The 12V battery is small but critical: when it dies, the car cannot start, unlock, or charge. Used EVs often have weak 12V batteries because they sit on lots for months. Before shipping, ask the exporter to: 1. Measure the battery voltage after the car has rested overnight. It should read around 12.4-12.8V; anything under 12.2V means the battery is degraded. 2. Start the car and check that the charging system holds 13.8-14.4V, confirming the DC-DC converter works. 3. Scan for stored fault codes related to low voltage, which indicate the battery has been deeply discharged repeatedly. During ocean freight, the battery slowly self-discharges. Ask that it be disconnected or kept on a maintainer before loading, and budget for a replacement after arrival if the battery is over 3 years old. A new 12V battery costs little compared to being stranded at the port.

Currently, in most developing countries, there is a severe lack of deep repair capabilities for the three electric systems. We recommend that B2B car dealers must have basic electrical insulation testing capabilities.

Start by checking the after-sales clause in your contract—reputable exporters typically offer 3-12 months of parts support. The usual process: send the exporter a fault description with photos or a short video, plus your VIN and contract number. They will confirm whether it is a warranty case or a paid parts order. For warranty claims, common resolutions are free parts shipped with your next container, or a credit/refund for parts you source locally. Keep all communication in writing. To avoid long waits, ask for the OE part numbers in advance and check whether local dealers stock the same components—many Chinese brands share suppliers. Ordering common wear parts (filters, brake pads) together with the car shipment is the cheapest option by far.