Used Electric Cars in Ireland: Great Deals and How to Overcome the Top Two Challenges

Used electric vehicles (EVs) are among the best-value cars on the Irish market right now — offering modern tech, impressive range, and ultra-low running costs at prices far below their new counterparts. Yet, despite growing sales in the new EV segment, many second-hand buyers remain hesitant.

That hesitation creates opportunity. With the right approach — and by addressing two key ownership challenges — savvy buyers can find real bargains and enjoy electric motoring with confidence.

The Case for Buying a Used EV

Used electric cars are routinely undervalued. For example, a three-year-old Hyundai Ioniq 5 with a long-range battery and ultra-fast 800V charging (capable of over 500km per charge) can now be found for around €30,000 — delivering serious capability and comfort for the price.

Sales of new EVs continue to rise in Ireland, with 4,913 battery-electric vehicles registered in July 2025 alone — up 57% on the same period in 2024. But the used market lags behind, held back by lingering doubts around charging infrastructure and battery reliability.

Let’s explore the two biggest concerns — and how to solve them.

Challenge 1: Charging — Why Home Setup Matters Most

Running an EV without home charging is possible, but far from ideal. Without access to a private driveway or charging point, owners must rely on public infrastructure, which is still inconsistent in coverage and costs more to use.

Why Home Charging Changes Everything

Owning a driveway or a designated off-street parking space means you can install a home charger — and that transforms EV ownership. You start each day with a full battery, charge on cheaper night-time electricity rates, and avoid the queues and costs of public charging.

Take the Hyundai Ioniq 5 again: a full overnight charge on a discounted night-rate plan costs around €10 and delivers about 450km of usable range. In comparison, €10 worth of diesel might get you 100km — maybe less. Over time, the savings are significant.

Installing a charger costs between €1,000 and €1,600, but pays back quickly in fuel savings — even more so if you have solar panels feeding the system. While Ireland’s public high-speed network is improving, long trips still require route planning, and public chargers can be busy or out of order. In short, home charging turns EV ownership from a challenge into a breeze.

Challenge 2: Battery Health and Longevity — What You Need to Know

Battery health is the biggest concern for many used EV shoppers — and it’s also one of the most misunderstood.

Battery Durability Is Better Than Expected

Modern EV batteries are proving to be highly resilient. Look for a battery with a “State of Health” (SoH) of 90% or more — meaning it still holds 90% of its original charge capacity. This ensures reliable range and performance.

Most manufacturers offer battery warranties lasting up to 8 years or 160,000km, providing peace of mind even for second owners. Thanks to smart thermal management systems and advances in battery chemistry, degradation has been far slower than early critics predicted.

Before buying, request a proper EV battery diagnostic report and verify the service history. Then take the car for a test drive to ensure performance feels consistent and strong.

Quick Tips for Buying a Used EV in Ireland

Run a vehicle history check: Make sure there are no hidden issues, outstanding finance, or insurance write-offs.
Inspect the service history: Look for regular maintenance, even if EVs need fewer services than petrol or diesel cars.
Battery health is key: Ensure SoH is 90% or higher and check remaining battery warranty coverage.
Check charging compatibility: Make sure the car supports both AC and DC charging where possible.
Look out for grants and exemptions: VRT exemptions and SEAI grant opportunities can reduce your costs further.

The Bottom Line

Used electric vehicles are no longer a gamble — they’re a smart investment. With low running costs, growing charging infrastructure, and robust battery durability, the only two real challenges — charging access and battery health — can be overcome with proper planning.

Challenge 2: Battery Health & Longevity — Myths vs Reality

Before falling for a used EV, check its most crucial metric — the State of Health (SoH). This figure reveals how much of the battery’s original capacity remains and is the clearest indication of real-world range.

What to Look for in Battery Health

Ask for a battery health report. Many dealers and EV specialists can provide one using manufacturer-grade diagnostics. Aim for a SoH of 90% or higher — anything less may impact range and signal above-average wear.

Most EV batteries are backed by warranties lasting eight years or 160,000km, covering repair or replacement if capacity drops below 70%. Even outside warranty, a solid SoH score suggests the battery has plenty of life remaining.

Real-World Proof of Durability

Worried about battery longevity? Consider Germany’s ADAC test of a Volkswagen ID.3. Over four years and 172,000km — including Alpine climbs, Autobahn sprints, icy winters, and repeated rapid charges — the car lost just 9% of its battery capacity. Its real-world range dropped only slightly, from 557km to around 500km.

The result? Even under harsh use, the battery proved exceptionally durable — debunking fears of premature failure.

Financial Incentives for Used EV Buyers in Ireland

While most SEAI grants focus on new EVs, there are still valuable supports available to second-hand buyers:

VRT Exemption: Up to €5,000 off Vehicle Registration Tax for qualifying used battery-electric vehicles.
SEAI Home Charger Grant: Receive up to €600 toward installing a home charging point.
Toll Discounts: Lower toll rates on certain Irish roads for electric vehicles.

Full eligibility details can be found on the SEAI’s “Buying a Used EV” page.

Buying Smart — A Quick Checklist

Even with an electric car, the fundamentals of buying used still apply:

Request a full vehicle history check.
Inspect the car’s condition, inside and out.
Take it for a comprehensive test drive.
Review the complete service record.
Negotiate based on your findings.
Consider an independent pre-purchase inspection for peace of mind.

From Barriers to Bargains: Making a Used EV Work for You

If you have home charging access and verify battery health, there’s little reason to fear the used EV market. With strong warranties, proven battery longevity, and generous running cost savings, second-hand electric cars in Ireland represent some of the best value available today.