Arval has released a fresh analysis of 24,000 State of Health (SoH) certificates for electric vehicle batteries, revealing a level of durability that exceeds widespread assumptions about battery wear in used electric cars.
The dataset, drawn from a large and varied European sample, highlights the long-term reliability of modern battery technology and aims to build confidence among second-hand EV buyers.
With over 30,000 certificates issued since launching its assessment system, Arval continues to position itself as a trusted leader in the remarketing of electric vehicles. The latest findings, based on a dataset three times larger than that of the company’s early 2025 study, refine initial insights and offer a clearer understanding of how batteries age in real-world conditions.
The updated analysis shows that electric vehicle batteries retain their capacity exceptionally well over time. On average, a battery maintains 93 percent of its original capacity at 70,000 kilometres. Even at 160,000 kilometres or after six years of use, SoH typically remains above 90 percent. Newer vehicle generations perform even better, with SoH readings two to three points higher than earlier models.
The degradation pattern is gradual and predictable. After an initial, modest decline, battery capacity tends to decrease by roughly one percent every 25,000 kilometres. These findings help dispel the persistent fear that EV batteries deteriorate rapidly or unpredictably.
Across 11 European countries, the data demonstrates that battery ageing concerns are largely unfounded. Misconceptions about rapid degradation continue to overshadow the robust performance seen in real-world usage. By providing transparent and independently verified data, Arval hopes to encourage broader adoption of used electric vehicles.
Pascal Seeger, Global Remarketing Director at Arval, emphasises that the findings confirm the strong performance already highlighted last year. He notes that this evidence should reassure buyers and support the growth of a more transparent and trustworthy second-hand EV market.
Advances in battery design, cooling technologies and energy management systems are contributing to improved longevity. Newer electric vehicles show slightly better SoH results over time, strengthening expectations that durability will continue to improve in the years ahead.
Upcoming European regulations, including Euro 7 and new battery legislation, will introduce standardised reporting of battery health. The State of Health metric will transition into SOCE, the State of Certified Energy. By 2027, drivers of new vehicles will be able to view battery health information directly on the dashboard, and each battery will have a digital Battery Passport detailing its history and certified capacity. These measures aim to support a clearer and more reliable used market for both private and commercial buyers.
Arval was the first leasing company to provide a battery State of Health certificate when reselling electric vehicles. Working with two independent organisations, Moba and Aviloo, both certified by the Car Remarketing Association Europe (CARA), Arval offers a standardised and impartial assessment that benefits both sellers and buyers.
The study draws on 24,000 certificates issued in 11 countries. The vehicles evaluated include both battery-electric vehicles and plug-in hybrids, with a breakdown of 66 percent BEVs and 33 percent PHEVs. Around thirty different brands are represented, all remarketed by Arval between March 2023 and September 2025.
