There is a competition underway to verify the performance and health of batteries in used electric cars, and a number of firms are rushing to assist consumers in determining the true value of a used EV.
When buying a typical combustion-engine automobile, the years and mileage accumulated might rapidly indicate to potential purchasers how much they should budget. With EVs, whose value is mostly determined by the driving range and charge-holding capacity of their batteries, that formula is not applicable.
The inability to evaluate battery health until recently hindered used EV sales. However, as businesses scramble to ramp up EV battery tests, which may take as little as minutes, that is starting to change.
Among these is Altelium, a UK-based company that this year will be available through dealer service providers like Assurant and GardX at over 7,000 U.S. and over 5,000 UK auto dealers. Altelium has created an EV battery state-of-health test and certificate.
“If the used car market isn’t functioning well, it will affect the new car market as well, which will delay the electric vehicle transition,” stated Alex Johns, business development manager at Altelium, a company that claims to have interest from various countries, including China. “We’re in an implementation race.”
The cost of a new EV’s battery usually accounts for 40% of the total cost. The key is how that battery is handled. charging an electric vehicle (EV) too quickly, continuously while the battery is almost full, or leaving it unattended for long periods fully charged can degrade its battery more quickly.
According to research conducted by Austrian startup Aviloo, EV battery health might vary by up to 30% after 100,000 kilometers (62,140 miles). The company has created a test for dealers and private consumers.
“With an EV, mileage and age don’t tell you anything,” Berger stated. “It’s all about the battery.”
