A new analysis of electric vehicle (EV) battery health has found that EV batteries last significantly longer than many people expected.

The reality is well beyond manufacturer warranties.

However, the UK used EV market continues to struggle due to falling resale values and wavering consumer confidence.

Current thinking

This latest study, conducted by leasing company Arval, examined 8,300 battery health certificates from EVs across 30 brands.

These were sold between March 2023 and November 2024 in eight European countries, including the UK.

The results showed that EV batteries are maintaining performance over time, with the average battery health at 93%, even after tens of thousands of miles on the road.

Battery longevity was seen as a major issue in early EV sales, with no one knowing exactly how well the technology would. stand the. test of time and endurance.

Positive and negative

In the UK specifically, Arval has begun issuing battery health certificates for its used electric vehicles to reassure second-hand buyers about the longevity and reliability of EV batteries—a major concern among consumers and dealerships alike.

So far, 1,400 UK vehicles have undergone the battery health check process.

“Battery health is an important factor when it comes to electric vehicles, so buyers need access to clear, accurate details,” said Gary Burns, remarketing director at Arval UK. “As a growing number of customers transition to battery electric vehicles, it’s vital that we’re transparent throughout our sales processes.”

According to Arval’s data, even after 200,000 kilometres (124,000 miles), EV batteries retain close to 90% of their original capacity.

Additionally, 98% of vehicles tested had battery health scores above 80%, significantly reducing fears that used EVs quickly degraded performance.

Running flat

Despite this promising data, the UK’s used EV market is under severe strain.

According to the British Vehicle Rental and Leasing Association (BVRLA), residual values (RVs) of used battery electric vehicles have fallen by 50% in the last two years, with a further 28% drop forecast by 2030.

The trade body has warned the government that the transition away from internal combustion engine (ICE) vehicles is at risk unless measures are introduced to stabilise the used EV market.

In an open letter to parliamentary committees, signed by over 25 industry organisations, including leasing firms, rental operators and vehicle manufacturers, the BVRLA urged the government to offer financial support to households and SMEs to bridge the growing gap between EV supply and consumer demand in the used market.

They argue that without such intervention, the cost of new EVs could rise, and overall uptake could stall.

While most new EVs in the UK are purchased by businesses or fleet operators, private buyers primarily engage with the second-hand market, making battery confidence a crucial issue.

Yet, with supply of used EVs set to increase by 178% by 2028, a lack of buyer confidence is putting enormous downward pressure on prices.

Plugging confidence

Arval’s initiative, supported by battery testing specialists Moba and Aviloo, aims to bring transparency and trust to the used EV market.

Issuing certified battery health reports, accessible via QR codes for each vehicle, will reassure buyers.

These reports confirm battery capacity and calculate the estimated driving range based on road type and weather.

“By providing concrete insights, we help remove barriers and change perceptions that can hinder the resale of electric vehicles,” said Bart Beckers, Arval’s chief commercial officer.

“A transparent approach is essential to build consumer trust and stimulate a still-developing used market.”

As the UK targets zero new petrol and diesel car sales by 2035, efforts like Arval’s battery health certification may prove vital in unlocking growth in the used EV market—ensuring the electric transition is accessible, affordable, and trusted by all.