Arval, a leasing and mobility services provider, has published the results of a large-scale analysis of electric vehicle (EV) battery performance, showing that most batteries retain a high level of capacity well beyond the limits of manufacturer warranties.
The study, conducted by Arval’s Consulting and Remarketing teams, analysed 8,300 used EVs sold across eight European countries between March 2023 and November 2024. Vehicles from 30 different brands were included in the sample. The findings indicate that the average state of health across the tested EV batteries was 93% of their original capacity. Nearly all (98%) retained more than 80% of their original capacity.
Go deeper with GlobalData
Even at high usage levels, battery performance remained strong. After 70,000 kilometres, the average battery’s state of health remained at 93%. For vehicles that had travelled over 200,000 kilometres, the average battery capacity still approached 90%.
Battery degradation is frequently cited as a key concern for used EV buyers, as batteries account for 20% to 30% of a vehicle’s original value.
Health certificates
Arval offers battery health certificates for used EVs sold through its network. The battery certificates are generated using diagnostic tools developed by Moba and Aviloo, two of only three companies certified by the Car Remarketing Association Europe (CARA). The certificates show the current battery capacity as a percentage of its original value and provide range estimates under different driving conditions. Arval began issuing battery health certificates for used EVs in the UK in 2024, with around 1,400 vehicles assessed to date.
Gary Burns, Remarketing Director at Arval UK, said battery health is a key concern for UK consumers and motor dealers.
“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,” said Burns. “The information can then be shared with our customers so they have a current view of the performance of the battery.”
Buyers can access the battery health certificate through a QR code displayed on the vehicle listing. The aim is to promote transparency and support informed decisions during the transition to electric mobility.
No EU-wide standard for battery health certification
While battery health certification is gaining traction, there is currently no European standard for evaluating EV battery health. Arval relies on CARA-approved methods to ensure independent and consistent assessments across markets.
Methodology
Arval’s analysis is based on 8,300 battery health certificates collected from used electric vehicles sold between March 2023 and November 2024 across eight European countries: the Netherlands, Belgium, France, Spain, Italy, Germany, the United Kingdom, and Switzerland. The sample includes vehicles from approximately 30 different manufacturers, comprising both battery electric vehicles (BEVs), which made up 77% of the dataset, and plug-in hybrid electric vehicles (PHEVs), accounting for 23%.
