Buyers avoiding used electric vehicles with no battery health history

Almost half (45%) of trade buyers say they would avoid bidding on a used electric vehicle (EV) with a lack of information on battery health.

The new research from Dealer Auction reveals the importance of clear information on battery history for trade buyers.

Battery health certificates also demonstrated clear value for online buyers, with more than half (51%) of those surveyed ranking a battery health certificate as the top item that would give them more confidence when bidding on a used electric car.

This ranked above offerings including service history, EV-specific diagnostics reports and a third-party inspection.

In fact, 45% of buyers would be more likely to bid on an EV with a battery health certificate than on an identical model without one. 

Dave Pretty, head of OEM and fleet relationships at Dealer Auction, said: “It is clear that battery health certificates are not just a 'nice to have’.

“As confidence is crucial among buyers, especially those shopping online, these certificates are a vital component of an effective electric remarketing strategy.

“For those looking to drive higher bid volumes and reduce price sensitivity, offering more clarity around battery health is a strategically sound initiative.”  

Dealer Auction says that these certificates go beyond simply instilling confidence among prospective buyers; they also play a vital role in retailing EVs to customers.

Some 90% of respondents stated that a battery health certificate would be useful for marketing an EV to retail customers, with only one respondent saying it would not make a difference.

Furthermore, almost two-thirds (63%) believe a battery health certificate would improve the retail value of an EV and a third (33%) said it would “possibly help with faster sales”.

Earlier this year, the Association of Fleet Professionals (AFP) added its voice to a growing call for an industry-backed battery health certificate for EVs. 

Ric Baird, board director at the AFP, said more needs to be done to make EVs feel as much a secure and sensible purchase as a petrol or diesel equivalent.

Furthermore, research from insurers Axa UK, published in March, showed that battery health certificates could play a significant role in stimulating the UK’s used EV market by providing a measure for vehicle value that doesn’t currently exist.