Don't sell a used EV on a single summer range figure
Make the holiday journey the benchmark for the conversation
Do not begin with a promised number of kilometres; begin with the journey for which the buyer wants reassurance: a full car travelling to a destination, with luggage, motorway driving and the desired level of comfort. For choosing a used EV, Dutch government research identifies purchase price, range and mileage as the most decisive factors. The editorial approach is therefore to assess whether this car suits the buyer's most demanding, recognisable usage scenario, and use the test drive to deepen that conversation rather than to confirm an ideal range figure. The passages concern general purchase factors and camping use; they do not substantiate a prediction of the range, charging time or suitability of a specific EV for an individual summer journey.
State precisely what the source does say about summer use
Keep the explanation precise. In the context of camping with an electric car, BOVAG states that a heavier load reduces the range of the towing vehicle. That source also cites differences in temperature and elevation, as well as using air conditioning or heating while driving, as influences on range. So ask about passengers, luggage, any camping equipment, climate comfort and the route. For charge planning, BOVAG advises looking for a charging station when the battery reaches 30% and retaining enough range to reach an alternative charging location. This is a useful framework for the conversation, not a rule for every car, journey or driver.
Document the summer check before the test drive
Use one tool: the summer test-drive check. Note the destination and most demanding journey, the expected load, intended use of air conditioning, charging options at departure and en route, plus an alternative should a charging location be unavailable. Finish by asking what information the buyer wants to check during the test drive, such as the consumption display or charging settings. Record the outcome clearly in the file: “Document the summer test-drive check: most demanding journey, load, comfort preference, planned charging stop, alternative charging location and the test-drive item the buyer wants to check.” This makes the test drive a moment to assess the buyer's own situation, not a promise about performance.
