Arval analysis shows EV batteries last longer than expected

Arval has published new analysis confirming that electric vehicle (EV) batteries retain their performance far better over time than many buyers expect, helping to address one of the biggest concerns in the used EV market.

The findings are based on 24,000 battery State of Health (SoH) certificates issued across 11 European countries, making it one of the largest datasets of its kind in Europe.

Arval has now issued more than 30,000 certificates in total since launching its battery certification system, strengthening its position as a pioneer and trusted third party in the electric used-car market.

The expanded dataset – three times larger than Arval’s previous study published in early 2025 – confirms that battery degradation is slow, predictable and significantly lower than common market perceptions. On average, EV batteries retain around 93% of their original capacity at 70,000km, and remain above 90% capacity at 160,000km or after six years of use. Newer-generation electric vehicles perform even better, with State of Health scores two to three points higher than older models. Overall degradation is gradual, at around 1% every 25,000km after a slight initial decrease.

The analysis, which covers a mix of battery electric vehicles (66%) and plug-in hybrids (33%) from around 30 manufacturers, suggests that concerns around rapid battery ageing are overstated. The data points to consistent and reliable performance over time, helping to remove uncertainty for second-hand buyers and fleet operators.

Pascal Seeger, Global Remarketing Director at Arval, said: “This update fully confirms the insights shared last year: batteries maintain a high level of performance over time, beyond market perceptions.

“This is very good news for used car buyers, who can be confident in the durability and reliability of electric vehicle batteries over the long run. By providing consolidated and comparable data, we help remove barriers to buying used electric vehicles and accelerate the development of a more transparent and reliable market.”

Arval also observed a clear generational improvement in battery performance, driven by advances in battery design, cooling systems and energy management. These technical improvements are expected to further strengthen confidence in the used EV market in the years ahead.

Looking forward, upcoming European regulations under Euro 7 and the EU Battery Regulation are set to improve transparency even further. From 2027, new EVs will display battery health information directly on the dashboard, and each battery will carry a “Battery Passport” detailing its history and certified capacity. These measures aim to create a more structured, transparent and trusted used EV market for both consumers and businesses.

As the first leasing company to offer battery State of Health certificates on resale, Arval partners with independent specialists Moba and Aviloo, both certified by the Car Remarketing Association Europe (CARA), to provide standardised and independent assessments for buyers and sellers. The latest analysis reinforces the role of battery certification in building trust and accelerating adoption in the growing used electric vehicle market.