Startline Motor Finance reports that 90% of UK dealers want a standardized battery health check system for used electric vehicles. The finance company’s polling reveals widespread support for an industry-wide scheme aimed at boosting buyer confidence in the second-hand EV market.
The August Startline Used Car Tracker found 78% of dealers consider battery health an essential factor for electric car buyers. Many customers express concerns about battery degradation and potential failure when shopping for used EVs.
Research from Germany’s ADAC and data specialist Geotab suggests these battery concerns are largely unfounded.
Dealers still report that buyers want reassurance about a used EV’s battery condition before making a purchase.
Industry Split on Implementation
While dealers almost unanimously support standardized health checks, they’re divided on delivery methods. About 36% favor a government-backed scheme, while 38% prefer industry-led solutions.
Labour included plans for such a scheme in its 2024 manifesto. The party hasn’t initiated the program since taking power.
Some companies have developed their own solutions. BCA, one of the UK’s largest trade resellers, offers in-house battery health reports on used EVs. Polestar provides reports with every used Polestar 2 sold through its dealer network.
“Dealers are obviously at the sharp end of selling used cars and essentially, this data is telling us the overwhelming majority believe the sector needs some form of formal battery health check scheme,” said Paul Burgess, CEO at Startline Motor Finance.
Burgess noted that more than three out of four dealers think battery health is a key consideration for buyers.
Market Challenges Drive Demand
The used electric car market faces challenges with low residual values and concerns about vehicle volume circulation. A standardized battery health check could persuade potential buyers worried about battery failure or degradation.
“It could give them the confidence to buy,” Burgess explained.
He pointed out that government progress appears slow. Nothing prevents major industry bodies from creating their own standards with existing battery health check providers.
Only 5% of dealers believe battery health isn’t the most important factor for EV buyers. Just 3% argue that battery health checks represent an unnecessary expense.
“It’s clear that any views against a formal battery health check scheme form only a tiny minority of dealers,” Burgess noted.
The company’s Used Car Tracker found 88% of used car buyers support such an initiative. The idea has garnered something close to universal approval across the industry.
