The electric car check is a specialised on-site used-car inspection that, alongside the classic inspection points, specifically addresses the risks unique to electric vehicles: HV battery diagnostics, State-of-Health (SoH) testing, fast-charging capability, high-voltage system insulation and thermal management. checkdenwagen.de is an independent provider of on-site used-car inspections operating throughout Germany, based in Berlin and with a network of inspectors across the country. A qualified inspector comes directly to the vehicle's location — whether a private yard in Brandenburg or a dealer in Munich — and systematically assesses the vehicle using an inspection catalogue with over 100 points. The SoH (State of Health) indicates how many percent of the original battery capacity is still available: a battery with an SoH of 85% still delivers 85% of its new range. On most EVs this figure can be read out via OBD diagnostics or specific high-voltage diagnostic tools — on Tesla models, model-specific internal diagnostic access is used. Within 24 hours you receive a digital inspection report with all findings, measurements and annotated photos — plainly worded, ready to use in your purchase negotiation.
Electric car check before you buy: from €439 · on-site
Remaining battery capacity (SoH), the HV system and charging capability are the most expensive risks with a used EV. Our inspector comes on-site and delivers the report within 24 hours. Standard €439, Premium €489 — incl. VAT & travel.
What is an electric car check — and why isn't a normal used-car check enough?
What really matters with a used EV
HV battery diagnostics & State-of-Health (SoH)
The State of Health (SoH) is the single most important figure with a used EV. It indicates how many percent of the original battery capacity is still usable and directly determines everyday range. Our inspector reads the SoH out of the battery management system via OBD diagnostics or a high-voltage diagnostic tool — on Tesla models via model-specific internal access. Not an estimate, but an actual read-out value.
Fast-charging capability and DC power
Not every used EV can still charge at full DC power. Degradation, past thermal events or fast-charging deactivated by warranty conditions can permanently limit the charging curve. The check examines the current charge status and documents any conspicuous limitations — a point that's often underestimated in price negotiations.
High-voltage system insulation
The high-voltage system of an electric car operates at voltages between 400 and 800 volts. A faulty insulation resistance is neither visible nor detectable by smell — but it can shut the vehicle down or pose a safety risk. Our inspector checks for stored HV insulation fault codes and documents all relevant control-unit messages.
Thermal management and heat pump
Battery cooling determines how fast the vehicle can charge and how well it holds range in the cold. Vehicles with a heat pump are far more efficient in winter — but a defective heat pump is expensive. The check examines stored faults in the climate control unit, documents the heating and cooling circuits and assesses the overall condition of the thermal management.
Software level and pending updates
Many EV manufacturers deliver function-critical updates over the air — or require them to be installed at a workshop before warranty claims apply. A vehicle with outdated firmware can have performance or charging restrictions. The inspector reads out the current software level and checks whether critical updates are outstanding.
Charge port, charging flap and CCS mechanism
Charge-port pins and the charging-flap mechanism are among the mechanically stressed parts of an EV. Bent pins, a sticky flap or signs of corrosion at the charge connector are typical used-vehicle findings. The availability of the correct charging cable (Type 2, CCS) and an ICCB emergency charger is also checked as part of the supplied items.
Brakes — seizing up due to recuperation
Anyone who drives an EV with strong recuperation rarely brakes mechanically. That sounds good — but it means brake discs and pads are used little and can corrode or seize up. In the electric car check, brake discs are checked for rust and scoring and brake pads for remaining thickness, even if the vehicle visually shows little wear.
Manufacturer battery diagnostics and certificate
Some manufacturers offer dealers and certified workshops the option to issue an official battery certificate documenting the SoH. Where such a document is available, our inspector checks its authenticity and currency. If no certificate exists, we provide a well-founded, diagnostics-based assessment of the battery condition — not a promise, but a solid foundation.
Supplied items: charging cable and accessories
A used EV without the original charging cable (Type 2 or CCS adapter) or without an ICCB emergency charging cable is limited in everyday use — and the replacement costs several hundred euros depending on the model. The supplied-items check documents what equipment is present, whether it fits the vehicle and whether the charging accessories can be tested for function.
Have your dream car inspected on-site
Fixed price from 439 €, on-site appointment within a few days. We coordinate everything with the seller.
What the electric car check covers in detail
High-voltage and battery diagnostics
SoH read-out via OBD/high-voltage diagnostics, insulation resistance, charge status and HV fault memory — the heart of the EV check. For Tesla vehicles we use model-specific diagnostic access.
Over 100 classic inspection points
Paint, bodywork, chassis, interior and documents are checked just as thoroughly as on any other vehicle — including paint-thickness measurement to detect accident damage.
Test drive and driving dynamics
Steering, lane tracking, recuperation behaviour and noise levels under load are checked while driving. Anomalies in the drive characteristics — e.g. uneven power delivery — are documented.
