What to ask a dealership before buying an EV

Buying an electric or plug-in hybrid car, especially from a brand you don't know well, comes down to a few things the brochure rarely explains. Take these questions with you and ask for the answers in writing. If a dealership can't answer one, that is useful information too.

1. Which car exactly is this?

• Which market is this car built for (for example European, Chinese or American specification)?
• Is it officially distributed in Georgia, or imported separately? Who is the importer?
• Model year, exact variant and battery size?
• Which charging inlet does it have? (See the connectors guide.)

2. Warranty

• Who issues the warranty: the manufacturer, the importer or the dealership?
• How long does it last, and is there a distance limit?
• Is the warranty valid in Georgia for this specific car? Can I see the document?
• What is excluded, and what could void it?

3. Battery

• Is the battery covered separately, and for how long or how far?
• Does the warranty set a minimum battery capacity, and who measures it?
• What happens if the battery needs repair or replacement, and who pays?
• For a plug-in hybrid: how big is the battery, what is the electric range, and can the car run without ever being plugged in?

4. Servicing and parts

• Who services the car in Georgia, and are the technicians trained for this brand?
• Are common parts kept in stock, or ordered? How long does ordering usually take?
• Is there a loan car or other support while mine is being repaired?

5. Software, charging and paperwork

• Which features and apps work in Georgia, and in which language?
• Is a charging cable included, and can the dealership help with a home charger?
• What are the registration, customs and delivery steps, and who handles them?
• Can I take a test drive?