Electric Car Delivery: What to Check on Handover

Taking delivery of an electric car is an exciting moment, but it is also your best opportunity to spot problems before they become your responsibility. Whether you are collecting from a dealer forecourt or accepting a home delivery, a structured handover check takes only thirty to forty minutes and can save you significant hassle later. Our charging cable guide can help you confirm you have the right cable before you drive away. Do not feel rushed: a reputable dealer will expect you to take your time.

Check the battery state of health before accepting a used EV

For a new car, the battery will be at full health by definition. For a used EV, it matters considerably more. Many EVs display a state of health figure in the settings menu, or a dealer can pull a report from the car's diagnostic system. Ask for this before or during handover and note it down. A battery in good health should retain the vast majority of its original capacity; noticeable degradation at a young age or low mileage may indicate a fault or a history of heavy use. If the dealer cannot or will not provide any indication of battery health, treat that as a red flag. Some third-party companies also offer independent battery health checks if you want an unbiased assessment.

Confirm the right charging cables are in the boot

New EVs typically come with a charging cable, but the type and length vary, and not every manufacturer includes every cable type as standard. Check what is physically in the boot on handover day rather than assuming. You will want to confirm:

• A Mode 3 Type 2 cable for home wallbox and public AC charging
• A granny charger (Mode 2 cable) for three-pin socket charging, if the manufacturer includes one
• Any adapters needed for specific charging networks

If a cable is missing that should have been included, raise it before you drive away. Replacing cables separately adds unnecessary cost. Browse the full range of portable EV chargers if you need a backup option for travelling.

Inspect the charging port carefully

The charging port is one of the most used components on an electric car, and damage here can be expensive to repair. On handover, inspect the port closely with good lighting:

• Look for bent, broken, or missing pins inside the port
• Check the port surround for cracks or impact marks
• Make sure the port cover opens and closes smoothly
• On used cars, check for corrosion, which can indicate the car was stored in poor conditions

If you spot any damage, photograph it immediately and note it on the handover paperwork before signing anything. Once you drive away, proving pre-existing damage becomes much harder.

Test all charging modes before leaving the forecourt

Wherever possible, physically plug the car in during handover and confirm it charges. An AC test using the supplied cable is straightforward at most dealerships. For rapid DC charging, you may need to drive to a nearby charger, but it is worth doing if you can, especially on a used car. Confirm that:

• The car responds correctly when plugged in and displays a charging status
• The charge rate shown is consistent with what the trim level specifies
• No error codes appear on the dashboard during charging

A car that will not accept a charge on collection day should not leave the forecourt until the fault is diagnosed and resolved.

Check software and ask about pending updates

EV software is updated regularly, and some updates affect charging behaviour, range estimation, and driver assistance features. On handover, check the software version in the car's settings and ask the dealer whether the car is on the latest available version. If it is not, ask them to update it before collection, or understand what you need to do to update it yourself at home via the manufacturer's app or a dealership visit. Uninstalled updates on a new or used car are not unusual, but you should know the current state before driving away.

Review your warranty documents and understand what is covered

Most EVs come with a separate battery warranty in addition to the standard vehicle warranty. The terms vary between manufacturers: some cover the battery to a minimum state of health threshold, others cover it for a set number of years or miles, whichever comes first. Read both documents carefully on handover day and ask the dealer to explain any clauses that are unclear. Key questions to ask:

• What triggers a battery warranty claim, and what does not?
• Is the warranty transferable if you sell the car?
• Which dealerships can carry out warranty work?
• Are software updates required to maintain warranty validity?

Keep both warranty documents somewhere accessible; you will need them if you ever make a claim.

Frequently asked questions

Should I check the bodywork before signing the handover form?

Yes, always. Walk around the entire car in good light and inspect every panel for chips, scratches, and panel alignment issues. Check door shuts, boot and bonnet fit, and the condition of the glass. Photograph anything that looks questionable. Once you have signed the handover form and driven away, proving that damage existed before collection becomes very difficult, particularly with a main dealer.

What if the home charger is not installed yet at handover?

Make sure the installation is booked before you drive away. You can charge via a three-pin socket using a granny charger in the short term, but it is slow and not intended for daily long-term use. If a wallbox was included as part of your purchase agreement, get written confirmation of the installation date before signing anything. A portable charger can bridge the gap, but your wallbox should follow promptly.

How do I check the battery state of health on a used EV?

Start by looking in the car's settings menu; many EVs display a battery health or degradation figure directly on screen. If not, ask the dealer to run a diagnostic report. Some manufacturers' apps also show battery health data. For complete peace of mind, independent battery health check services are available from specialist EV workshops, and some AA and RAC membership packages now include EV-specific checks.

What should I do if I find damage on handover?

Stop and note it before signing. Photograph the damage clearly, including context shots that show the location on the car. Write a description on the handover paperwork before you sign, or ask for a separate document acknowledging the issue. A good dealer will resolve pre-existing damage without argument; if they resist, escalate to the sales manager before accepting the car.

Can I refuse to take delivery if the car has a fault?

Yes. Under UK consumer law, goods must be of satisfactory quality at point of sale. If the car has a genuine fault at handover, you are entitled to have it remedied before accepting the vehicle. Do not feel pressured to take a car with a charging fault, missing equipment, or unresolved damage. Politely but firmly decline delivery until the issue is addressed, and get any agreed remedy confirmed in writing.

Does it matter if the car's software is out of date?

It can do. Some software updates are minor cosmetic changes; others affect charging speeds, range estimation accuracy, battery management, or safety features. Ask the dealer what the latest version contains and whether any updates are pending. Most over-the-air updates can be applied at home, but some require a dealership visit, so knowing the current state helps you plan accordingly.

A thorough handover check sets you up for confident EV ownership from day one. Once everything is confirmed and you are ready to charge, visit our home page to find the right charging cable for your specific car, or browse our Guides section for practical advice on home charging, public networks, and getting the most from your battery.