Around 1.5 hours on-site
The inspector takes the time that's needed. The on-site inspection lasts around 1.5 hours — enough time to work through all inspection points conscientiously, carry out the diagnostics cleanly and photograph any anomalies.
Digital report within 24 hours
You receive your inspection report by email: annotated photos, diagnostic data, a rating per category and a clear conclusion. Plainly worded, no jargon — ready to use in price negotiations or as a basis for your buying decision.
Fixed price from €439 incl. VAT & travel
The check costs from €439 — including travel within Germany. No hourly rate, no small print. What you see at booking is the total price.
Independent of the seller
Neither dealer nor manufacturer has any influence on the findings. Our inspector has no interest in you buying — only an interest in giving you an accurate picture of the vehicle.
Money back if it falls through
If an arranged viewing can't take place because the seller cancels or the vehicle isn't available, we refund the full amount — usually within 5 business days.
Choose your package for a reliable electric car check
Standard Check
Travel included
- Certified experts
- HV battery diagnostics
- State-of-Health check (SoH)
- OBD fault readout
- Brake inspection
- Paint thickness measurement
- Accident check
- Visual bodywork inspection
- Tire tread check
- Visual interior inspection
- Electronics function test
- Vehicle document check
- Photo documentation
- Seller rating
- Market price assessment
- Vehicle price comparison
- Repair cost estimate
- VIN lookup
Premium Check
Travel included
- Certified experts
- HV battery diagnostics
- State-of-Health check (SoH)
- OBD fault readout
- Brake inspection
- Paint thickness measurement
- Accident check
- Visual bodywork inspection
- Tire tread check
- Visual interior inspection
- Electronics function test
- Vehicle document check
- Photo documentation
- Seller rating
- Market price assessment
- Vehicle price comparison
- Repair cost estimate
- VIN lookup
- Everything in Standard plus market value, repair cost estimate, seller rating & VIN lookup.
Questions about the right package for your desired vehicle? Call us: 030 301 32 327.
What the electric car check is not — and what it doesn't deliver
The electric car check is not a substitute for a general roadworthiness inspection (HU) or a TÜV report. It is not an official document and makes no statement about whether a vehicle meets the legal requirements for road traffic. What it does deliver: an independent, purchase-oriented condition assessment focused on EV-specific risks — so you can decide on a solid basis before you sign. The check delivers a well-founded, diagnostics-based assessment of the battery condition — but not an official manufacturer battery certificate. Such certificates are issued by individual manufacturers only through authorised dealer networks. If such a document already exists, we check its authenticity and currency. If none exists, we provide you with the best possible technical findings based on our diagnostic tools. Also not included in the Standard check: market price analysis, vehicle price comparison, itemised repair cost calculation, seller rating and VIN lookup. These five services are reserved for the Premium package. For vehicles over €20,000, for Teslas with complex equipment, or when you need a solid negotiating basis, we recommend the Premium check.
How the electric car check works
Booking in under 2 minutes
Send us the vehicle location and the listing link. Choose the package you want — the price is fixed (€439 Standard, €489 Premium) and includes travel within Germany. No phone call needed, no form ping-pong.
Inspector travels to the vehicle
A vehicle appraiser from our network arranges the appointment directly with the seller and travels to the location. They inspect on-site for around 1.5 hours — with their own OBD equipment, high-voltage diagnostic tools and a paint-thickness gauge. You don't have to be there.
Report within 24 hours by email
You receive the full inspection report: battery condition and SoH assessment, HV findings, paint-thickness heatmap, OBD read-out, interior and documents — all annotated, illustrated and clearly structured. Ready to use in negotiation.
What our customers say
“I had my 5 Series inspected before buying — the report was very detailed and made my purchase decision so much easier.”
Emre E.
Berlin
“When the vehicle wasn't available for the viewing after all, the refund was completely hassle-free. Very fair and transparent.”
Bartosz K.
Hamburg
“The Premium package gave me a clear overview of the expected repair and maintenance costs. Exactly what I needed.”
Amir O.
Munich
“Excellent knowledge of the German car market, the dealer landscape and price ranges. Highly recommended.”
Denis B.
Cologne
Electric car check in your city
Frequently asked questions about the electric car check
SoH stands for State of Health and indicates how many percent of its original battery capacity a pack still has. A vehicle with a 77 kWh battery and an SoH of 85% still has around 65 kWh of usable capacity — and correspondingly less range than when new. The SoH is the decisive figure when buying a used EV: it directly affects everyday range and therefore the vehicle's value. Our inspector reads it out of the battery management system via OBD diagnostics or a high-voltage diagnostic tool.
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Learn moreBuying a used EV — but get the battery checked first.
A degraded battery, limited fast-charging or an open HV insulation fault aren't visible — but they're decisive for the value and everyday usability. The electric car check from €439 gives you the facts before you sign.