Why used EVs lag: insights from Germany’s UScale survey
What’s holding back the used EV market: UScale’s findings
Why used EVs lag: insights from Germany’s UScale survey
UScale surveyed 1,300 German car owners to reveal why the used EV market stalls: battery fears, information gaps, charging shortfalls, and brand trust.
2025-10-09T08:48:44+03:00
2025-10-09T08:48:44+03:00
2025-10-09T08:48:44+03:00
Germany’s UScale research institute surveyed 1,300 car owners to understand why the market for used electric vehicles is still inching forward. The results point to a handful of sticking points that keep shoppers from committing.First comes distrust. Many buyers hesitate to pick up a pre-owned EV because they’re unsure about battery reliability and the overall condition of a car that’s already had an owner. Without a clear picture of how that battery has aged, caution tends to prevail.Information gaps compound the problem. Potential buyers often can’t find solid, objective details about a specific model’s technical quirks, expected battery lifespan, maintenance requirements, or likely repair costs. When the basics aren’t transparent, even a seemingly good deal feels risky.Infrastructure is the third obstacle. A shortage of dedicated fast-charging stations drags down the appeal of going electric, especially when a full recharge can mean long waits. For anyone cross-shopping used cars, that inconvenience is hard to overlook.On the demand side, smaller and more affordable models such as the Renault Zoe and Smart EQ Fortwo are the ones people want most, yet supply is thin. With many automakers focused on pricier, premium EVs, the gap between what buyers are looking for and what the market offers remains wide.Chinese brands are drawing attention with lower prices, but many respondents say they’re cautious due to limited real-world experience with Chinese EVs and doubts about build quality and battery longevity. In a segment where confidence in long-term durability is everything, that wariness is understandable.
used EVs, pre-owned electric vehicles, UScale survey, Germany EV market, battery reliability, charging infrastructure, information gaps, Renault Zoe, Smart EQ Fortwo, Chinese EV brands, buyer trust
2025
Michael Powers
news
What’s holding back the used EV market: UScale’s findings
UScale surveyed 1,300 German car owners to reveal why the used EV market stalls: battery fears, information gaps, charging shortfalls, and brand trust.
Michael Powers, Editor
Germany’s UScale research institute surveyed 1,300 car owners to understand why the market for used electric vehicles is still inching forward. The results point to a handful of sticking points that keep shoppers from committing.
First comes distrust. Many buyers hesitate to pick up a pre-owned EV because they’re unsure about battery reliability and the overall condition of a car that’s already had an owner. Without a clear picture of how that battery has aged, caution tends to prevail.
Information gaps compound the problem. Potential buyers often can’t find solid, objective details about a specific model’s technical quirks, expected battery lifespan, maintenance requirements, or likely repair costs. When the basics aren’t transparent, even a seemingly good deal feels risky.
Infrastructure is the third obstacle. A shortage of dedicated fast-charging stations drags down the appeal of going electric, especially when a full recharge can mean long waits. For anyone cross-shopping used cars, that inconvenience is hard to overlook.
On the demand side, smaller and more affordable models such as the Renault Zoe and Smart EQ Fortwo are the ones people want most, yet supply is thin. With many automakers focused on pricier, premium EVs, the gap between what buyers are looking for and what the market offers remains wide.
Chinese brands are drawing attention with lower prices, but many respondents say they’re cautious due to limited real-world experience with Chinese EVs and doubts about build quality and battery longevity. In a segment where confidence in long-term durability is everything, that wariness is understandable.
