There are pre-owned electric vehicles for sale from a wide range of sources, including private sellers on Craigslist and other sale-by-owner sites, franchised dealerships, and car-maker-certified pre-owned programs. Buyers should look at all of these options and carefully weigh the pros and cons of each before making a purchase.

Pros:

Used EVs typically depreciate more slowly than their gas-powered counterparts, which can help you save money on the initial purchase. Also, many newer electric cars offer perks that you won’t find in older models, such as free DC fast charging at Electrify America stations and the ability to use your phone to start, stop and monitor charging or precondition the vehicle (using grid power to warm up or cool the cabin and battery, helping preserve range).

Con:

One drawback of buying a used EV is the potential for battery degradation or failure, which can be expensive. But federal rules require most EV makers to cover their batteries with an 8-year/100,000-mile warranty, and that coverage often transfers to subsequent owners. California’s zero-emissions vehicle regulations require even more coverage—a 10-year/150,000-mile battery warranty for all EVs and hybrids sold in the state.

To protect against an unexpected battery problem, buyers should consider getting a CPO model. These are late-model vehicles that have been inspected and maintained according to the manufacturer’s standards, and they usually come with longer warranties and other perks. Also, a few brands—including Hyundai’s Ioniq Electric and Kia’s Niro EV—offer a certified pre-owned program that includes the remainder of a five-year bumper-to-bumper warranty as well as a 10-year powertrain warranty. The manufacturer’s certification process may also cover a variety of roadside assistance services, such as trip interruption coverage and rental car reimbursement.