Why Battery Health Matters?
The battery is the heart of an electric vehicle. When buying a used EV, assessing the battery's health is crucial to ensure you are not purchasing a car with limited battery life remaining.
What Is State of Health (SOH)?
SOH is a percentage that represents the battery's current capacity compared to when it was new. A 100% SOH means the battery can hold a full charge as originally designed. As the battery ages, this percentage gradually decreases.
What Are the Factors Affecting Battery Health?
- Charging Habits: Frequent fast charging can accelerate battery degradation.
- Temperature: Extreme heat or cold can impact battery longevity.
- Age and Cycles: Like smartphone batteries, EV batteries degrade over time and with repeated charging cycles.
How to Check SOH?
Most modern EVs display battery health information in the dashboard menu. For a more detailed analysis, authorized service centers can run diagnostic tests and provide a precise battery health report.
What About Warranty Coverage?
Check whether the used EV is still covered under the manufacturer's battery warranty. This warranty often includes battery replacement if the SOH drops below a certain level (usually around 70%) within the warranty period.
