Hybrids and electrics are not the future, they are the present
Ten years ago, if someone mentioned an electric car, most people would think of some strange futuristic toy. Today? Toyota Prius, Hyundai Ioniq, Renault Zoe, Tesla Model 3, Nissan Leaf... These vehicles are everywhere around us. And like every car, they need parts. Sometimes new, sometimes (and more wisely) used.
But here's the problem. Most people who drive hybrids or electric cars have no idea where to get used parts. The classic scrapyard mostly has no experience with these vehicles, and authorised shops charge sky-high prices. That is why I decided to write this guide that will help you find your way in the world of used parts for hybrid and electric vehicles.
What is specific about hybrids and electric vehicles
First, we have to understand how these vehicles differ from classic ones. It is not just "a car on electricity". The whole architecture of the vehicle is different, and that affects which parts exist, how they wear and how much they are worth as used parts.
Hybrid vehicles have both a classic internal combustion engine and an electric motor. That means they have almost all the parts a classic car has, plus extra components for the electric drive. More parts means more things that can break, but also more chances to save with used parts.
Fully electric vehicles are simpler in terms of mechanics. They have no gearbox in the classic sense, no exhaust system, no alternator, no timing belts. But they have complex electronics, control units, battery cooling systems and regenerative braking. And those parts can be very expensive when new.
Parts that are the same as in classic cars
The good news is that hybrids and electrics use many of the same parts as classic cars. Suspension is suspension. Brakes are brakes (although they wear less due to regenerative braking). Glass, mirrors, seats, locks, electric window lifters, wipers... all that is practically identical and is easy to source as used.
- Suspension parts - shock absorbers, springs, arms, anti-roll bars, ball joints, bushings
- Body parts - bumpers, wings, doors, lids, sills
- Glass and mirrors - windscreen, side glass, rear-view mirrors
- Interior - seats, trim, dashboard, steering wheel
- Brake system - discs, calipers, hoses, cylinders (buy pads new as a rule)
- Steering system - rack, tie rod ends, track rods
For all these parts, feel free to look for used options as for any other car. There is no difference in quality or compatibility.
Parts specific to hybrids and EVs
And now we get to the interesting part. These are components classic cars do not have, and they can be very expensive when bought new.
High voltage battery (traction battery)
This is the heart of every hybrid and electric car. And yes, it can be bought used. In fact, the market for used batteries keeps growing, especially for popular models like Toyota Prius, Honda Insight or Lexus CT.
A new battery for a Toyota Prius can cost over 3000 euros. A used, tested battery with a warranty? Can be found for 800 to 1500 euros. That is serious saving. But also serious risk if you do not know what you are buying.
What to watch for with a used battery:
- Ask for capacity information. A battery with 70 percent or more of original capacity is still usable.
- Ask how many kilometres the car has covered. A battery from a car with 150,000 km is generally better than one with 300,000 km.
- Check for signs of leaking or physical damage.
- If possible, ask for the battery to be tested before purchase.
It is worth noting that working with high voltage batteries is not for amateurs. Voltages from 200V to 800V can be fatal. Leave fitting to specialists.
Electric motor
Electric motors are actually incredibly durable. They do not have many moving parts, do not need lubrication in the classic sense and can last hundreds of thousands of kilometres. That is why used electric motors are often in excellent condition and represent an excellent purchase.
The price of a new electric motor for a hybrid can be over 2000 euros. A used one can be found for 500 to 1000 euros, depending on model and condition. When buying a used electric motor, check that it spins freely, has no unusual sounds and that the cable insulation is undamaged.
Inverter and converter
The inverter converts the direct current from the battery into alternating current for the electric motor. This is an expensive electronic component and when it fails, a new one can cost over 2500 euros. Used inverters are available and significantly cheaper, but they must be tested and functional because repair is not simple.
The DC-DC converter is a component that steps down the high battery voltage to 12V for powering the classic electronics in the car (lights, radio, computer). This component can also be bought used at a much lower price.
Regenerative braking system
Hybrids and electric cars use regenerative braking, where the electric motor acts as a generator and returns energy to the battery during slowing down. This system includes specific sensors, control modules and sometimes special brake actuators. Used parts for this system are available and functional, but they must be compatible with the specific vehicle model.
Onboard charger
In fully electric vehicles, the onboard charger is a component that can fail. A new one can cost over 1500 euros. Used chargers from scrapyards or from vehicles that had an accident (but the charger survived) can be an excellent solution for half the price or less.
Which models are most popular for used parts
Availability of used parts depends on how many vehicles of a particular model are on the market. Here is an overview by availability:
Excellent availability: Toyota Prius (all generations), Toyota Yaris Hybrid, Toyota Auris Hybrid, Lexus CT series. Toyota has produced millions of hybrids, so parts are not in short supply.
Good availability: Nissan Leaf (especially first generation), Renault Zoe, BMW i3, Hyundai Ioniq. These vehicles are widespread enough for parts to be found.
Limited availability: Tesla Model S/3/X/Y (Tesla has specific policies around parts, but they can be found at scrapyards), Volkswagen e-Golf, Kia Niro EV. For these vehicles you need to search a bit more.
Hard to source: Newer models like Hyundai Ioniq 5, Kia EV6, Volkswagen ID.3/ID.4. These vehicles are still too new for significant quantities at scrapyards.
Where to look for used parts for hybrids and EVs
Classic scrapyards are slowly starting to take in hybrid and electric vehicles, but not all yet have experience with dismantling and testing these components. I recommend looking for specialised yards that have experience with high voltage systems and can test components before selling.
Online platforms like ours are a great place to start because you can post a specific request and get offers from several suppliers. Send a request for a used part and state the exact vehicle model, year of production and which part you need. The more precisely you describe what you need, the better offers you will get.
Safety first
I cannot stress enough how important safety is when it comes to high voltage components. The high voltage battery in a hybrid vehicle runs at 200 to 300V, and in fully electric ones up to 800V. These are voltages that can be lethal.
Never disassemble or connect high voltage components yourself if you are not trained for it. Always use insulating gloves of category 0 or higher. Before working on a high voltage system, always switch off the service disconnect. And remember, even after switching off, capacitors in the system can hold a dangerous charge for several minutes.
Leave fitting of used high voltage components to a shop that has experience with hybrid and electric vehicles. This is not a place to skimp.
Is it worth buying used parts for hybrids and EVs
Definitely yes. The savings can be huge, especially for expensive components like batteries, inverters or electric motors. But the key is to buy smart. Buy from trusted sources, ask for tested parts, and do not try to work on high voltage systems yourself.
Hybrid and electric vehicles are here to stay. As more of them appear on the roads, the used parts market will also grow. Now is the right time to get familiar with this segment and start taking advantage of the savings it offers.
Need a specific part for your hybrid or electric vehicle? Send us a request and we will help you find the right component at the best price.