A recent survey by Startline Motor Finance has highlighted the growing demand among motorists for independent and certified assessments of used electric vehicles (EVs), particularly focusing on battery health.
According to the Startline Used Car Tracker, 87% of drivers believe it is essential to have a certified assessment that verifies how well previous owners have maintained a vehicle’s battery.
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The survey, conducted in August, also found that 83% of respondents want information on how long the battery takes to fully charge.
Additionally, 82% are interested in knowing how much battery capacity has been lost since the vehicle was new, while 81% seek predictions on future capacity loss.
Furthermore, 79% of participants expressed a desire for details on the current charge level of the battery.
Paul Burgess, CEO of Startline Motor Finance, said: “The primary concern for consumers when purchasing a used electric car is the fear of battery failure or rapid degradation, which could lead to expensive replacements.
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By GlobalData“However, evidence from millions of EVs on the road globally suggests that these concerns are often exaggerated, with battery degradation happening more slowly than expected and outright failures being rare.”
Burgess emphasised the need for reassurance for used car buyers. He suggested that formal testing to confirm a vehicle’s battery health and predict its future performance would provide significant peace of mind to consumers.
He also pointed out that the Labour government’s recent manifesto included a promise to introduce standardised battery health checks. “We believe this is a positive step. A government-backed and approved battery test, especially one supported by a warranty, could greatly benefit the used electric car market,” he added.
The Startline Used Car Tracker is compiled monthly by APD Global Research, known for their expertise in motor industry business intelligence and customer experience programmes. This month’s survey included responses from 321 consumers and 62 dealers.
