‘90% of Drivers Demand Battery Health Checks for Used EVs’

Hello, Champions of Net Zero!

In an era where electric vehicles (EVs) are gaining traction as a sustainable alternative to traditional petrol and diesel cars, a recent study has unveiled a significant demand for improved transparency surrounding battery health assessments. According to new research conducted by Startline Motor Finance as part of its monthly Used Car Tracker, an impressive 88% of prospective electric car buyers desire an independent, certified evaluation of the battery’s health before making a purchase.

This overwhelming statistic highlights a crucial aspect of the used electric car market: the need for confidence among consumers. The research indicates that potential buyers are not only concerned about the current state of the battery but also about its future performance. A staggering 83% of respondents expressed the importance of knowing how long it takes to fully charge the battery now, while another 83% are keen to understand how much capacity the battery is likely to lose over time.

Furthermore, the desire for comprehensive battery health information does not stop there. An impressive 81% of those surveyed wish to know how much battery capacity has been lost since the vehicle was new, and 78% are interested in the current charge-holding capacity. These figures paint a clear picture: consumers are eager to arm themselves with knowledge before committing to what is often a significant financial investment.

Adding weight to these findings, a separate study carried out by Startline revealed that a remarkable 90% of used car dealers believe that the electric vehicle sector requires an industry-wide initiative for battery health testing. This consensus among dealers underscores the urgency for a structured approach to battery assessments in the used EV market, paving the way for enhanced consumer trust.

Paul Burgess, the CEO of Startline Motor Finance, commented on these findings, stating: “As the motor industry learns more about the long-term reliability of electric cars, it is becoming evident that battery failures and rapid declines in battery capacity are rare. However, when issues do arise, they can lead to substantial costs for consumers.”

Burgess further explained that the data collected reveals a strong desire among consumers for credible information regarding the battery health of any car they consider purchasing. “No one wants to face the prospect of a bill amounting to thousands of pounds for battery repairs or replacements,” he emphasised, highlighting the need for a reliable battery health check system.

Interestingly, this pressing demand for standardised battery health checks has been echoed in Labour’s pre-election manifesto, which pledged to implement such a programme. However, as of now, this scheme has yet to materialise, leaving consumers in a state of uncertainty.

“While credible companies offering battery health check services are already operational in the UK, a formal, industry-wide scheme akin to those in certain European countries has yet to be established,” Burgess noted. He pointed out that this lack of a unified system creates a credibility gap that could otherwise foster confidence in the used electric car market.

Perhaps most telling is that responses regarding battery health checks have remained remarkably stable. Burgess remarked that the latest responses on battery health checks were within a mere 3% of those collected a year ago in the Startline Used Car Tracker. “This consistency in sentiment suggests that the desire for battery health information is a persistent need among car buyers. The market should be accelerating its efforts to fulfil this requirement,” he asserted.

The Startline Used Car Tracker, which is compiled monthly for Startline Motor Finance by APD Global Research, surveyed 300 consumers and 60 dealers this time around, providing critical insights into consumer and dealer perspectives on the used EV market.

As we move towards a more sustainable future, it is essential for the automotive industry to adapt to the evolving needs of consumers. The findings of this research not only reflect the growing importance of electric vehicles in our transport ecosystem but also highlight the necessity for enhanced transparency and reliability in the used electric car market. Only by addressing these concerns can we inspire greater confidence among potential buyers and further accelerate the transition to electric mobility.

In summary, the call for independent, certified battery health assessments is not merely a trend; it is a fundamental requirement that reflects the changing landscape of the automotive market. The demand for clarity and assurance in battery health is a clear indication that consumers are ready to embrace electric vehicles, provided they can trust the technology powering them. As we continue on this journey toward net zero, it is crucial for industry stakeholders to heed this call and work collaboratively to establish a robust framework that ensures the long-term sustainability and credibility of electric vehicles.