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Selling an electric car

Guide

Selling an Electric Car in Switzerland: Battery, Value and Checklist

Selling an electric car works much like selling any other car – with one big difference: the battery. Buyers want to know how healthy it is, how much warranty is left and whether it is owned or rented. This guide explains how to prepare your electric car for sale in Switzerland and get a fair price.

The battery: what buyers want to know

The high-voltage battery is the most expensive part of an electric car. Its condition is measured as its State of Health (SoH): 100% when new, falling slowly with age and use. According to the TCS, the largest drop usually happens in the first four years; after that, the decline is generally much slower.

  • Battery certificate: the TCS advises buyers to always ask for one. If you can show a recent SoH test, buyers – and we – can value your car more accurately.
  • Battery warranty: manufacturers typically guarantee the battery for at least 8 years or 160,000 km. The warranty belongs to the car and passes to the next owner, so check how much is left.
  • Owned or rented battery? Some older electric cars were sold with a rented battery. If yours has a battery rental contract, it must be transferred to the buyer or the battery bought out – tell us when you request your offer.

What affects the value of an electric car

FactorWhy it matters
Battery health and warrantyA high SoH and remaining warranty give buyers confidence.
Range and battery sizeLonger range is in higher demand, especially for winter driving and trips across Switzerland.
ChargingFast-charging capability and the included charging cables matter to buyers.
Age and mileageAs with any car, the two biggest factors.
Software and equipmentDriver assistance, heat pump, and features that are permanently unlocked can add value.
Market demandNew models and price changes on new electric cars affect used prices more than for petrol or diesel cars.

More about how car values work: what is my car worth?

Checklist before you sell

  • Find the battery warranty documents and, if you have one, a recent battery health report
  • Have all charging cables ready – the mobile charger and the Type 2 cable
  • Remove the car from your manufacturer app and online account, and delete saved addresses and paired phones
  • Cancel or transfer charging cards and subscriptions linked to the car
  • Decide what happens to your home wallbox – it normally stays with your home, not the car
  • Charge the car to a normal level before the inspection

Hybrids and plug-in hybrids

Hybrids and plug-in hybrids also have a high-voltage battery, usually smaller. The same points apply: show the service history, the battery warranty and the charging cable for plug-in hybrids. We buy petrol, diesel, hybrid and electric cars of every make.

Ready to sell? Request a free valuation – mention the battery details in the notes for a more accurate offer.

FAQ

Frequently asked questions

Do I need a battery certificate to sell my electric car?

It is not required, but it helps. The TCS advises buyers to always ask for one, and a recent State of Health (SoH) report lets buyers value your car more accurately.

Does the battery warranty pass to the buyer?

Yes. The battery warranty – typically at least 8 years or 160,000 km – belongs to the car and passes to the next owner. Check the exact terms in your warranty documents.

My car has a rented battery. Can I still sell it?

Yes. The battery rental contract must either be transferred to the buyer or the battery bought out. Tell us about the contract when you request your offer.

Do you buy electric cars and plug-in hybrids?

Yes. We buy electric cars, hybrids and plug-in hybrids of every make, as well as petrol and diesel cars.

What about my home wallbox?

A wallbox is normally part of your home, not the car, so it stays with you. Only the charging cables that came with the car go to the buyer.