
Could EV battery health certificates convince more drivers to buy a used EV?
An electric car brand has this week taken radical steps to inspire confidence in the used EV market.
Polestar, which is part of the Chinese Geely Group and a sister brand to Volvo, confirmed its '2' saloons will now be sold with their own 'battery state of health certificates'.
These will certify the condition of the battery and the useable capacity still remaining.
The longevity of battery life remains a major - if not the biggest - hurdle for second-hand car buyers who fear getting stung with a massive bill of up to £30,000 to replace a battery that's been worn out by a previous owner.
That's despite various reports suggesting that EV battery capacity degrades far slower than many people anticipate. In fact, they are claimed to outlast the rest of the car's parts.
Polestar's UK boss said the certificates will give Britons 'transparency' and 'peace of mind' when purchasing second-hand electric cars, which continue to fall in value. But would it be enough to convince you to pick up a used EV bargain?
Auto Trader, the nation's largest used car platform said electric car prices are continuing to decline as the supply of second-hand models isn't being matched by demand.
This is the result of ongoing public concerns regarding the ownership of EVs in general - such as a lack of charging infrastructure, high public charging costs and range anxiety - as well as fears around battery life.
Its latest Retail Price Index report shows used EV availability surged by 54.7 per cent year-on-year in March, largely due to ex-lease vehicles entering the market.
However, this outpaced EV demand growth of 35.9 per cent year-on-year.
'The imbalance between supply and demand is putting downward pressure on used EV prices,' it said.
As such, the average advertised price of an EV listed in March was £25,190, which is 1.6 per cent less than it was in February.
In contrast, prices for petrol and diesel models remained relatively flat, rising by 0.1 and 0.8 per cent respectively from February to March.
In the face of these falling EV values, Polestar said it hopes its certificates will 'gives customers peace of mind that their battery is in peak health and reassurance that many more miles of hassle-free motoring is ahead of them.'
It comes almost two years ahead of new rules that will require all EVs to have a 'battery passport'.
This will not prove the origins of the raw material the battery contains, how much of the content is recycled and their lifecycle carbon footprint, including production and transportation.
From 2027, any new EV sold in the EU will require one - but Volvo last year introduced the world's first battery passport for its flagship EX90 SUV.
Matt Galvin, managing director at Polestar UK, said: 'Where customers may have been apprehensive about a five-year-old Polestar 2 and its battery condition, once again Polestar is giving car buyers transparency and providing peace of mind in the same way we do with our climate impact.'
And in another desperate bid to stir up interest in its second-hand EVs, until the end of the month (30 April), it is offering customers who finance a used Polestar via a franchised dealer a low interest rate and a free Zaptec home charger worth £495.
How much does it cost to replace an EV's battery?
UK-based automotive risk intelligence company Thatcham Research has previously suggested a replacement battery for a 'premium' electric car would cost around £29,500.
For 'budget-friendly' EVs, it estimates the average cost of battery replacement to be £14,200 - that's almost the same as a brand new Dacia Sandero (£14,715).
'EV batteries should last for 20 years'
Given the infancy of EVs, there are still no definitive tests to show how long the batteries will last.
However, a report published last year attempted to quash fears that batteries will run out within a matter of years, suggesting those powered new EVs today should be good for 20 years or longer.
In fact, the investigation said batteries show slower signs of degradation than components used in internal combustion engine (ICE) cars.
The bold claims were made by Geotab - a leading firm in fleet and business telematics, which involves tracking vehicles and connecting them to the internet.
The company says it has carried out analysis of the battery health of almost 5,000 fleet and private EVs, using 1.5 million days of telematics data to explore how the latest battery technology holds up to the rigours of daily use.
The data suggested that EV batteries in current models degrade, on average, by 1.8 per cent annually.
When it carried out the same study back in 2019, it found that the efficiency of batteries was declining at a rate of 2.3 per cent per year on average, suggesting advances have been made in the last five years to extend the lifespan of the technology.
What is battery degradation - and should it stop you switching to an EV?
Battery degradation is a natural process that permanently reduces the amount of energy a battery can store or the amount of power it can deliver.
The batteries in EVs can generally deliver more power than the powertrain components can handle.
As a result, power degradation is rarely observable in EVs and only the loss of the battery's ability to store energy matters.
An EV battery's condition is called its state of health (SOH).
Batteries start their life with 100 per cent SOH and over time they deteriorate.
For example, a 60kWh battery with 90 per cent SOH would effectively perform like a 54kWh battery.
