Boost EV Buyer Confidence with Used Battery Health Pledge

Welcome, Net Zero News readers,

The landscape of electric vehicles (EVs) is undergoing a significant transformation in the UK, and a new promise is at the forefront of this change. A recent initiative aimed at guaranteeing the battery health of used electric vehicles (EVs) at 90% or above has sparked a wave of enthusiasm among UK dealers. This development is not only enhancing the confidence of dealers but also paving the way for a more robust market for used EVs.

Motability Operations, the organisation behind the well-known Motability Scheme, has recently launched a pioneering pilot scheme through its remarketing platform, mfldirect. This innovative programme invites dealers to independently assess the battery health of any EV they wish to purchase. The introduction of this battery health pledge has resulted in a remarkable increase in dealer interest, with searches for used EVs soaring by 25% since the trial began.

This initiative directly addresses a pressing concern among drivers regarding the longevity of EV batteries. With over 860,000 customers relying on the Motability Scheme, the organisation recognised that battery lifespan is a pivotal factor influencing the decision to transition to electric vehicles. The findings from their recent EV Transition Tracker research revealed that half of the drivers who are hesitant to consider an EV for their next vehicle are primarily worried about battery longevity. Moreover, a staggering 74% of used car dealers in the UK acknowledged that battery health is a crucial consideration for retail customers.

By introducing a guarantee for battery life, Motability Operations is effectively alleviating these concerns, providing both dealers and consumers with the confidence needed to engage in the used EV market. Since the pilot scheme’s inception, an impressive 110 dealerships, which previously only dealt in petrol or diesel vehicles, have taken the leap to purchase EVs from mfldirect for the first time.

Motability has made this battery health guarantee a permanent fixture, emphasising its importance in facilitating a smoother national transition towards electric vehicles. Andrew Miller, the CEO of Motability Operations, stated, “Battery reliability is one of the biggest sticking points for UK drivers. Our guarantee tackles this hesitancy head-on, giving both dealers and consumers the reassurance they need. It’s a simple step that can make a real difference to the growth of the used market and support the UK’s wider EV transition.”

While it is encouraging to see new EV prices starting to decline, they still remain considerably higher than their petrol and diesel counterparts. This discrepancy highlights the critical role that the used car market must play in making the switch to electric vehicles more accessible and affordable for UK households. This sentiment has been echoed by the British Vehicle Rental and Leasing Association (BVRLA) in its #happyEVafter campaign, which advocates for increased awareness and accessibility of used EVs.

Furthermore, a broader industry rollout of battery health guarantees is anticipated to bolster consumer confidence. This is essential for encouraging more drivers to consider an electric vehicle as a viable option for their next purchase. In fact, Labour’s pre-election manifesto included a commitment to introduce a standardised battery health check, a proposal that has garnered significant support from industry stakeholders urging the Government to act swiftly.

A recent study conducted by Axa UK revealed that nearly two-thirds (63%) of UK motorists currently have no intention of purchasing an electric vehicle. Among those who are reluctant to make the switch, over a third (37%) cited concerns regarding battery lifespan as a primary reason for their hesitation.

Additionally, the British Car Auctions (BCA) has published data demonstrating the success of its EV Battery Grading service, which has been instrumental in driving confidence among used EV buyers. Since its launch a year ago, the service has reported improvements in performance metrics, including uplift in sale prices, reduced time to sell, and increased conversion rates for EV sales.

The battery health pledge introduced by Motability has been met with enthusiasm from the BVRLA, which is set to launch an awareness campaign next week from 20-24 October 2025. This campaign aims to promote used electric vehicles while highlighting initiatives like battery health certificates that reassure customers about their investments in used EVs.

Toby Poston, chief executive of the BVRLA, emphasised the importance of the used market in facilitating a sustainable transition to cleaner, greener vehicles. He remarked, “Every month we see registration figures of new electric vehicles grow, with that high demand feeding the used EV market. Drivers are driven by cost, clarity, and confidence. Initiatives such as this represent a big step forward in providing that confidence, enabling more drivers to make the switch and opening up zero-emission motoring to more households.”

This concerted effort to improve battery health transparency and reliability is crucial as the UK moves towards its ambitious net-zero targets. With the adoption of electric vehicles projected to play a vital role in reducing carbon emissions, it is imperative that both consumers and dealers feel confident in their choices.

Looking ahead, the momentum generated by initiatives like the battery health guarantee could very well be the catalyst needed to propel the UK into a future where electric vehicles are not just an alternative but the norm. The increasing confidence among dealers to purchase used EVs, coupled with the growing consumer awareness and acceptance of these vehicles, signifies a promising shift in the automotive landscape.

As we continue to monitor these developments, it is clear that the transition to electric vehicles is not just about the technology itself, but also about building trust and confidence among consumers and dealers alike. The future of transportation is electric, and with initiatives like these paving the way, we are one step closer to a sustainable, net-zero future.

Thank you for joining us in exploring this pivotal moment in the evolution of electric vehicles in the UK. Together, as champions of net zero, we can continue to advocate for a cleaner, greener planet for generations to come.