The Importance of Monitoring Electric Vehicle Battery Health
Patrick Cresswell, a prominent figure in the electric vehicle (EV) industry as the cofounder and managing director of Clearwatt, has raised concerns about the impact of battery degradation on EVs. According to Cresswell, many EV drivers who do not own their vehicles may not be as cautious about the condition of the batteries, leading to accelerated degradation rates.
Clearwatt has observed annual degradation rates exceeding 1.8% in many EVs, highlighting the need for better monitoring and maintenance practices. This issue is particularly relevant for fleet vehicles, where multiple drivers may not be as diligent in following recommended charging guidelines.
The British Vehicle Rental and Leasing Association, which sets standards for vehicle condition upon return, is now considering incorporating battery health assessments into their guidelines. Currently, there is no industry-wide standard for measuring battery health, making it challenging for buyers to assess the condition of EV batteries.
British Car Auctions (BCA) has introduced a Battery Health Grading system to provide buyers with more transparency regarding the state of an EV’s battery. By using diagnostic tools to assess remaining capacity and identify potential issues with battery modules, BCA aims to simplify the evaluation process for potential buyers.
Despite these efforts, Estelle Miller of EV Experts cautions that different testing methods and reporting styles can be confusing for buyers. She emphasizes the importance of clearly understanding the state of health of the battery, rather than relying solely on driving range estimates displayed on the dashboard.
At EV Experts, they use a diagnostic tool that presents battery health as a percentage, ensuring that buyers have a comprehensive understanding of the battery’s condition. Miller cites a recent example where a report on a used EV provided conflicting information, highlighting the need for standardized reporting practices in the industry.
