Battery concerns remain barrier for used EV buyers

More than half of potential used electric vehicle (EV) buyers would not purchase a car without an independent battery health check, according to new research from Startline Motor Finance.

The August Startline Used Car Tracker found that 57% of potential buyers would not buy a used EV without an independent assessment of the battery’s condition, highlighting continued consumer concerns as increasing numbers of electric cars enter the used market.

Battery reliability and the potential financial implications of a problem remain key issues. More than three-quarters (77%) of respondents said they were worried about potential battery failure, while 76% expressed concern about the cost of repairing or replacing a battery.

“Despite this, it is a possibility still clearly playing on the minds of potential electric car buyers and professional battery health checks, which are being offered by a range of companies, could play an important role in creating a sense of security.

“Our research shows that for a significant proportion of motorists, a check would be a key element in choosing to go electric, providing a high degree of reassurance about the possibility of battery failure.”

The findings come as the UK’s used EV market continues to expand, with increasing volumes of battery electric vehicles moving from new car fleets and first owners into the second-hand market.

Latest figures from the Society of Motor Manufacturers and Traders (SMMT) show used BEV transactions increased by 67.0% year-on-year to 110,761 units in the second quarter of 2026, taking a record 5.5% share of the used car market.

Startline’s research suggests that remaining manufacturer warranties could also help address concerns among used EV buyers. Almost a third (31%) said they would consider purchasing without an independent battery check if a significant proportion of the manufacturer’s original battery warranty remained.

Burgess added: “Most manufacturer warranties run for around eight years, so a significant proportion of people in the market for an older car might be happy to buy without a check.”

Price could also influence attitudes towards battery risk, with 13% saying they would buy without a health check if the vehicle was sufficiently inexpensive to compensate for the potential risk.

Meanwhile, 9% said they would not require an independent check if the EV was purchased from a reputable dealer, suggesting that confidence in the retailer could provide some reassurance. A further 7% said they did not want a battery health check at all.

The findings underline the potential role of battery health information in the developing used EV market, particularly as greater numbers of older electric cars reach forecourts and consumers have to assess factors such as battery condition alongside more traditional used-car considerations.

The Startline Used Car Tracker is compiled monthly for Startline Motor Finance by APD Global Research. The August study surveyed 300 consumers and 60 motor dealers.