Arval released findings from the largest battery health study to date, analyzing 24,000 electric vehicles across 11 European countries. The leasing firm’s data shows older EVs maintain excellent battery performance even after extensive use.
The study found that EVs retain 93% of battery capacity at 45,000 miles and 90% capacity after six years or 99,419 miles of driving.
Battery degradation occurs at a predictable rate of about 1% every 13,670 miles. Newer electric vehicle models showed battery health scores two to three percentage points higher than older counterparts.
Real-World Performance Exceeds Expectations
The findings contradict common concerns about electric vehicle battery life. Pascal Seeger, Arval’s global remarketing director, emphasized the implications for used car buyers.
“This is very good news for used car buyers, who can be confident in the durability and reliability of electric vehicle batteries over the long run,” Seeger said.
“By providing consolidated and comparable data, we help remove barriers to buying used electric vehicles and accelerate the development of a more transparent and reliable market.”
Independent testing supports these results. In 2025, ADAC – Germany’s automotive association – demonstrated that a VW ID.3 lost only eight miles of range after 107,000 miles of intensive use by engineering teams.
Market Impact and Industry Changes
Gary Burns, Arval UK’s director of procurement and remarketing, highlighted the study’s importance as more electric vehicles enter the used car market.
“As electric vehicles move into the used market in greater volumes, transparency around battery condition is increasingly important,” Burns noted.
“We want our customers to be able to purchase our vehicles with confidence, which is why battery health testing has become a significant part of our remarketing process.”
The data shows batteries perform well in real-world conditions, addressing buyer concerns about electric vehicle reliability.
European regulations will standardize battery health reporting starting in 2027. New requirements include:
- Standardized battery health displays using SOCE (State of Certified Energy)
- Battery passports tracking composition, history and performance data
- Mandatory documentation for all new electric vehicles
Kia and Volvo are already exploring battery passport implementation ahead of the regulatory deadline.
Arval pioneered battery health certification for used electric vehicles and has issued over 30,000 certificates to date. The company was the first leasing firm to offer State of Health documentation when reselling EVs.
The study represents the most comprehensive analysis of electric vehicle battery degradation conducted across multiple markets and manufacturers.
