The Vehicle Remarketing Association, a U.K.-based trade association representing the used vehicle sector, has called for an industry-standard battery health check to reassure the public about the safety of used electric cars.
VRA Chair Philip Nothard said that while some consumer concerns over battery health may not be well-informed, an accurate and credible statement on the current condition of each battery and its expected future degradation would be helpful.
Nothard also acknowledged that EV technology is still new to most used car buyers, but inaccurate stories about the rate at which batteries lose range and the cost of failure can deter potential users. He maintained that a standard battery health check would be the most effective solution in providing consumers with a clear picture of their EV’s current and future range and charging capabilities.
This week, the VRA held a member meeting to discuss issues that EV remarketing must solve. In a survey conducted at the meeting, 70 percent of respondents cited the need for an industry-standard battery health check in the used EV sector, saying it was a crucial issue needing an immediate solution.
Some VRA members have initiated discussions with the British government to explore solutions, and products are already entering the market, such as those presented by Altelium at the meeting. The VRA hopes to bring together all stakeholders across the remarketing sector and beyond to make progress in advancing an industry-standard battery health check. In that regard, Nothard said that creating a cheap, easy-to-use, credible and consumer-friendly standard is critical in advancing the industry.
The credibility of the second-hand electric car market is becoming increasingly important as more consumers are looking to buy used EVs. According to reports, the second-hand market for EVs in the U.K. keeps growing, with last year seeing a 37.5 percent increase in sales compared with 2021.
The VRA’s call for an industry-standard battery health check is important in addressing the current concerns and paving the way to provide buyers with the information they need to make informed decisions.