New research highlighting the importance of battery health certificates to boost consumer confidence in used EVs is now out.

More than a third (37%) of drivers with no plans to go electric cite concerns about long-term battery health

The study – conducted by Stack Data strategy and commissioned by Axa UK – reveals that nearly two-thirds (63%) of UK motorists have no plans to buy an electric vehicle. Among these, more than a third (37%) say concern over battery lifespan is one of the main reasons.

The study also shows that motorists don’t plan to buy EVs because they believe they are too expensive (61%) and that there is a lack of charging points in their local area (36%).

The research also reveals a clear lack of public awareness around the used EV market, with nearly two-thirds (64%) of those questioned saying there isn’t enough public information on how to buy a used electric vehicle.

Alongside the research, Axa UK has published a report, Sparking Change – the case for delivering EV battery health certificates, which highlights the benefits of standardised battery health information for all makes and models of used EVs to give consumers more confidence in the longevity of the vehicles they are buying.

Axa UK says battery health certificates could play a significant role in stimulating the UK’s used EV market by providing a measure for vehicle value that doesn’t currently exist.

In the UK, new EVs and their batteries must have manufacturer warranties of eight years or 100,000 miles but these are often not passed on to subsequent owners of the vehicle. There is currently no standardised method in place for the owners of second-hand EVs to track the vehicle’s battery health or performance.

But Axa says battery health certificates could have a positive impact on insurance premiums by making it easier for insurers to accurately assess the value of second-hand EVs in a similar way that mileage is used for vehicles with an engine.

Labour’s pre-election manifesto included a commitment for the introduction of a standardised battery health check – and Axa has urged the Government to implement this as soon as possible.

Marco Distefano, managing director at Axa Retail, said: “Battery health certificates have the potential to boost consumer confidence and drive demand to create a thriving second-hand EV market. It’s clear that motorists have concerns around both the lifespan and cost of electric vehicles and without addressing these issues there is a risk that EV uptake will remain low.

“We urge the Government to urgently publish guidelines to support standardised battery health testing. Not only will this stimulate the used EV market, but it also has the potential to positively impact insurance premiums by providing a barometer for assessing the value of EVs in a similar way that mileage is used for vehicles with an engine.”

The full Axa report can be found here.