How Pickles is building trust in the second hand EV market
The rise of electric vehicles (EV) in the Australian market has seen a significant shift in the vehicle industry, and customer demands are evolving by the day. A growing effort toward building a greener and more sustainable future has led to this paradigm shift, as more Aussies opt for hybrid and electric vehicles. However, transparency around battery health remains a crucial point of concern for customers, with many wary about the potential cost of a replacement.
A battery is integral to an EV's functionality, as without it a vehicle does not have the energy needed for propulsion. We've put together this guide to help you understand the important factors to consider when evaluating battery health in a used EV.
What is EV battery health?
EV battery health refers to an EV battery's condition and performance capacity, and measures how effectively the battery retains its ability to store and deliver energy. Maintaining the longevity of an EV battery is crucial for EV owners as it ensures efficiency, optimal range and the vehicle's overall performance. But, how can you assess the health of a battery? This is where State of Health (SoH) scores become essential.
Why battery State of Health (SoH) scores are important
Battery State of Health (SoH) scores are determined by a combination of manufacturer data (often found within the vehicle's Battery Management System) and independent diagnostic companies. An independent battery health score is based on a large amount of test data to provide an unbiased assessment based on historical and current battery performance data. This is often presented as a detailed battery health certificate.
Battery Health Fact: Total energy consumption, driving behaviour, and the number of charging and full cycles are all examples of the types of data interpreted and integrated into the SoH score.
The importance of SoH scores cannot be understated, as the used EV market relies on SoH to assess the battery's condition and capability. Assessing battery health helps inform buyer confidence - the higher the SoH, the better the battery condition. If substantial risks are detected in the battery, the Battery Certificate Preview provides a 'Red Flag' report, and identifies the nature and type of error.
For auction houses like Pickles, providing SoH builds trust and confidence for customers buying a used EV.
*Example of a State of Health (SoH) certificate provided by Pickles
How transparency gave Pickles an edge
In an industry-first, Pickles launched the public release of SoH scores on all tested EVs listed on pickles.com.au in July, transforming Australia's used EV market. The groundbreaking move mirrors international trends where, in Europe, the introduction of battery scoring triggered a major market shift – with more than 1,000 new dealers entering the used EV space after the system was introduced.
The game-changing initiative was the culmination of 24-months of testing, learning, and refining data through Pickles' EV Battery Assurance Program. With over 1000 vehicles tested to date, the average battery SoH score across Pickles' EV fleet is an impressive 96 per cent, based on vehicles approximately 2.5 years old with 30,000km travelled.
Prior to publishing SoH scores, buyers were less informed about EV battery condition but are now able to make confident, databacked decisions before placing a bid. For Pickles' General Manager for Automotive Solutions, Brendon Green, the data is having a big effect in alleviating uncertainty around EVs.
“Historically, motor dealers have been hesitant to buy used EVs. It wasn't long ago that 70% of Pickles' used EV sales went to private buyers, with only 30% to dealers.” Brendon said.
“Since launching our Battery State of Health (SoH) certificate program, we've seen a dramatic change. Now, 49% of used EVs sold with a certificate were purchased by motor dealers, whilst only 38% bought without a certificate went to dealers.”
“Battery health is very important in an EV. It determines resale value, driving range, and long-term reliability. This move gave buyers – especially dealers – real certainty, not guesswork.”
Transparency around SoH scores is beginning to shape buyer confidence for both trade and private customers. Now, there are higher volumes of interested buyers per listing, increased bidding activity and sale prices, and improved auction clearance rates. It's a valuable resale tool for dealers and gives peace of mind for private buyers.
Here's what to expect when buying a used EV from Pickles:
- Certificates available during the online viewing period to help buyers choose EVs.
- 2 x Battery State of Health scores to review and compare vehicles offered.
- Battery tests run nationwide across Pickles motor vehicle branches.
- Kilometre ranges based on real world usage.
- The majority of EVs available in stock have certificates.
- Assurance knowing you are buying a used EV from Australia's auction leaders.
With demand for used EVs on the rise and Australia's electrified fleet rapidly expanding, Pickles' bold move sets a new benchmark for transparency, innovation and trust in the auction industry. Be sure to explore Pickles' wide range of EVs, or visit our website to browse a selection of vehicles, machinery, industrial equipment and more.
02 Oct