A new large-scale UK dataset suggests that EV batteries are holding up far better than many skeptics expected. London-based EV battery diagnostics company Generational analyzed more than 8,000 battery tests across 36 automakers and found the average EV battery State of Health (SoH) is 95.15% of original capacity. This strong real-world data point comes as debates about battery lifespan, resale value, and long-term ownership costs continue to shape consumer confidence in used EVs. The results cover passenger cars and light commercial vehicles ranging from brand-new to 12 years old and with anywhere from zero to more than 160,000 miles on the odometer. This comprehensive analysis provides valuable insights into the durability of EV batteries over time.
The dataset also shows a widening performance gap as vehicles age. Among 4- to 5-year-old EVs, the lowest-performing quartile averaged 91.64% SoH, the median sat at 93.53%, and the top quartile reached 96.49%. In older 8- to 12-year-old vehicles, the bottom quartile averaged 82%, the median 85.04%, and the top quartile 90%. This spread suggests that battery condition depends heavily on factors like usage patterns and charging behavior, not just age. It highlights the importance of understanding how EV batteries degrade over time.
One of the clearest takeaways from the report is that mileage alone isn't a reliable indicator of battery health. In some cases, a younger vehicle with very high mileage outperformed an older car that had been driven less. This runs counter to how used vehicles have traditionally been evaluated in the gas-car era. The findings suggest that uncertainty about battery condition – not actual degradation – is now the biggest factor affecting used-EV pricing, risk assessments, and buyer confidence.
Verified testing data could become as standard as service records or mileage verification in used-car listings. This would help to build trust among buyers and provide a more accurate assessment of EV battery health. The industry would benefit from clearer guidelines for evaluating battery condition, which would enable more informed purchasing decisions. By providing transparent and reliable data, the industry can work towards dispelling misconceptions about EV batteries.
Philip Nothard, chair of the Vehicle Remarketing Association, said buyers of used EVs understandably focus on battery health because it's the most expensive component in the vehicle. 'Transparency will prove crucial in building future consumer confidence and dispelling the many misconceptions that have gained currency around EV batteries.' The findings carry implications across the industry, from automakers to insurers and policymakers. Real-world durability data strengthens their case for talking more confidently about battery longevity and residual values.
For fleet operators, clearer battery visibility could refine vehicle rotation strategies and improve total cost of ownership calculations. This would enable more efficient management of EV fleets and reduce costs associated with battery replacement. The implications are far-reaching, from the way batteries are evaluated to the pricing and coverage offered by insurers and warranty providers.
The dataset suggests that most EV batteries will likely outlast the vehicles' usable life, which has significant implications for the industry. As more EVs enter the used market, it's essential to develop clear guidelines for evaluating battery condition. This would help to build trust among buyers and provide a more accurate assessment of EV battery health.
The growing divide between well-maintained and poorly maintained batteries becomes more pronounced as EVs age and enter the used market. This highlights the importance of proper maintenance and charging habits in extending the life of EV batteries. As the industry moves forward, it's crucial to prioritize transparency and reliable data to address concerns about battery health.
If battery health reporting becomes widespread or even better, standard practice, it could remove much of the guesswork that still shadows secondhand EV pricing today. By providing accurate and transparent data, the industry can work towards building trust among buyers and promoting more informed purchasing decisions.
The findings suggest that most EV batteries will likely outlast the vehicles' usable life, which has significant implications for the industry.
