Autotrader, a Cox Automotive brand, recently revealed EV battery health scores availability on its used electric vehicle listings. This technology helps car buyers assess battery’s performance and usable range before purchasing.
Battery health is critical to an electric vehicle running efficiently. Maintaining your EV battery in top condition will result in the car lasting longer and keeping its original value. Buying a reliable used electric vehicle will be contingent on how well the electric vehicle’s battery was maintained.
Battery conditions such as climate, driving behaviors and charging habits will ultimately determine battery usage and degradation. VIN-level data is key to determining battery health. Buyers now have access to more than 19,000 listings with this data:
‘Used EVs are the best kept secret in car buying since they offer cost savings, energy efficiency, government incentives, newer technology and more,’ said Brian Moody, executive editor for Autotrader. ‘Before you buy, make sure you have information on the vehicle’s battery health. Just like your mobile phone or laptop battery, EV batteries can degrade over time, so understanding its performance and how it was cared for will help drivers understand when or if a used EV’s battery needs to be replaced.’
How long do EV batteries on average last? According to the U.S. Department of Energy’s National Renewable Energy Laboratory, EV batteries will last in moderate climates from 12 to 15 years and between 100,000 to 200,000 miles.
A well maintained EV battery will last even longer than average. To keep an EV battery going even longer the following advice is recommended:
Use Optimal Charging Practices: Your charging habits do matter. Keeping the battery above 20% and below 80% of charge is vital to helping protect electric car battery longevity.
Maintain Battery Temperature: Temperatures affect battery performance, EV range and longevity. Carmakers also suggest owners plug in their vehicles if they are away for an extended period.
Keep Up with Software Updates: While you won’t need an oil change in an EV, it does require over-the-air updates, including the battery management system, to keep the vehicle properly working.
Monitor Battery Health: Watch for warning signs such as slower charging times, decreased range, or inconsistent power delivery that point to the need for a battery check. If needed, please have it inspected by a professional, like your local dealership.
Avoid Repeated Acceleration: We admit speeding up quickly or repeatedly using that “boost” button in some EVs is tempting, it can consume more power from the battery and wear it down faster. Gentle acceleration is best.
More information on new and used electric vehicles, which includes battery health usable range, pricing, photos, videos, and EV shopping advice, visit https://www.autotrader.com/.
About Autotrader
Autotrader is the most recognized third-party car listings brand, with the most engaged audience of in-market car shoppers. As the foremost authority on automotive consumer insights and expert in online and mobile marketing, Autotrader makes the car shopping experience easy and fun for the empowered car shopper looking to find or sell the perfect new, used or Certified Pre-Owned car. Using technology, shopper insights and local market guidance, Autotrader’s comprehensive marketing and retailing solutions allow consumers to build their deal online, and guide dealers to personalized digital marketing strategies that grow brand, drive traffic and connect the online and in-store shopping experience. Autotrader is a Cox Automotive brand. Cox Automotive is a subsidiary of Cox Enterprises.