Electric vehicles
Used EV Battery Health Check: Melbourne Buyer Guide
· 6 min read
A battery health check tells you how much of a used EV's or plug in hybrid's original battery capacity is left, which is one of the most important things to know before you buy. With PreBuyCheck, a qualified mechanic comes to the car anywhere in metro Melbourne and runs battery health testing on compatible models as part of an EV inspection. You also get the usual checks of tyres, brakes, suspension, body and interior.
This guide explains what battery health means, how it's tested, how to read the result, and what else to check on a used electric car.
Key takeaways
- Battery health describes how much usable capacity the high-voltage battery has compared with when it was new.
- All lithium-ion batteries lose some capacity over time. How much varies with the model, age, use and charging habits.
- Battery health testing is available on compatible EVs and plug in hybrids, so check that the car you're looking at is supported before you book.
- The result is one input into your decision, not a promise about how the battery will perform in future.
- An EV still has tyres, brakes, suspension and a body that need checking. A full inspection looks at the whole car.
Why battery health matters on a used EV
On a petrol car, the engine and gearbox are usually the biggest-ticket items. On an electric car, it's the high-voltage battery. Its condition affects:
- Driving range. A battery with less usable capacity won't go as far on a charge as it did when new.
- Value. Battery condition is a big part of what a used EV is worth, both now and when you sell it later.
- Peace of mind. Knowing the battery's condition helps you compare two similar cars on more than kilometres and price.
A dashboard range estimate is not a reliable measure of battery health. It's based on recent driving and conditions, and it can change from day to day. A proper battery health test gives you a clearer picture.
What is battery "state of health"?
State of health (often shortened to SoH) describes the battery's current usable capacity compared with its original capacity, and it's usually shown as a percentage. A newer battery with little use will generally sit close to its original capacity. An older or heavily used battery will generally show more degradation.
Degradation isn't the same as a fault. Some loss of capacity is normal as a battery ages. What you want to know is whether the result is reasonable for that car's age and kilometres, and whether the remaining range still suits how you drive.
What affects battery health
Many factors can influence battery condition, including:
- the battery's age and the kilometres travelled
- how often the car was rapid charged
- how often it was charged to full or run down very low
- the climate the car has spent its life in
- the specific model and battery chemistry
No single factor tells the whole story. That's why testing is more useful than guessing from the odometer.
How battery health testing works
On compatible models, our mechanic connects testing equipment to the vehicle and reads battery data from the car's systems. The results are included in your inspection report alongside the rest of the inspection findings.
A few things to know:
- Compatibility matters. Battery health testing is only available on compatible EVs and plug in hybrids. Send us the make, model and year when you book and we'll let you know.
- It's a snapshot. The result reflects the battery at the time of the test.
- It's one part of your report. The battery result is one section of your inspection report. It isn't a warranty.
Plug in hybrids need checking too
Plug in hybrids have a high-voltage battery as well as a petrol engine, so there's more to check. A PHEV inspection looks at the engine and its fluids, the transmission and the usual mechanical items, and on compatible models it includes battery health testing. A PHEV with a tired battery may lean more on its petrol engine than you'd expect, so the battery is worth understanding before you buy.
What else to check on a used EV
Battery health is important, but it isn't the only thing that matters. Our EV inspections also look at:
Tyres
EVs are often heavy and deliver strong torque, which can wear tyres quickly. The mechanic checks tread depth, uneven wear and damage on each tyre.
Brakes and suspension
Regenerative braking means the friction brakes on an EV may get less use, but they still need checking for condition and corrosion. Suspension components are checked for wear and damage.
Body, glass and underbody
The mechanic looks for signs of previous repairs, panel damage, mismatched colour and underbody damage, which matters on an EV because the battery is usually mounted underneath.
Charging and interior features
The mechanic checks the charging port and the cables supplied with the car where available, plus the interior, screens, climate control and other electrical features.
Reading the result and making a decision
When your report arrives:
- Look at the battery result in context. Compare it with the car's age and kilometres, and with any similar cars you're considering.
- Check the rest of the report. Tyres, brakes, body and interior issues can add up.
- Check the warranty position. Many EVs come with a separate battery warranty from the manufacturer. Check the terms and whether the remaining cover transfers to you.
- Think about your driving. If you mainly drive around Melbourne and charge at home, you may be comfortable with a lower range than someone who regularly drives long distances.
- Decide. Go ahead, negotiate, or keep looking.
How it works with PreBuyCheck
Our qualified mechanics come to the car, whether it's with a private seller or at a dealership in Melbourne. We arrange the time with the seller, and you don't need to attend. You get a detailed photo report with condition and star ratings, with a fast turnaround. See how it works for the full process.
Looking at a petrol or diesel car instead? Read what a pre purchase car inspection includes.
Book an EV inspection
Before you buy a used electric car or plug in hybrid in Melbourne, get the battery and the rest of the car checked. Book an EV inspection, and tell us the make, model and year so we can confirm battery health testing is available.
FAQ
Can you test the battery health of any EV?
Not every model. Battery health testing is available on compatible EVs and plug in hybrids. Tell us the make, model and year when you book and we'll confirm.
Do you inspect used Teslas?
Tell us the model and year when you book, and we'll confirm whether battery health testing is available for that car. The rest of the inspection covers tyres, brakes, suspension, body and interior.
Is the battery result a warranty?
No. It's part of your inspection report and reflects the battery's condition at the time of testing. It doesn't promise how the battery will perform in future.
Can the dashboard range tell me the battery's health?
Not reliably. The range estimate depends on recent driving and conditions. A battery health test gives you a clearer picture.
Do I need to be there?
No. We arrange the time with the seller, inspect the car, and send you the report.