New research from global fleet mobility company Arval suggests electric vehicle batteries may last significantly longer than many motorists expect, potentially easing concerns about long-term ownership costs and resale values.
The findings come from an analysis of more than 8,300 electric vehicles conducted by Arval across eight European countries. According to the company, the study assessed battery health data from vehicles representing more than 30 different brands, with results indicating that battery degradation is typically far slower than widely assumed.
The research found that the average battery state of health across the vehicles analysed was 93 per cent, meaning the batteries retained most of their original capacity even after several years of use.
Arval said the data also showed that 98 per cent of vehicles maintained more than 80 per cent of their original battery capacity, a level generally regarded as the threshold at which electric vehicle performance remains largely unaffected.
The analysis examined battery health certificates generated between March 2023 and November 2024 using diagnostic technology designed to measure remaining capacity and overall battery condition.
The company said the findings challenge a common perception that electric vehicle batteries degrade quickly, potentially requiring expensive replacement after relatively short service lives.
Instead, the results suggest that many EV batteries remain highly usable even after substantial driving distances.
According to the study, vehicles with around 70,000 kilometres of driving typically retained 93 per cent battery health, while those that had travelled as much as 200,000 kilometres still averaged close to 90 per cent capacity.
Arval said providing verified battery health data is becoming increasingly important as the used electric vehicle market continues to grow.
The company now provides battery health certificates with many of the EVs it sells through its used vehicle channels, allowing buyers to see an independent assessment of the battery’s condition and expected performance.
These certificates are produced using specialist diagnostic platforms designed specifically to evaluate lithium-ion battery packs.
By improving transparency around battery condition, Arval believes buyers may gain greater confidence in the second-hand EV market.
The battery is typically the most expensive component in an electric vehicle, often representing a significant portion of the overall vehicle cost. As a result, uncertainty about battery lifespan has historically been one of the biggest concerns for potential buyers.
The research suggests those concerns may be overstated.
According to Arval, wider adoption of battery health reporting across the automotive sector could further support the development of the used EV market by helping buyers better understand the remaining life of the vehicle’s most critical component.
More details about the research can be found here.