Are you planning to buy a used electric car? Then now seems to be the ideal time! Electric cars are booming in Europe. Unfortunately, to this day, the Belgian used car market is very limited in terms of supply and quantity. According to a recent study in early 2023, from the Federation of Automotive Industries, only just under 2 percent, of the total number of cars registered, are electric used cars. However, this is changing rapidly, according to our experts. In Europe, several makes and models are already available today, both stock and used. Thus, on our Belgian used car market too, the offer of electric cars will thus increase rapidly.
Why is there resistance to purchasing a used electric car?
What many companies, self-employed people and individuals wonder is whether buying such a used electric vehicle is wise. They wonder whether the battery is reliable, and whether its capacity (and lifespan) will last long enough. Many people compare an electric car battery to the battery in their laptop or smartphone. According to the experts at EV Shop, this is a faulty reasoning.
We are happy to provide a word of explanation:
After a lot of technological research of battery diagnostics, it appears that the battery of an electric car still has more than enough capacity even after 200,000 km. The tests performed on these cars were around 82% of the total amount of capacity on average. The method of charging has the biggest impact on this capacity but more on this later in a future blog.
The used electric cars distributed by EV Shop will already be provided with such a technical battery analysis by quarter 3 of 2023. Based on an algorithm, we measure the capacity by starting to analyze the values of different cells. This measurement is accurate to a margin of 3%.
How soon are these cars available?
First, we look for the electric vehicle selected by the customer. The more common the make/model, the faster the car is available. Most cars are available within 4 weeks, some cars can take up to 8-10 weeks.
The reason for this longer waiting time is the location of the cars. If the electric cars are stationed abroad, they have to be transported as far as Belgium. Depending on the location, the waiting time for transport can already take several weeks.
Upon delivery, the car is checked at 120 points and professionally cleaned. After this cleaning, we perform an additional check on the bodywork. If we notice any damage, it is first repaired at an authorized body shop nearby. As a final step, we perform a battery diagnosis to ensure that the battery is in perfect condition. This battery diagnosis is provided transparently to the customer.
Where do these used electric cars come from?
Here at EV Shop, we have developed a large European network of dealers and leasing companies. When we are looking for specific electric cars, we call on our European network. This allows us at EV Shop to always guarantee a large offering of electric cars. The cars mostly come from Scandinavia, but can just as easily come from our neighboring countries. Since we always work with regular partners, we are always sure that these used cars are accident-free and have no risk of battery damage.
What is my warranty when buying a used electric vehicle?
The electric cars we purchase are usually no more than two years old, unless otherwise requested by the customer. So all these cars are still within the European manufacturer’s warranty. The most expensive parts, such as the battery and powertrain, usually only have a warranty of 5 to 8 years (or up to a certain number of kilometers). At EV Shop, however, we also provide an insured warranty of 12 months. If there is a problem with the car and it falls within the warranty, you need to notify us first. Afterwards, you can visit your nearest garage to have it repaired.
Are there any tax advantages to buying a used electric car?
Zowel bij nieuwe elektrische wagens als tweedehandswagen zijn de fiscale voordelen hetzelfde.
We zetten alle fiscale voordelen nog even op een rijtje:
BIV and road tax
An exemption on the annual road tax and the in-traffic tax in the Flemish region.
Minimum contribution of €83.95 for the annual traffic tax and the minimum contribution €61.50 for the in-traffic tax in the Brussels and Walloon regions.
Premiums by cities or towns
An exemption on the annual road tax and the in-traffic tax in the Flemish region.
Minimum contribution of €83.95 for the annual traffic tax and the minimum contribution €61.50 for the in-traffic tax in the Brussels and Walloon regions.
The Benefit-All-Around or VAA
Do you also use your electric company car privately? Then you pay the lowest VAA than employees who have another type of car. After all, the CO2 – coefficient here is around 4%.
In practice, the SG&A of an electric car is ± 3.43% (= 4% × 6/7) of the list value the first year. Because of the age correction, this drops every year. From the fifth year on, you are then at a SG&A of only 2.4% of the list value with a minimum of €1,400.
Tax deductibility
Are you planning to replace your current internal combustion engine car with an electric car? The cost of electric cars and power costs are 100% deductible and will remain so for cars purchased, leased or rented through Dec. 31, 2026.
And what about the VAT?
It is the same as the VAT for a fuel car. In other words, the VAT is not concerned with the environment. So the VAT deduction on an electric car, just as for a regular car, is at most equal to 50%.
Tax deductibility of charging stations
For an investment between 01.09.2021 and 31.03.2023, a company can bring in an increased depreciation cost of 200%. The condition is then that it is a “smart” charging station that is accessible to everyone during your company’s usual opening or closing hours. If you wait a little longer and only decide to invest from 01.04.2023, the increased cost deduction is still 150%. At least if that investment is made before 31.08.2024 at the latest. After that, the deduction amounts to 100%.
Conclusion
In short, buying a used electric car can save you a lot of money and, more importantly, is good for the environment! EVshop has made sure that every electric car has been tested, and checked before delivery to the customer, so you don’t have to worry about the reliability and battery of the car. Plus, you get all the tax benefits that come with owning a new electric car!
Interested?
