Here are the pros and cons of a used EV

May 28, 2025

From the newsletter

Up to 90% of vehicles imported into Africa are second-hand, according to the United Nations Economic Commission for Europe (UNECE). However, most of the electric vehicles imported into the continent are new. This is changing, as falling prices in the major EV manufacturing markets such as China is boosting the volumes of used EVs being brought to Africa.

  • The main reason for the popularity of second-hand vehicles is that they are way cheaper than new ones. This is especially true for EVs, whose rate of depreciation is faster, as this survey by MyBroadband shows. 

  • While cost-effective, used EVs have major disadvantages. The biggest one is that their batteries are often significantly depreciated. Batteries are the single most important part of an EV, and a battery in poor health negatively affects the user experience. It is also very costly to buy a new battery.     

More details

  • Africa’s EV industry remains in its infancy, lacking the expertise and manufacturing capacity to produce affordable new EVs locally. Consequently, the continent relies heavily on imported EVs. But the cost of new vehicles remains prohibitively high, forcing some buyers to turn to second-hand EVs. 

  • Second-hand vehicles in Africa are not new as they form the vast majority of vehicles on the road. This makes the continent a magnet for used EVs, especially from China. Falling prices in mature EV markets are seeing vehicle owners discard their old models for newer models, with their used cars often being shipped to AFrica and other emerging markets. 

  • Just like with fuel vehicles, used EVs come with risks for buyers. An experienced EV technician who recently spoke to Mobility Rising revealed that many buyers unwittingly purchase used EVs from China that have been in service for up to five years where they are frequently charged with fast DC chargers. This intense usage significantly weakens the batteries, reducing their health to around 70–80%, yet these vehicles are sold cheaply to meet local demand.

  • Used EVs tend to depreciate rapidly, not only due to battery degradation but also because they lack modern technologies like AI-powered battery management systems that improve efficiency and durability. For example, in April 2025, Tesla average resale prices fell by 1.8% despite them having quality technology.

  • Globally, EV sales are growing rapidly. The US saw a 47% annual increase between 2020 and 2024, while Europe recorded a 24% rise in early 2025. Africa’s market remains nascent, meaning many EVs used in these mature markets will eventually enter the continent as second-hand vehicles.

  • Environmental concerns are significant, as Africa currently lacks sufficient infrastructure to recycle lithium-ion batteries, raising urgent questions about e-waste management amid expanding EV adoption. Although governments promote electric mobility, clear guidelines and facilities for the disposal and recycling of EV batteries are largely absent, posing risks of long-term environmental damage.

  • Meanwhile, Chinese original equipment manufacturers, notably BYD, are aggressively entering the African market with competitively priced new energy vehicles. BYD’s recent price reductions of up to 34% on 22 electric and plug-in hybrid models, announced last week, have made new EVs more accessible, potentially disrupting the used EV market by offering newer, better-value options. Given BYD’s dominance in China and its global export ambitions, this could gradually reduce Africa’s reliance on older used vehicles.

  • Nevertheless, challenges persist. Inadequate charging infrastructure and inconsistent EV policies continue to hinder widespread adoption. The shortage of skilled technicians and limited after-sales support further complicates maintenance and reduces vehicle longevity. Many imported used vehicles are older and less efficient, contributing to urban air pollution and undermining environmental objectives.

Our take

  • Africa’s used EV market is projected to expand rapidly in the short term, driven primarily by the affordability of second-hand vehicles compared to new models. Despite recent price cuts by Chinese manufacturers, used EVs remain the most accessible option for many consumers, making them the dominant choice for immediate EV adoption across the continent.

  • Over the longer term, falling battery costs and reduced production and labour expenses, as exemplified by Morocco’s growing EV manufacturing capabilities, are expected to make new EVs increasingly affordable for African buyers. 

  • The pace and duration of this transition will largely depend on government policies. Effective incentives, infrastructure development, and regulations will be crucial in determining whether the current reliance on used EVs persists or gives way to a sustainable, locally supported market for new EVs. Strong policy frameworks will be essential to achieving long-term electrification goals while managing the intermediate growth phase.