Battery electric vehicles with list prices under $35,000, such as's Chevy Bolt EV and the Hyundai Kona Electric, have EPA ranges of nearly 260 miles but are unlikely to make it that far in real-world driving conditions. This is especially true in cold weather, which can interfere with the electrochemical reactions inside batteries.This is where the general battery considerations in going electric become a more specific concern. A EV's range is likely to degrade over time.
A long test drive can also give you an idea of a battery's health because you can monitor how quickly it loses charge. This is especially true if it includes sustained cruising at highway speeds, which tends to drain batteries much faster than stop-and-go driving. This depreciation can make used EVs a good deal compared to buying new, but don't be surprised if the price is still high – many electric vehicles are expensive to begin with.