When purchasing a used electric vehicle (EV), attention often shifts to the term State of Health (SOH), which is crucial for assessing the condition of the car's battery. This percentage indicates the remaining performance and capacity of the battery compared to its original state when the car was new. A tool like Aviloo can quickly provide this information, and many dealerships perform a rapid SOH battery test on used EVs coming to their lot.

SOH is defined as the ratio of the current battery condition to its initial performance, with new batteries rated at 100% SOH. Over time, batteries undergo chemical aging which leads to a decline in SOH. The most common warranty for electric car batteries lasts for eight years or 160,000 kilometers, ensuring that the battery maintains at least a 70% SOH during that period. This warranty gives consumers some reassurance about the longevity and performance of the battery they are purchasing.

As the market for used electric cars continues to grow, understanding SOH becomes increasingly important for buyers. It provides a key benchmark for assessing value and longevity, and consumers are encouraged to make informed decisions based on this metric rather than just the initial appearance or price of the vehicle. Therefore, for potential buyers, educating themselves about battery health and using the right testing tools can lead to more satisfactory investments in electric vehicles.