An Ultimate Guide to Assessing Electric Car Battery Condition

Some Noticeable Information

The driveline of electric vehicles is powered by a large lithium-ion battery, in addition to a small 12V battery. When purchasing a pre-owned EV, it is crucial to assess the condition of the larger battery.

Battery health is an important factor in determining an EV's energy storage capacity and its overall range. As time passes, all battery types naturally degrade, leading to a decrease in storage capacity. However, it is worth noting that, on average, an EV battery typically outlasts the lifespan of the vehicle.

There are several methods available to assess the health of an EV battery, including monitoring the estimated range displayed on the dashboard, keeping an eye on the state of charge, noting any engine or battery alerts, utilizing diagnostic tools or smartphone apps, or seeking assistance from a dealer service center. It is important to recognize that these specific methods may vary depending on the manufacturer.

Electric vehicles (EVs) are quickly gaining popularity, leading to a constant influx of new models in the market. Consequently, there is also a growing availability of used EVs for purchase. This presents potential buyers with unique challenges, as they now need to focus on checking the battery health rather than ensuring the engine runs smoothly.

If you are interested in purchasing a second-hand EV that is in good condition, there are several factors that you should carefully consider before securing a loan or investing your hard-earned money. While the mileage of an EV is not as critical as it is for gasoline vehicles, it is still important to assess how it may impact the battery's lifespan. Whether you are in the market for a used Tesla, Nissan, Rivian, KIA, or simply want to evaluate the health of your current EV, here is everything you need to know.

Remember: Electric Vehicles Have Two Batteries

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Most electric vehicles are equipped with a standard 12V car battery that is responsible for controlling the vehicle's systems, such as the lights, gauge cluster, and other minor functions. However, the focus of this article lies in the larger lithium-ion (or similar) battery, which serves as the core of the vehicle. This significant battery pack is responsible for supplying power to the electric motors and ensuring the smooth movement of the wheels.

Unlike the small 12V battery, which typically requires replacement every 3–5 years similar to conventional vehicles, the powerful battery used for the electric driveline is expected to have a much longer lifespan, despite potential degradation over time. In essence, the battery of an electric vehicle functions as the equivalent of an engine and requires the same level of care and maintenance as an internal combustion engine, such as changing the oil, to ensure optimal performance.

Why EV Battery Health Is Important

Hannah Stryker

Electric vehicles require less maintenance compared to conventional cars, although there are still important factors to consider. When purchasing a pre-owned EV, the condition of the battery system becomes the utmost priority.

In essence, the battery's overall health and capacity dictate the amount of energy it can store to fuel the vehicle. A well-functioning battery provides drivers with an extended range, similar to the concept of miles per gallon and the distance one can travel on a full tank of gas. However, over time, all battery types experience degradation and a slight decrease in capacity, resulting in reduced range compared to its original state.

Tesla asserts that even after traveling 100,000 miles, the battery's health remains at or above 90%, ensuring ample capacity. For instance, in the case of an older Model X with 150,000 miles, the anticipated range of 348 miles per charge may decrease by approximately 10-15%, resulting in around 300 miles of range with a full charge. This decline is due to natural degradation of the battery, resulting in a slightly reduced capacity. However, there is no need to replace the battery at this point; it simply cannot reach a full charge, which is completely normal.

Nevertheless, there is no cause for concern as, on average, an electric car battery should outlast the vehicle itself, and most manufacturers in the United States provide an 8-year warranty.

How to Test Your EV Battery Health

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Now that you grasp the significance of battery health in an electric car, truck, or SUV, it is crucial to examine it when purchasing a pre-owned vehicle. Fortunately, there are multiple methods to accomplish this across different models. The simplest approach to assess battery health in any EV is to inspect the dashboard. However, it would be advisable to delve deeper by utilizing the specific tools for each vehicle mentioned below.

Verify overall range estimates: Charge the battery completely and then assess the estimated range displayed on the dashboard. If it aligns with the manufacturer's projected range, you can be confident in its condition.

State of Charge (SOC): While driving, the dash or infotainment display will indicate the state of charge or the remaining battery percentage. If you notice a significant decrease in charge during regular city driving, it could indicate a larger problem. It's important to note that these estimates may not always be completely accurate, but they can still provide a quick assessment of the situation.

Check Engine Lights (or Battery): Seeing a Check Engine Light (CEL) while driving is never a pleasant experience, and it becomes even worse in an electric vehicle (EV) if you receive an alert on the dash from the battery management system (BMS). If you come across a light that you are unsure about, consult the owner's manual for more information.

Enhanced Diagnostic Options: Many companion apps, ranging from Tesla to Hyundai, provide users with tools to monitor battery health. Trustworthy third-party sellers will gladly share the vehicle's battery statistics with you. Furthermore, Tesla's infotainment display in the service menu offers access to select battery health information.

Dealer Tools and OBD-2 Scanners: As an additional option, you can always request to bring the vehicle to a dealer service center for a comprehensive battery test. This is especially recommended for significant purchases, such as buying a used car, just like taking the vehicle to a mechanic for inspection. Resourceful DIY buyers can even utilize their own OBD-2 scanner.

