Electric cars are not necessarily the solution to everything, and a new report suggests that an increasing number of drivers are skeptical about them.
While the vast majority of EV owners report being satisfied with their cars, nearly as many say they would not consider buying a used electric vehicle.
This insight comes from the latest DAT report, which has just been published for 2025.
Skepticism Around Used Electric Cars
When it comes to the used EV market, 47 percent of car buyers searching for a pre-owned vehicle say they are unwilling to invest in a used electric car.
Only 31 percent of respondents said they would consider purchasing one. When asked why they were hesitant, their reasoning was clear. 48 percent cited the high price as the main deterrent. 45 percent said limited range was a key concern.
Additionally, used car buyers are still wary of the charging time required for electric vehicles and the lack of charging infrastructure, which many believe is still insufficient.
On the other hand, fewer motorists now see battery power itself as a disadvantage. Only one in five (20 percent) consider it an issue, compared to 26 percent last year.
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EV Owners Are More Willing to Buy Used
Interestingly, drivers who already own or have previously owned an electric car are more open to purchasing a used one.
However, 78 percent of them say they would need to see specific benefits before making the investment. For most of these buyers, a lifetime warranty on the battery would be a key factor in making a used EV truly appealing.
So far, no automaker offers such a guarantee. The closest alternative comes from Toyota, which promises that its EV batteries will last 1 million kilometers—but only within the first 10 years. For most drivers, this condition is unlikely to be met.
Global Consumer Sentiment
The German DAT Group, founded in 1931, has been surveying driver opinions for the past 51 years. However, they have only been producing an annual report since then. The company employs over 550 people across 22 countries.
But DAT is not the only organization tracking consumer sentiment.
In the U.S., Consumer Reports conducts similar research—often delivering harsh verdicts on car brands.
For example, the publication named the Fisker Ocean the worst car of 2024. Their assessment was backed by troubling data: Just two months after purchase, the car had lost nearly 70 percent of its original value.
