The New Metric Every Used EV Buyer Needs to Know—And It’s Not Mileage

The New Metric Every Used EV Buyer Needs to Know—And It’s Not Mileage

7 May 2025
  • The electric vehicle (EV) industry is shifting focus from mileage to battery health as the key metric for value and longevity.
  • Modern EVs exhibit significant battery durability, with 2023 models retaining about 86% battery health at 90,000 miles, a marked improvement from previous years.
  • A new paradigm in the used EV market emphasizes the importance of battery condition over mere mileage, offering value in vehicles with robust battery health.
  • Transparency in battery health through certification is becoming standard, exemplified by companies like Polestar, enhancing buyer confidence.
  • Generational’s direct battery assessments through OBD ports highlight a future where battery health is central to automotive relevance and resale value.
  • The evolving narrative in the EV sector encourages embracing battery insights for a better understanding of vehicle potential.
Can I Get A Used EV With High Mileage?

In today’s fast-evolving electric vehicle (EV) landscape, a silent revolution is unfolding—one that redefines how we gauge the value and longevity of cars. The modern quest is not just about how far a vehicle has traveled, but about the health of its heart: the battery.

Picture today’s sprawling highways teeming with 2023 EV models. Miles aren’t eroding these modern marvels as they once did. Instead, their batteries hum with vitality, markedly outperforming their predecessors. Imagine a 2023 vehicle, boasting an impressive 86% of its battery health at 90,000 miles—this is more than a mere technological milestone; it’s a testament to the significant strides made in EV durability. Less than a decade ago, similar models languished at under 76%.

This shift underscores a profound truth: the mileage myth is being displaced by a new champion. The narrative is now steered by battery health certification, according to Oliver Phillpott, head of the pioneering company, Generational. His team unravels a vehicle’s potential through direct assessments via the OBD port, correlating battery conditions with manufacturer benchmarks. Their approach encapsulates the future of automotive relevance and resale value.

The burgeoning used EV market, however, presents a varied landscape. Those wary of higher-mileage EVs are greeted with a nuanced picture. Older EV models can offer substantial worth to drivers with less demanding commutes. Purchasers now grasp a broader perspective where battery health, rather than sheer mileage, is becoming the trusted indicator of a car’s future life.

Adapting to these insights, the industry ushers in new standards of transparency. The once opaque realm of battery conditions now shines under the light of certifications—tools that empower consumers with knowledge and confidence in their purchases. Polestar is at the forefront, championing its battery state of health certificates, equipping buyers with clarity and peace of mind.

The essence of this transformation lies in a simple, yet profound realization: a vehicle’s odometer tells only half the story. The true tale of an EV’s journey and potential now lies in its battery’s pulse. As the used EV sector matures, those embracing these insights will navigate more confidently through a future where change is not just inevitable, but embraced for the promise it holds.

Unlocking the Future of Electric Vehicles: The Importance of Battery Health

Overview: The Rise of Battery Health as a Key Metric

In the fast-evolving electric vehicle (EV) landscape, a silent revolution is underway—one that emphasizes the importance of battery health over traditional mileage measures. As of 2023, advancements in battery technology have allowed EVs to maintain impressive performance levels even at high mileages. For instance, it’s now common to find EVs retaining 86% of their battery capacity at 90,000 miles, far eclipsing past benchmarks.

Battery Longevity: What You Need to Know

Battery Health Certifications:
– The rise of battery health certifications represents a new era of transparency in the automotive industry. Leading companies, such as Polestar, are setting standards by providing buyers with comprehensive insights into a vehicle’s battery condition. These certifications empower consumers with the knowledge to make informed purchase decisions, ultimately influencing resale values and market dynamics.

Direct Assessments:
– Innovative approaches, such as direct assessments through the OBD port, correlate battery health with manufacturer benchmarks. These insights, provided by experts like Oliver Phillpott from Generational, are reshaping how we define a vehicle’s potential and relevance.

Impact on Used EV Market:
– The burgeoning used EV market reflects this shift, providing value to buyers less concerned with mileage and more focused on battery condition. This evolution indicates a broader understanding among consumers of the importance of battery longevity, particularly for those with everyday commuting needs.

How-To Assess an EV’s Battery Health

1. Certifications: Look for vehicles with verified battery health certifications, such as those from Polestar.
2. OBD Port Check: Consider an OBD port assessment to gain detailed knowledge about the battery’s status.
3. Manufacturer Benchmarks: Compare battery health against the manufacturer’s standards to gauge overall performance.

Real-World Use Cases and Industry Trends

Internet of Things (IoT) Integration:
– IoT technology is playing a significant role in monitoring battery health, allowing for real-time data analytics and predictive maintenance. This integration enhances the user experience by alerting drivers of potential issues before they manifest.

Sustainability and Recycling Byproducts:
– As the industry grows, the focus on sustainable battery production and recycling has gained momentum. Companies are investing in recycling technologies to reuse essential materials, thereby reducing the environmental impact of battery disposal.

Insights and Market Predictions

EV Sales Growth: According to market forecasts, global EV sales are projected to increase significantly over the next decade, driven by advancements in battery technology and growing consumer confidence.

Transition to Solid-State Batteries: The industry is on the cusp of transitioning to solid-state batteries, which promise to offer higher energy densities, improved safety, and longer life spans compared to their lithium-ion counterparts.

Pros and Cons Overview

Pros:
– Enhanced longevity and performance of EV batteries.
– Transparent battery health certifications aid consumer decision-making.
– Increased value retention in the used EV market.

Cons:
– Potentially higher upfront costs for vehicles with advanced battery technology.
– Limited availability of battery health certifications among all vehicle brands.

Actionable Recommendations

For Buyers: Prioritize EV models that offer comprehensive battery health certifications and have maintained good battery health over high mileage.
For Sellers: Highlight battery condition certifications to attract informed buyers and maximize resale value.
For Manufacturers: Invest in technologies that enhance battery life and facilitate consumer access to reliable battery health information.

Learn more about the future of electric vehicles and sustainable innovations in the automotive sector by visiting the official page of Polestar.

By focusing on battery health, both consumers and manufacturers can navigate the evolving EV landscape with confidence, steering toward a future where sustainability and performance go hand in hand.

Julian Heath

Julian Heath is an accomplished author and thought leader in the realms of new technologies and fintech. He holds a Master’s degree in Technology Management from Carnegie Mellon University, where he developed a keen understanding of the intersection between finance and innovation. With over a decade of experience in the tech industry, Julian has successfully navigated the evolving landscape of digital finance, working at J.P. Morgan in various capacities that honed his expertise in financial systems and emerging technologies. His writings, which engage both industry veterans and newcomers alike, aim to demystify complex concepts and provide actionable insights for a rapidly changing world.

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