Electric car PDI, before you take delivery
An expert checks your new electric car before delivery: battery health and charge level, the charging port and a test charge, the cable and home charger, range, body, cabin and software.
An electric car has fewer moving parts but new things to check. The battery should be healthy and charged as promised, the charging port undamaged, the portable cable and home charger in the box, and the software up to date. The body, glass, tyres and features still need the same care as any new car.
What can go wrong
- Low battery health or charge level at delivery
- Bent or burnt pins in the charging port
- Missing charging cable, adapters or home charger
- Range shown does not match the charge level
- Transport scratches, old tyres or missing accessories
How it works
Book in two minutes
Tell us what to check, the address and the date. Confirm your email with a 6-digit code.
A verified expert visits
A mechanic, engineer, inspector or surveyor near you calls, then checks every item on the list with you.
You get the report
A clear verdict, every issue with photos and notes, and what to ask the seller to fix before you sign.
The full checklist: 77 checks
The expert marks each check as OK, Issue or N/A, with notes and photos. Checks marked with a label only apply to that type.
Papers and identity
- VIN and engine number match the invoice and papersCheck the plate on the body, the windshield sticker and the papers.
- Manufacturing month is recentOld stock can mean the car sat in a yard for months.
- Odometer reading is lowUsually under 50 km or 30 miles. Photo the reading with the VIN.
- Variant, colour and features are what you paid for
- Invoice, insurance, warranty booklet, owner's manual and service book
- Roadside assistance and extended warranty details
- Both keys workLock, unlock and start with each key.
Outside body and paint
- Paint: scratches, swirl marks, chips, dentsCheck every panel in daylight and at an angle.
- Signs of repaint or repairShade differences, overspray on rubber or plastic, paint gauge readings.
- Panel gaps are evenDoors, bonnet, boot, fenders and bumpers.
- Doors, bonnet, boot and fuel or charge lid open and shut properly
- Roof, pillars and door edgesEasy to miss. Check from a height or with your phone camera.
- Bumpers and grille: cracks, scrapes, loose clips
- Badges, chrome and trims are straight and secure
- Door seals and rubber beading
- Underbody: scrapes, damage, leaks
Glass, lights and mirrors
- Windshield and windows: chips, cracks, scratches
- All glass has the same make and date codeA different one means that window was replaced.
- Headlights low and high beam, daytime running lights
- Tail lights, brake lights and reverse lights
- Indicators, hazard lights and fog lamps
- No moisture or cracks inside the lamps
- Mirrors fold, adjust and are not cracked
- Wipers and washers, front and rear
Tyres, wheels and brakes
- Tyre manufacturing date (DOT code)On a new car, within about 6 months. Tyres over 5 years old need replacing.
- Tread depth and even wearUneven wear can mean bad alignment or suspension.
- No cuts, bulges or cracks on the sidewalls
- All tyres are the same brand and size
- Tyre pressure is correct, spare included
- Tyre pressure warning works, if fitted
- Wheels and alloys have no scratches or bends
- Wheel nuts tight, locking nut key present
- Spare tyre, jack and tool kit presentA puncture kit instead of a spare is fine if that is the model spec.
Under the bonnet
- Fluid levels: engine oil, coolant, brake fluid, washer
- No oil, coolant or fuel leaks
- 12V battery: date and terminalsAn old or corroded battery is a red flag.
- Wiring and connectors look neat and untouched
- No signs of repair or replaced partsTool marks on bolts, mismatched stickers.
Electric and hybrid
- Battery charge level is as promisedElectric and hybridMany dealers promise a full charge at delivery.
- Battery health (SoH) read with a scan toolElectric and hybridOver 90% is good for a car under 5 years old.
- Charging port: pins, cover and lockElectric and hybridNo bent pins, melting or burn marks.
- A test charge starts and stops normallyElectric and hybrid
- Charging cable, adapters and home charger as promisedElectric and hybrid
- Range shown matches the charge levelElectric and hybrid
- Orange high-voltage cables have no damageElectric and hybrid
- Regenerative braking works smoothlyElectric and hybrid
- Software is up to date and the car app connectsElectric and hybrid
Inside the cabin
- Seats and upholstery: stains, tears
- Seat adjustments: slide, recline, height, lumbar
- Dashboard and trims: scratches, loose parts
- Roof lining, grab handles and sun visors
- No warning lights on the dashboardThey should all light up at ignition, then go off.
- Instrument cluster, trip meter and fuel or charge gauge
- AC cooling and heater on all fan speedsCheck the rear vents too.
- Touchscreen, speakers, Bluetooth, Android Auto or CarPlay
- USB ports, 12V sockets and wireless charger
- Reverse camera and parking sensors
- Power windows, auto up and down, anti-pinch
- Central locking, keyless entry and child locks
- Sunroof opens, closes and doesn't leak, if fitted
- Seat belts lock and release
- Steering controls, horn and cruise control
- Cabin lights, boot light and glovebox light
- No damp smell or water under the mats
- Boot floor, parcel tray and carpet
Drive test
- Starts cleanly, smooth idle
- Pulls smoothly with no hesitation
- Brakes are firm, straight and quiet
- Parking brake holds on a slope
- Steering is straight, no pulling or vibration
- No rattles, knocks or suspension noiseWindows down, music off, over a speed breaker.
- ABS and stability control lights stay off
- OBD scan shows no error codes
Accessories and handover
- All promised accessories are fittedFloor mats, mud flaps, guards and anything else in the deal.
- Fuel or charge level as promised
- Number plates and registration papers
- Photos of odometer, VIN and every issue taken before signing
Questions
What is different in an EV PDI?
It adds battery health (state of health), charge level, the charging port, a test charge, the charging cable and wall charger, the range shown, high-voltage cables, regenerative braking and the car's app.
How is battery health checked?
With a scan tool or the car's own battery report. A new car should be close to 100%.
Do you check hybrids?
Yes. Hybrids get both the engine checks and the battery and charging checks.
Check it before you sign for it
Available in India and the USA. We confirm the fee with you before the visit.
Book a car check