Where to buy used EVs in Australia and what you need to know
In 2026, you are bound to have heard about the growing popularity of hybrid and electric vehicles (EV). With rising fuel costs, a cost of living crisis and global uncertainty increasing pressure on Australians, many consumers are opting for the eco-friendly route. Australia's leading auction house, Pickles, recently reported a 163% uplift in searches for EVs on their website, showing that the value offered by a greener alternative is appealing more and more each day.
With Australia increasingly embracing sustainable measures, the interest in EV ownership is set to increase over the coming years. If you're searching for a personal vehicle, it's worth considering the potential benefits of owning a used hybrid or EV. However, it's important to understand the world of EV ownership before you take the step to investing.
What you need to know before buying a used EV
Before buying a used EV, you will need to consider your capacity to manage multiple factors that make EVs unique in comparison with traditional Internal Combustion Engine Vehicles (ICEVs). To get started, explore the guide below to learn more about battery health, charging, driving range, and more.
If you're buying a used EV, these are the key factors you need to be aware of:
- Battery Health Check: Your first priority should be to obtain a battery diagnostic report from the seller to confirm the State of Health (SoH) score, which Pickles provides on most used EVs.
- Charging equipment: Check if the vehicle comes with its original portable charger and cables. If not, ensure that you search for available EV charging stations in your area to know if an EV is a viable option for you.
- Compatible infrastructure: Confirm whether your car uses CHAdeMO or CCS2 ports for your DC fast-charging needs.
- Warranty status: Verify if the high-voltage battery warranty remains active and transferable, though it’s important to note that many manufacturer warranties in Australia run for 8 years or 160,000kms.
What are the most popular used EV brands?
Compared with a decade ago, EVs and hybrids are now available in Australia from a wide variety of mainstream and prestige brands. Generally, the most popular segments are hatchbacks, family sedans and small and medium SUVs, with the Tesla Model Y, Tesla Model 3, and BYD Atto 3 generating the greatest demand among used EV buyers. With the used EV market rapidly expanding, the likes of the Polestar 2, MG 4, and BYD Dolphin have emerged as reliable choices that offer a competitive option to the mainstream.
Where to find used EVs in Australia
As Australia's top-rated auction house, Pickles is dedicated to driving a more sustainable future for electric mobility. Having recently launched Battery State of Health certificates, in an Australian-first for our industry, Pickles has reaffirmed its commitment to boosting transparency and buyer confidence in the electric vehicle market. If you're in the market for used EVs or hybrids, Pickles offers an affordable range of secondhand eco-friendly vehicles online.
Visit Pickles today to start your EV journey.
13 May