Buying a used EV? How you can get the battery checked
If you’re buying a second-hand electric vehicle (EV), you can now get a test to see how much life is left in the car’s battery before you hand over cash.
RAA has become one of the state’s first providers of independent EV battery health checks and will deliver the result on the same day as the test.
Why it matters
A recent RAA survey found battery lifespan is the second most common concern among prospective EV drivers, raised by 58 per cent of South Australians surveyed.
At the same time, EV sales in SA continue to climb, with EVs making up 33.5 per cent of new-car sales in September as more motorists look to reduce running costs amid high fuel prices.
How the test works
Now part of RAA’s Vehicle Inspection offering, the battery checks independently assess an EV battery’s state of health – the percentage of a battery’s original capacity that remains – to produce a comprehensive report about the battery’s condition.
The report outlines:
- The vehicle’s current driving range
- Whether the battery is degrading normally
- How it compares with other vehicles of the same make, model and age.
The test is carried out using a plug-in device that connects to the vehicle’s on-board diagnostics (OBD) port, with results generated in as little as three to four minutes.
RAA Principal Advisor Energy and Future Mobility Peter Nattrass says the new offering will help take the guesswork out of buying, selling or simply owning an EV.
“As more South Australians make the switch to electric vehicles, we’re seeing growing demand for a way to check the real condition of EV batteries,” Peter says.
“Battery health has been one of the biggest question marks for people considering an EV, particularly a used one, so we’re pleased to be one of the first providers to offer this kind of independent testing in South Australia as part of our vehicle inspection service.
“This test gives an independent, cell-level assessment of the battery health, so owners and buyers can know exactly what they’re getting from an EV’s battery.”
RAA is using the TÜV-certified AVILOO battery diagnostic platform, which is used by manufacturers and dealers around the world, to deliver the checks.
Want to get an EV battery check?
Find out more or book an EV battery health check.