Arval’s analysis reveals longevity of EV batteries

A major player in long-term leasing and a specialist in mobility solutions, Arval, has unveiled the results of an extensive analysis on the health status of its electric vehicle (EV) batteries. This pioneering study, conducted by Arval’s Consulting and Remarketing teams, highlights the durability and longevity of EV batteries, demonstrating performance well beyond standard OEM warranties.

Arval has become the first leasing company to systematically offer a battery health certificate for electric vehicles when reselling them on the used car market. By issuing these certificates and leveraging insights from the analysis, Arval aims to reassure buyers about the performance of used electric vehicle batteries, thereby removing one of the significant barriers to their adoption.

The analysis involved the study of 8,300 battery health certificates for used electric vehicles from 30 different brands, sold by Arval between March 2023 and November 2024 across eight countries – Netherlands, Belgium, France, Spain, Italy, Germany, United Kingdom, and Switzerland.

As concerns about the range and health status of EV batteries are among the main apprehensions for potential buyers, this transparency is key to building trust. The findings indicate that electric vehicle batteries maintain their performance over time.

EV batteries: longevity well beyond standard warranties

Battery health is crucial, representing 20% to 30% of the cost of an EV at purchase. A common misconception hindering EV adoption is the notion that their batteries degrade too quickly, reducing the vehicle’s range. However, Arval’s analysis reveals that this degradation is generally very limited and occurs much slower than assumed:

• Of the 8,300 electric vehicles tested, the average battery health was 93%, with 100% being the theoretical health status when the vehicle is first put on the road.
• The vast majority (98%) of the measured health statuses are above 80%.
• After traveling 70,000 kilometres, the average battery state of health of an electric vehicle is 93%.
• Beyond 200,000 kilometres, the health status remains close to 90% on average.

By advocating transparency in battery health data, Arval encourages the industry to generalise the use of battery health certificates. This initiative illustrates Arval’s commitment to promoting informed adoption of used EVs and strengthening buyer confidence.

EV battery health certificates

As the first leasing company to offer a battery health certificate for electric vehicles, Arval aims to reassure customers about battery performance after several years of use and encourage the purchase of used electric vehicles. Buyers can access a QR code for each vehicle through Arval’s dedicated interface, allowing them to generate the battery health certificate. This certificate indicates the battery capacity percentage compared to its new state and calculates the range in kilometres based on journey type and weather conditions.

The battery health certificates for Arval’s used EVs are generated by Moba and Aviloo, two companies specialising in battery evaluation approved by the Car Remarketing Association Europe (CARA).

With no official standard calculation method for evaluating battery levels at the European level, Arval relies on CARA’s expertise for independent evaluation and certification.

“By providing concrete insights, they help remove barriers and change perceptions that can hinder the resale of electric vehicles. Transparency is essential to build consumer trust and stimulate a still-developing used market,” said Bart Beckers, Chief Commercial Officer of Arval.