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Used Electric Vehicle (EV) Shopping Tips

A couple buying an electric vehicle from a car salesman.

Below are tips for finding a used EV in Maine. As a reminder, Efficiency Maine rebates for used Battery Electric Vehicles (BEVs) and Plug-in Hybrid Electric Vehicles (PHEVs) are only available for low-income customers who have been verified online based on participation in the Home Energy Assistance Program (HEAP), Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP), Temporary Assistance for Needy Families (TANF), or MaineCare.

To qualify for an Efficiency Maine rebate, the used electric vehicle must be a model year 2015 or newer, purchased from a participating Maine dealer, and on Efficiency Maine’s list of eligible used vehicles. In addition to Efficiency Maine’s rebates, customers may be eligible for a used clean vehicle federal tax credit. For more information, click here.

When looking for a used vehicle, start by calling and/or visiting an Efficiency Maine participating dealer to get an idea of what cars are available and eligible for Efficiency Maine’s used EV rebates. Tools such as Capital One’s Auto Navigator and Auto Trader are also good places to start. On both of these websites you can use “filters” that include type of vehicle, location/dealership, price, etc. CarGurus and CARFAX are other websites that can help you find a used EV. Sites such as Carvana and Vroom may have good options, but keep in mind that these vehicles are not eligible for Efficiency Maine’s used EV rebates.

Tools for Finding a Used EV

Additional Tips

  1. Get verified for Efficiency Maine’s income-eligible rebates before you start shopping. Pre-approval is valid for one year.
  2. Become familiar with Efficiency Maine’s list of Eligible Used EVs so you know what models to look for. Some EVs may have been discontinued so they will only be available for sale as a used vehicle.
  3. Be prepared to travel. Due to low inventory, you may need to travel further than you would expect to find a car. Keep in mind that vehicles purchased outside the state of Maine or from private parties are not eligible for Efficiency Maine’s used EV rebates.
  4. Most EVs sell quickly. You may need to join a waiting list at a dealership for a vehicle that fits your needs and budget.