The report went on to say that EV batteries now 'generally degrade more slowly than internal combustion engine drivetrain components'.
David Savage, vice president for the UK and Ireland at Geotab, added: 'With these higher levels of sustained health, batteries in the latest EV models will comfortably outlast the usable life of the vehicle and will likely not need to be replaced.
'However, we still see battery reliability being used as a stick to beat EVs with.
'Hopefully, data like ours can finally put these myths to bed.'
The report says an average 1.8 per cent decline in battery health is 'unlikely to have a significant impact on most driver's daily vehicle needs'.
It adds that this degradation should decline in the future with the arrival of new EV models and further advances in batteries, such as solid-state battery tech.
'People should feel confident that many current EVs are suitable and cost-effective to replace a range of light, medium and heavy-duty ICE vehicles,' David went on.
Hashtags

Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles


Scottish Sun
2 hours ago
- Scottish Sun
New Tesla Model Y is a more chiselled, quieter version of mega-seller… it moves the game on for a tech-rich family motor
Click to share on X/Twitter (Opens in new window) Click to share on Facebook (Opens in new window) I'M struggling to keep up with Elon Musk and his on/ off bromance with Donald Trump. Are they buddies again? 6 The world's best-selling car was fugly… but two years on, it's had a sharp new makeover Credit: simon thompson 6 The cabin gets a techy glow-up with the gear selector shifted to the screen - and wraparound LEDs Credit: simon thompson 6 The new Model Y shines alongside its less attractive predecessor Credit: simon thompson Or still kicking lumps out of each other on X? One thing I do know is that Tesla sales are down eight per cent in Great Britainland. Some say it's because Musk backed Trump for President, followed by that awkward hand gesture at the inauguration. Some say it's the Chinese invasion. Maybe in part. But mostly it's due to Tesla halting production of the mega-selling Model Y at its Berlin gigafactory to tool up for the new one. Now everything is sorted and sales are likely to take off like a Space X rocket. Here are ten things you need to know about the new motor. 1. The old one was fugly. The world's best-selling car two years on the bounce, yes. But still fugly. That's sorted now. This new one is more chiselled. First glimpse at limited edition EV hitting UK in just weeks with slick new look It's like they've taken a photo of the Cybertruck to a surgeon and gone, 'This please'. The lower nose helps it slice through the air, adding a bit more range. 2. They've deleted the Tesla badge from the bonnet. Confident move. 3. But the biggest change is at the back. There's a new reflective lightbar which highlights T E S L A written out in full. Also, the rear diffuser sticks out more. So repair bills will be lower if you reverse into something you shouldn't. Which helps with insurance too. 4. The 'frunk' — front trunk — now has a plughole in it. So you can fill it with ice for summer barbecues. Or store muddy boots. 5. Cabin. The gear selector has moved to the big screen — like a Model 3. But they've kept the indicator stalk. Unlike a Model 3. The wrapround LED strip is new. The front seats will warm and cool your back. They didn't before. Other things. The seat bases are longer in the back. So they're more comfortable. There's a little entertainment screen to play arcade games. The front passenger seat moves forward at the touch of a button for limo-like legroom. 6. Sound. It's now much quieter in here which makes it feel more expensive. There's extra insulation. Acoustic glass. Redesigned door seals. All little details that add up. 7. The boot is a smidge smaller. But you'll never notice. I had to look it up. The seats now fold up and down automatically, where they only folded flat before. You had to push them back up. 8. The suspension has been tweaked so it rides better. Batteries and motors are unchanged. But improved regenerative braking tech adds more electrons. Every version should do 300 miles-plus, with the rear-wheel drive Long Range hitting 387 miles. There's talk of a bigger battery nudging 500 miles. 9. Price. The standard rear-drive Model Y starts at £45k, which is £2k more than before. Not bad. The all-singing all-wheel drive Long Range is £52k. 10. This isn't specific to Model Y but Tesla's Supercharger network blows everyone else out of the water. It's next-level good. Quick. Easy. No cards. No apps. And cheaper too. It doesn't really matter if you like Musk or not. If you want a minimalist, tech-rich family motor, Model Y moves the game on. 6 There's a little entertainment screen to play arcade games Credit: simon thompson 6 The old one was fugly. The world's best-selling car two years on the bounce, yes. But still fugly Credit: simon thompson 6 Elon Musk's Tesla brand has been having a tough time recently, but sales are now likely to take off Credit: Getty


Auto Blog
2 hours ago
