During a recent meeting of the Vehicle Remarketing Association (VRA), the discussion centered on the proposal to require battery state of health (SOH) monitors on all new electric vehicles (EV). Abdul Chowdhury, head of vehicle policy at the government’s Office for Zero Emission Vehicles (OZEV), emphasised the significance of SOH monitors as the battery contributes significantly to a used EV’s value and performance. Providing consumers with accurate information on the battery’s health would allow them to make informed decisions and reduce concerns about battery degradation.
The compulsory fitting of battery SOH monitors on all new EVs could potentially make it easier for vehicle recyclers to assess the value and condition of used EV batteries. SOH monitors estimate the remaining capacity of a battery, which is a crucial factor in determining the performance and value of a used EV. With this information readily available, recyclers will be able to accurately assess the quality and value of used EV batteries, which can be reused in other applications or sold on the secondary market.
Abdul Chowdhury, head of vehicle policy at the government’s Office for Zero Emission Vehicles (OZEV), said:
“The UK government has been working with the United Nations Economic Commission for Europe (UNECE) and other international partners to develop technical regulations on SOH monitors and minimum battery performance standards and is currently analysing options for adopting these regulations into UK law. He added: “The EU is also considering options and its Euro 7 proposals look set to bring SOH monitors in from July 2025.”
The remaining total capacity of a battery compared to the total capacity at the time of the electric vehicle’s production is known as battery state of health. The UNECE, where many international automotive standards and regulations are established, has developed the Global Technical Regulations on EV batteries, which includes two essential aspects. The first aspect is the requirement to install SOH monitors on EVs that are accessible to consumers, meet accuracy standards, and are validated through in-service testing. The second aspect is the establishment of a minimum performance standard of 80% SOH for EVs aged 0-5 years or with 100,000 km or less, and 70% SOH for EVs aged 5-8 years or with 100,000 to 160,000 km, whichever comes first. Additionally, OZEV is exploring other areas to support the used EV industry, such as standardized EV information at the point of sale and ensuring adequate training of technicians for EV repairs.
Chowdhury said:
“The used market is critical to the UK’s transition to zero-emission vehicles and meeting our net-zero ambitions. It is where 80% of all cars are bought and sold, and as we move from early EV adopters to a mass transition, its health is critical to ensuring a fair and equitable transition for all.
Government support has included financial incentives to stimulate the new EV market and increase the supply of vehicles feeding through to the used market. Our funding for chargepoint infrastructure at homes, workplaces, residential streets and across the wider roads network is also supporting consumers to buy used EVs.”
Although the government has not yet made any plans for providing direct financial support for used EV purchases, they continuously review all policy options, and OZEV keeps a close eye on the state of the used market and remains open to receiving any evidence.
VRA chair Philip Nothard said:
“Used EVs continue to be among the most-discussed topics in remarketing, and being able to hear directly from someone such as Abdul at the centre of government thinking was fascinating and provided a high level of insight for VRA members.”
Source thevra.co.uk
