A surge in used EV availability presents both opportunities and challenges for South African buyers. This article highlights potential pitfalls, using a personal experience to illustrate the importance of careful pre-purchase checks and research.
The used electric vehicle (EV) market in South Africa is booming, offering potential buyers a wider selection and better prices than ever before. This surge in availability can be attributed to the influx of new fully electric models hitting the local market in recent years. However, as the used EV market is relatively young, there isn't as much knowledge or experience among buyers and mechanics regarding the common issues that may arise with these vehicles.
Despite the increased options and affordability, potential buyers need to be aware of potential pitfalls. My recent experience purchasing a pre-owned 2023 GWM Ora 03 highlights this. While the car seemed in good condition after a test drive and a Dekra inspection, I encountered two unexpected problems. Firstly, the vehicle was unable to charge on three-phase power despite its advertised support for up to 11kW three-phase charging. While fast DC charging remained functional, the limited AC charging capability posed a potential inconvenience for long trips. Thankfully, the vehicle still falls under its five-year, 100,000km warranty, mitigating any significant financial burden.The second issue was more concerning: the car had not yet received a crucial software update addressing a safety recall. This recall addressed a potential electrical arc hazard if the charging connector was forcibly removed during DC fast charging. While such tampering would be unusual for experienced EV drivers, novice users might be unaware of the risks involved. Although the manufacturer, GWM, stated that most vehicles were updated before reaching South Africa, my particular car, previously part of GWM's own fleet, unfortunately missed this update. Following this discovery, I contacted a GWM dealership who assured me that they would escalate the issue and assist in resolving it. They recommended a thorough diagnosis and communication with their technical support team. This experience underscores the importance of thorough pre-purchase checks for used EVs, including testing charging capabilities on various types of chargers and verifying the presence of all necessary software updates. It is also advisable to obtain a battery health report, particularly if the car lacks an extended warranty
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