Used cars are much better today than they used to be, especially when you buy them at dealerships. You can find the car you want through a simple online search and know that you’ve got a vehicle with low miles that’s in good condition. When you choose a certified pre-owned (CPO) vehicle, it’s possible to mitigate many of the risks associated with a CPO vehicle, but does this also apply to a certified pre-owned EV?

What is a certified pre-owned vehicle?

CPO programs are automaker-sponsored, dealership-administered programs that provide extended warranties and more assurances for the vehicles that are part of the program than most used cars. When you buy a traditional used vehicle, you don’t often have any warranty coverage, and once you’ve driven a few hundred miles, any issues found are your problem, unless the mileage and age are still within the manufacturer’s warranty period.

That’s not the case for CPO models. These vehicles have extended warranties, and when you choose an electric vehicle, you’ll have coverage for the powertrain components, which should give you some peace of mind.

Why would some drivers hesitate to choose a certified pre-owned EV?

Electric vehicles are still fairly new and untested in the automotive world. Despite early EVs arriving on the scene before gas and diesel-powered vehicles, modern EVs, with larger batteries and longer driving ranges, have not been around for very long. This leaves the longevity of electric batteries and other components in question, which could be problematic for some drivers. Adding a CPO stamp of approval to an EV can greatly increase the likelihood that a driver will choose this vehicle over another.

What inspections are performed on CPO EVs?

Any electric vehicle that enters a CPO program will have to pass the same multi-point inspection that’s used for conventional models. That is only the starting point; items are added to the list to account for the electric powertrain and additional components. Like traditional models, a CPO EV will have all repairs completed before being sold as part of the program. The added warranty period gives drivers the added peace of mind to drive with confidence for much longer than they could when buying the car new.

Are all CPO programs the same?

Every automaker has its own twist on what a CPO program should be and how to offer one with the right features and qualities for its customer base. That means you shouldn’t expect Kia and Ford to offer the same coverage or program features, but the basic elements of each CPO program should be pretty much the same. This means you could enjoy the benefits of a certified pre-owned EV from either automaker and know that you’ve got a vehicle you can trust for many miles and a few years.

EVs have good warranties

Most automakers provide at least an 8-year/100,000-mile warranty for new electric vehicle powertrains, which means many years of great driving. To be relatively consistent with what’s offered for traditional vehicles, Hyundai offers a 10-year program with the same mileage warranty for new hybrids and EVs. With the mileage for the powertrain reaching 100,000, you might not receive additional powertrain coverage when buying a CPO EV.

Could standard warranties be extended for CPO EVs?

Some CPO programs extended the standard warranty, and that means you’ll enjoy extended bumper-to-bumper coverage, but might not get more miles out of the powertrain coverage. Still, you should read the fine print because some programs count the warranty time from the day of purchase by the original owner. If that’s the case, you’ll want to find a newer vehicle with lower miles to make the most out of the warranty.

Other CPO programs will likely begin from the date you purchase the vehicle and will cover you for one year/12,000 miles or two years/24,000 miles. If this is the case, you won’t need to consider the age or mileage of the vehicle.

CPO programs get rid of your nerves

EVs and hybrids have been around for a while, but not in the same massive quantities as gas and diesel-powered vehicles. Because of the limited supply and experience most drivers have with electrified powertrains, it’s understandable that some drivers will be nervous about driving a pre-owned EV or hybrid. With the movement to certified pre-owned EV programs, it’s easier to have the peace of mind you need to drive one of these vehicles and enjoy the experience for several years.

The post What to Know About Buying a Certified Pre-Owned EV in 2025 first appeared on Ride4Watts.com.

The post What to Know About Buying a Certified Pre-Owned EV in 2025 appeared first on Ride4Watts.com.