How to Check the Battery Health on a Tesla

In addition to these methods, there are other ways to assess the battery health of an electric vehicle. These alternatives are also convenient and efficient. Furthermore, we provide further information tailored to various car manufacturers, which will assist you in selecting the ideal vehicle.

Hannah Stryker

To quickly assess the condition of a Tesla battery, start by checking the available range when the battery is fully charged. If possible, navigate to the settings menu and enable "service mode," as shown in instructional videos on YouTube, to conduct a comprehensive battery health check. However, keep in mind that obtaining an accurate reading can be time-consuming. Consequently, it might be best to request the seller to perform the test and share the results before scheduling a test drive.

Furthermore, the Tesla app offers a comprehensive battery and overall vehicle health options menu that provides valuable information. Moreover, numerous popular 3rd party apps, including Tessie, offer detailed insights into battery health, degradation, and various other details. Tessie serves as an excellent tool for monitoring and conducting thorough research on a Tesla.

How to Check Nissan Leaf Battery Information

Nissan

The Nissan Leaf, another popular EV, is beginning to show signs of aging. Most EVs provide various battery information through companion apps, dashboards, or infotainment displays. In the case of the Leaf and Ariya, they offer convenient battery stats that can be easily accessed. With specific generation Leaf models, you can observe up to 12 bars on the display, indicating the battery's health and whether it is fully charged or experiencing degradation. By using the steering wheel controls, navigate to the battery capacity section for a closer look. It is recommended to perform this check during the initial vehicle test and again after fully charging it.

Then, numerous external applications have the capability to connect with an ODB-2 dongle and exchange valuable data. One of the notable applications is Leaf Spy Pro (available for Android and iOS), which grants access to a wide range of vital metrics related to your vehicle.

How to Check the Battery Health on a Rivian

Tyler Hayes

Although Rivian vehicles are still relatively new, some R1T owners are approaching the two-year milestone and have accumulated considerable mileage. Unfortunately, Rivian does not currently offer a straightforward tool to assess the overall health of the battery. However, you can still obtain a reasonably precise indication by fully charging the vehicle and examining the estimated range. During the charging process, the dashboard screen will provide details on battery charging, estimated range, SoC, and other relevant information. It is important to note that these figures may vary depending on factors such as driving habits, temperature conditions, and more. Therefore, the most accurate results can be obtained by checking the estimated range when the battery is fully charged.

How to Check the Battery Health on a Ford EV

There are several options available to determine the extent of battery degradation and to manage it efficiently. These include downloading third-party applications and utilizing an ODB-2 dongle, seeking assistance from a Rivian service center, or undertaking some basic calculations. It is important to acknowledge that every new vehicle encounters some degree of battery degradation initially, which is similar to how smartphones behave. However, this degradation levels off over time, ensuring that the car continues to deliver excellent range and overall performance.

If you own a Ford Mustang Mach-E or F-150 Lightning, you may be interested in learning about battery health. This information can provide peace of mind and be useful if you plan to sell your vehicle. The onboard displays can be used to calculate data on a full charge, and while they are generally reliable, it's important to keep track of battery information.

Another option for accessing valuable battery stats is the FordPass app. For those who prefer third-party services and trackers, Recurrent is a popular choice. Alternatively, you can use an OBD-2 scanner and explore apps like Batt-Scan, CarScanner, or FORSCAN. However, it is always recommended to bring your vehicle to a dealership or service center for the most accurate results.

EV Battery Packs Are Pretty Reliable

Given the novelty of electric vehicles, there naturally arise numerous queries and uncertainties. Generally speaking, most experts posit that an EV battery can typically endure for 15—20 years without major issues. Even beyond that lifespan, the battery does not abruptly cease to function; rather, the range offered by a "full" charge gradually diminishes. Analogously, as a conventional gasoline vehicle ages, its fuel efficiency declines. It is advisable not to overly dwell on this matter, but certainly, it is prudent to pose queries regarding the battery during a test drive or when considering a potential purchase.

Battery health is generally not a major concern, unless you are purchasing a previously owned electric vehicle (EV) that is old or heavily used, with over 150,000 miles on it. It is worth noting that all manufacturers in the U.S. provide a minimum 8-year warranty, and the battery's lifespan can definitely exceed that. In fact, it is highly probable that the battery will outlast your ownership of the vehicle.

To make a well-informed decision, utilize the various tools, applications, or in-vehicle information available. Additionally, follow some common tips to prolong the battery's lifespan. Once these steps are taken care of, you can simply enjoy your newly acquired electric vehicle.

Editor's P/S

As an electric car enthusiast, I found this article very informative and helpful. It provides valuable insights into assessing the condition of an electric car battery, which is a crucial factor to consider when purchasing a used EV. The article covers various methods to check battery health, including monitoring the estimated range, state of charge, and utilizing diagnostic tools. It also emphasizes the importance of considering battery degradation over time and highlights that EV batteries typically outlast the lifespan of the vehicle.

Furthermore, the article acknowledges the growing popularity of EVs and the increasing availability of used EVs in the market. It offers practical advice on factors to consider when evaluating a used EV, such as mileage and its impact on battery lifespan. Additionally, it provides specific examples of battery health in popular EV models like Tesla, Nissan, and Rivian. Overall, this article serves as a valuable resource for anyone interested in purchasing a used EV and provides essential information to make an informed decision.