How introducing Battery State of Health scores changed the game for used EV buyers
As the electric vehicle (EV) market grows, so too has the demand for greater transparency from consumers, dealerships, online car platforms and auction houses such as Pickles. Particularly in the secondhand market, where buyer confidence is shaped by battery functionality. Since launching Australia's first nationally available Battery State of Health (SoH) certificates program in July 2025, Pickles has increased buyer trust, attracted more bidders, and lifted resale values for used Evs.
Example of an Battery State of Health (SoH) certificate
The importance of SoH scores cannot be understated, as the used EV market relies on SoH to assess the battery's condition and capability. SoH is an estimate of the battery's remaining usable capacity compared to when it was new. Pickles' testing partner AVILOO calculates SoH using proprietary algorithms that analyse battery management system (BMS) data, battery pack performance and cell-level measurements, to provide a consistent assessment of battery condition across different vehicle brands.
For Pickles, the strategic move to launch SoH scores has delivered significant benefit to dealers, enabling them to retail used EVs to consumers with greater insight and certainty. A year on from launch, Pickles' General Manager – Automotive Solutions and resident EV expert, Brendon Green, reflected on the impact of introducing the SoH program.
“Buyer feedback has been really strong. Ultimately, it's allowing buyers to research battery health before they choose a vehicle to bid on,” Green explained.
“We've seen more bidders on each EV and EVs are now selling faster than ever before.”
Brendon Green, General Manager - Automotive Solutions
Making the move to incorporate SoH scores into Pickles' EV sales felt like a natural step for Australia's top-rated auction house. Transparency is at the heart of Pickles' exclusive marketplace of used assets, and the introduction of SoH scores allowed buyers to make confident, databacked decisions before placing a bid.
The challenge was of course finding enough EVs to feed Pickles' expansive, nationwide buyer base. Demand for quality used EV stock is high among dealers and private buyers due to the cost-saving potential versus the new price.This is where SoH scores proved essential, as it reassured customers that they can get into an electric vehicle with a healthy battery and often with lots of battery warranty remaining. Having tested over 650 vehicles prior to launch last year, to now testing over 2,500 a year later, Pickles' data for used EV vehicles is second-to-none.
“Used EV batteries are really healthy. We've now tested over 2,500 vehicles, the average battery score sits at 96%, EVs 5 years or older are 93% and even vehicles with 120,000+km are testing at 89%,” Green stated.
“Customer confidence levels are now really high when choosing an EV to bid on. As an example dealers were buying 30% of used EVs and now it's grown to around 50%.”
“We've seen 150% growth in volume year on year. Notably, as the fuel crisis unravelled, we were having 100% auction clearance rates and the EV page views on our website grew over 700%.”
The rise of EVs in the Australian market has seen a significant shift in the vehicle industry, with greater effort being taken toward supporting a greener and more sustainable future. Dealers are increasingly discovering the benefits of choosing the electric route, and it means that the industry is being reshaped by the day.
“Sellers supported us from day one and are really pleased with the uplift in bidding and sales. We are now seeing dealers across the industry put battery certificates on their own used EVs to help accelerate wider EV adoption,” Green confirmed.
“If anything, [motor dealer sales] climbed during the fuel crisis. We've had lots of dealers buy used EVs for the first time during the fuel crisis, and our certificates answer all the questions that buyers have.”
With demand for used EVs on the rise and Australia's electrified fleet rapidly expanding, be sure to explore Pickles' wide range of EVs online. Or visit our website to browse a selection of vehicles, machinery, industrial equipment and more.
07 Aug