Thinking of buying a used electric car in Hungary? Here’s why it’s worth waiting and what to watch out for
The share of electric cars in Hungary’s used car market remains relatively small for now, but change is clearly on the horizon. According to a forecast by Das WeltAuto, the first real wave of used electric vehicles (EVs) is expected to appear between 2026 and 2027, as large numbers of fleet cars reach the second-hand market. This turning point could mark the beginning of a new era for the Hungarian automotive sector. Below, we explain what’s worth paying attention to (and why) if you’re planning to buy a used electric car.
Steady growth and new players on the market
According to Das WeltAuto‘s statement sent to Hungarian News Agency MTI, the Hungarian used car market continues to grow dynamically, with the expansion of electric and Chinese brands expected to reshape the entire landscape. According to Datahouse data, Tesla currently leads the domestic used EV market with 2,655 transactions, giving it a 0.38% market share.
Chinese brands are also becoming more active: MG, BYD, Omoda, and NIO have already sold 1,155 vehicles combined, representing 0.17% of the market. While that may still seem modest, their growth trend is unmistakable, especially for MG and the increasingly popular BYD.
In the first nine months of 2025, nearly 700,000 ownership transfers were registered in Hungary’s used car market: a 2.8% increase compared to the same period last year. The three most popular brands remain Opel, Volkswagen, and Suzuki, with demand strongest for compact (C-segment) and small (B-segment) models.
Buyers are more conscious than ever
According to Péter Tóth, Sales Director at Das WeltAuto, today’s buyers are far more cautious than they were a few years ago:
“Cars with verified service histories are sold much faster, even in uncertain market conditions. Trust and transparent maintenance records are now decisive factors,” he emphasised.
Das WeltAuto, which operates as Porsche Hungaria’s used car division, runs 30 dealerships across the country. Its listings include only carefully inspected, well-maintained vehicles, and the best of them come with a warranty.
What to check before buying a used electric car
According to SlashGear, purchasing a used electric car requires more attention than buying a petrol or diesel model. One of the most important factors is the battery’s condition, as it’s essentially the “heart” of the car. Buyers should request a battery diagnostic report and check whether the capacity still reaches at least 80% of its original value.
Range is another key consideration: older EV models typically offer 150–200 km, while newer ones can reach 600–700 km on a single charge. A significant difference between the real and factory-stated range could indicate a worn-out battery.
It’s also crucial to test EV-specific functions, such as regenerative braking, driving modes, or automatic parking, and to check the chargers and cables. Missing charging equipment can add hundreds of thousands of forints to the total cost.
Finally, always review the vehicle’s service history: regularly maintained, well-documented cars tend to retain their value better and are generally more reliable.
A new era on the horizon
Over the next few years, Hungary’s used car market is expected to undergo one of its biggest transformations. As fleet-owned electric cars enter the second-hand market in greater numbers, they will not only broaden the selection but also reshape consumer attitudes towards car ownership and sustainability.