- Auto Blog
Volkswagen Considering Smaller, Cheaper Electric ID.Buzz MPV
And it could go into production as soon as 2027. Fun And Practical EV Would Supersede Europe's Touran The Volkswagen is one of the most cheerful new family vehicles you can buy, but its starting price of $59,995 limits its appeal. That's still far more expensive than conventional gas or hybrid minivans like the Chrysler Pacifica. However, it looks like a smaller, cheaper sibling could be on the way, based on a new report by Autocar. 0:02 / 0:09 Nissan's revolutionary self-driving tech hits Japan's streets Watch More The report suggests that the new VW would replace the Touran, an MPV that has never been sold in the United States, given our market's preference for SUVs. Currently being internally reviewed by Volkswagen, the potential Touran replacement could draw inspiration from one of the brand's most exciting concepts. 2016 Budd-E Concept Could Inspire Smaller Source: VW The Budd-E was the first VW model to be based on the MEB modular platform that now underpins models like the ID.4, ID.7 and . The electric minivan concept still looks ultra-modern today, with its wraparound windshield, two-tone body, and bold face with sleek lighting. It's this concept that could inspire the Touran replacement, but this is just one of several older MPV concepts VW is reviewing. The minimal overhangs and flat floor will maximize interior space but keep the proportions tight, which is exactly why this type of vehicle excels. According to insiders, new sliding door and seat designs are being considered to make this vehicle as versatile as possible. Source: VW Powering the Touran replacement could be a choice of single or dual electric motors. To keep the price low enough, an output of around 200 to 250 hp seems reasonable, given that the larger manages between 282 and 335 hp. The and ID.4 are rear-wheel drive as standard, but its smaller sibling may rely on front-wheel drive as standard. Autoblog Newsletter Autoblog brings you car news; expert reviews and exciting pictures and video. Research and compare vehicles, too. Sign up or sign in with Google Facebook Microsoft Apple By signing up I agree to the Terms of Use and acknowledge that I have read the Privacy Policy . You may unsubscribe from email communication at anytime. Battery capacities of 60 to 80 kWh have been suggested as likely. EVs of this size would be expected to have a range of at least 240 miles or so to be competitive. Will The Smaller Make It To America? VW — Source: VW At this point, it seems unlikely that a smaller version of the would be sold here. Such a vehicle would clash with the ID.4 in terms of price – the priciest ID.4 starts at just below the price of the . Besides this, few Americans choose SUVs over minivans or MPVs. The smaller and cheaper is expected to be launched by 2027 at the earliest, assuming Volkswagen does decide to put it into production. If it has the same nostalgic styling and clever versatility of the , but at a lower price, it'll be one of VW's top EVs. About the Author Karl Furlong View Profile


Scottish Sun
2 hours ago
- Scottish Sun
Popular fast food chain with more than 140 UK sites reveals plans for new Scots restaurant
COMING SOON Popular fast food chain with more than 140 UK sites reveals plans for new Scots restaurant A POPULAR fast food chain with over 140 diners across the UK is set to open a brand-new branch in Scotland. German Doner Kebab will open its doors next month at Maurice's Gate in Cumbernauld, near Glasgow. 2 German Doner Kebab is set to open in Cumbernauld next month Credit: Getty 2 CEO Simon Wallis said he was "thrilled" to announce the opening Credit: Gary Stone The new eatery will mark the brand's tenth location in Scotland. Known for its 'bold flavours, premium ingredients, and 100% halal-friendly menu', GDK has become a firm favourite among food lovers. The mouth-watering menu includes doner wraps, burgers, Doritos-flavoured 'kebags', veggie kebabs and rice bowls. GDK boss Simon Wallis said he was "thrilled" about the latest addition, saying the opening has 'been in the pipeline for a while'. He said: 'Our menu is built around quality ingredients, bold flavours, and a new perspective on a nationwide favourite. 'As we continue growing, openings like Cumbernauld are testament to the driving force behind the GDK brand. 'We're incredibly proud of how far we've come and would like to extend a special thanks to our hard-working team across the country. 'Congratulations to our new franchise partner on his first GDK – we wish him the very best of luck on this exciting journey and can't wait to introduce Cumbernauld to 'Kebabs Done Right'.' Elsewhere, Nando's has announced the opening of its first restaurant in a Scots town. The chain revealed it is bringing its famous grilled peri-peri chicken to Kilmarnock "later this year". UK's biggest kebab chain trials 'robotic shavers' to slash costs after Labour's hated budget tax on business And Scotland's favourite takeaways have been revealed. One in four Scots selected Chinese cuisine as their top choice for a tasty treat.