Are used electric cars equipped with reliable batteries?
The used electric car market is generating questions among buyers: what are bad battery conditions?
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France is scheduled to ban the sale of new gasoline-powered vehicles as early as 2
What are common indicators of a potentially problematic battery in a used electric car?
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Are used electric cars equipped with reliable batteries?
Joining us today to shed light on this critical question is Hanjiro Ambrose, an expert on sustainable transportation from the Union of Concerned Scientists.
Interviewer: Hanjiro, the used electric car market is booming, but many potential buyers are concerned about battery reliability. What should they be looking for?
Hanjiro Ambrose: That’s a great question. It’s true that EV batteries degrade over time, just like any other battery. However, modern EV batteries are designed to last for many years and hundreds of thousands of miles. Buyers should ask for a battery health report, which will indicate the battery’s current capacity and state of health. A healthy battery should still have at least 70-80% of its original capacity.
Interviewer: What are some signs of a battery in bad condition?
Hanjiro Ambrose: ** Reduced driving range, slower charging times, and unexpected loss of power can all be indicators of a battery problem. It’s also important to consider the car’s age and mileage. However, remember that even older EVs can have healthy batteries if they’ve been well maintained.
Interviewer: What about the concept of “second-life” for EV batteries? Could this be a solution for some used car buyers?
**Hanjiro Ambrose:** Absolutely! [[1](https://blog.ucsusa.org/hanjiro-ambrose/the-second-life-of-used-ev-batteries/)] Many EV batteries still have enough life left in them to be repurposed for stationary energy storage, like powering homes or businesses. This not only extends their lifespan but also reduces the environmental impact of battery manufacturing.
Interviewer: That’s fascinating. Thank you for sharing your insights, Hanjiro.