EV Batteries remain efficient for years!
The results of an analysis conducted by Arval’s Consulting and Remarketing teams on the health status of its electric vehicle (EV) batteries demonstrate a longevity well beyond manufacturer warranties.
Arval is the first leasing company to systematically offer a battery health certificate for electric vehicles when reselling them on the used car market.
By issuing these health certificates and leveraging the insights from this analysis, Arval aims to reassure buyers of used EVs about battery performance after several years of use, removing one of the barriers to their adoption.
A major player in long-term leasing and a specialist in mobility solutions, Arval unveils the results of its analysis on the health status of its electric vehicle batteries.
This was conducted through the study of 8,300 battery health certificates for used EVs from 30 different brands sold by Arval from March 2023 to November 2024 in eight countries. Concerns about the range of EVs and the health status of their batteries are among the main apprehensions of buyers, so reassurance and transparency are key. The findings of this analysis show that electric vehicle batteries maintain their performance over time.
Electric vehicle batteries: longevity well beyond standard warranties
Representing between 20% and 30% of the cost of an EV at purchase, the battery is an essential component, but also a potential source of concern for used vehicle buyers. Indeed, a common misconception still hinders the adoption of EVs – that their battery degrades too quickly, thus reducing the vehicle's kilometer range. Arval's analysis shows that this degradation, although inevitable, is generally very limited and much slower than assumed:
Of the 8,300 EVs tested, the average battery health was 93% - 100% being the theoretical health status of the battery when the vehicle is first put on the road.
The vast majority (98%) of the measured health statuses are above 80%.
After traveling 70,000 kms, the average battery state of health of an EV is 93%.
Beyond 200,000 kms, the health status remains close to 90% on average.
By advocating transparency in battery health data, Arval encourages its sector to continue in this direction and generalize the use of battery health certificates. This initiative illustrates Arval's desire to promote an intelligent and informed adoption of used EVs, while strengthening buyer confidence.
The view from the UK
Gary Burns, Remarketing Director at Arval UK, said: “In the UK, state-of-health of the battery is an important factor for our buyers - both consumers and motor dealers. In 2024, we began testing on our used EVs at some UK sites, with around 1,400 used cars going through this process so far.
“Our solution displays the data the car holds on its current state of battery health to show how much of the battery capacity is still usable. The information can then be shared with our customers so they have a current view of the performance of the battery.
“As a growing number of customers transition to battery electric vehicles, it's vital that we’re transparent throughout our sales processes. Battery health is an important factor when it comes to electric vehicles, so buyers need access to clear, accurate details. This initiative does that, and is a key part of our broader commitment to electric vehicle education and supporting our customers in making sustainable, informed choices."
Arval, pioneer in issuing electric vehicle battery health certificates
As the first leasing company to offer a battery health certificate for EVs when reselling them, Arval aims to both reassure its customers about battery performance after several years of use and encourage the purchase of used electric vehicles by removing one of the barriers to their adoption.
Through their dedicated interface, Arval's used vehicle buyers have access to a QR code for each vehicle, allowing them to generate the battery health certificate. This certificate indicates the battery capacity percentage compared to its new state, as well as the calculation of the range in kilometers depending on the type of journey (urban, highway, mixed) or weather conditions. The battery health certificates for Arval's used electric vehicles are generated by Moba and Aviloo, two companies specializing in battery evaluation that are among the only three companies approved by CARA[1] (Car Remarketing Association Europe). To date, there is no official standard calculation method for evaluating battery levels at the European level, so Arval relies on CARA's expertise, which offers an independent evaluation and certification of battery health. This certificate reassures buyers about the residual values of electric vehicles, thus facilitating their resale on the used market.
"This analysis, along with the issuance of electric vehicle battery state of health certificates, fully illustrates Arval's expertise and commitment to accelerating the energy transition. By providing concrete insights, they help remove barriers and change perceptions that can hinder the re-sell of electric vehicles. A transparent approach is essential to build consumer trust and to stimulate a still-developing used market," says Bart Beckers, chief commercial officer, Arval.