people with incredible cars. We are also members of Clean Energy New Hampshire and New Hampshire Businesses for Social Responsibility. 

Jeff Mann: As Electric Vehicles become more widely adopted, Eco Auto is positioning itself as a market leader in the space. We provide our customers with a high level of in-depth knowledge about the products they are interested in, are able to answer the questions they have that other dealers don't necessarily have answers to, and through our non-traditional commission-free sales approach we empower customers to be in charge of their buying experience.  

What financial aspects should buyers consider when looking at a used EV? 

Jesse Lore: There is downward pressure on prices for EVs to meet the $25k limit for the Used Clean Vehicle Credit. Particularly in the used EV market, buyers should consider opting for slightly older or higher-mileage cars to capitalize on these savings. This category primarily includes models like the Chevy Bolt, Chevy Volt, and Nissan LEAF, but it’s possible that other vehicles like the Volkswagen ID.4 and Ford Mustang Mach-E, among others, may join this category next year, albeit with potentially more miles on the odometer.   

Jeff Mann: Here are the most important financial aspects when buying a used EV: 

• Purchase Price in relation to Market Value
• Tax Incentives
• Cost of charging
• Home Charging Costs
• Charger Installation Costs
• Manufacturer Remainder Warranties
• Maintenance Costs

What are pre-owned EV customers looking for in a vehicle?

Jesse Lore: As vehicle technology and range continues to improve, some purchasers are wary of buying a new EV, with fears that emerging technology will cause depreciation in current models. We see that this has happened with first and second-generation EVs - the cars with 60-150 miles of range - because a vehicle with that little range does not fit the lifestyle of most purchasers in the Northeast. However, third-generation EVs - with a range from 200-300 miles - are a different story. Very few people need a range of more than 200 miles for the vast majority of their driving.  

Jeff Mann: The most important aspects consumers consider when looking for an EV are range, access to charging, battery health, battery warranties, and overall cost/monthly payment. 

What advice do you have for somebody who’s thinking about getting a used EV (regardless of where they buy it)? 

Jesse Lore: Buying a car is always a big purchase decision, and buying a new type of car - an EV - can make it even more nerve-wracking. Here are a couple of things that are important to consider:  

• Before figuring out your budget for the purchase price, try to figure out how much you are going to save on fuel and maintenance by switching to an EV.  
• Use a dealer who can give you a battery health report. Recurrent Automotive is one company that provides this service. You can check on their website, but dealers who can verify their vehicle’s battery health through Recurrent are going to get more detailed reports.  
• Try out several different EVs before choosing one. They all have unique features and offer different driving experiences. By trying varying models of EVs, and exploring their distinct driving modes (i.e. one-pedal, adaptive cruise, self-driving), you can find one that you are most comfortable in.  
• Do your research on the models you are considering, but do not put too much stock into what one publication or another says about a particular EV. Remember, EVs are all more reliable than internal combustion engine cars because there are fewer components that can break. Before you think you need the fastest charging times, consider your lifestyle and whether or not you need to pay extra for that. The most important thing is that you get a car that meets your needs, your budget and that you enjoy driving. 

Jeff Mann:  

• Know what your driving habits generally are before starting to even look - The absolute worst nightmare of anyone making the switch is buying a vehicle that does not fit their needs. 
• Do your research - Take a look at what is available online in the market before committing one way or another. 
• Seek The Experts - Not everyone in the automotive space knows what to do when it comes to EVs, you should look for the local/regional experts in the matter like Eco Auto in the New England area as a strong consideration when buying a used EV. 

We thank Jesse Lore from Green Wave Electric Vehicles and Jeff Mann from EcoAuto for answering our questions. If you’re interested in getting a used EV, we have a helpful tool on our website that provides general information on different used EV models, such as range, average cost, and available seats. Once you’re done on our website, be sure to hop on over to Green Wave’s website and EcoAuto’s website to see what’s available. Don’t forget to check out federal and state rebates on our incentives page to see all the ways you can save on a used EV. Currently, the federal government will provide up to $4,000 on certain used EVs if all requirements are met. Additionally, Massachusetts offers $3,500 towards used EVs and Rhode Island provides $1,500 if all requirements are satisfied. We wish you the best on your used EV buying journey!