Alexander Millinger, Senior Sales Manager UK at associate member AVILOO explores insights showing certification is no longer a “nice-to-have” but a market expectation that will shape the future of used electric vehicles. As the used EV market rapidly expands, trust - not range or charging speed - is emerging as the defining factor in electric mobility. With battery health proving to be the single biggest concern for buyers and a major driver of vehicle value, transparent and independent battery data is becoming essential.
Why trust - not range or charging speed - will define the future of electric mobility.
As electric mobility matures, the spotlight is shifting from new models to the growing pool of used EVs and plug-in hybrids. This evolution brings a critical question to the forefront: how can buyers and sellers trust the health of the battery - the single most important component in an electric vehicle?
Our research shows this is more than a technical issue; it’s a market-defining challenge. In AVILOO’s 2024 Remarketing Study, over half of potential EV buyers admitted they hesitate because they don’t trust battery data. This insight suggests the industry’s next frontier isn’t range or charging speed, it’s transparency.
Why Transparency Matters
Battery health determines value, safety, and reliability. Yet, today’s market often relies on inconsistent or opaque data, leaving buyers exposed to risk and sellers struggling to differentiate. Without a trusted standard, financing, insurance, and residual values remain uncertain.
If history is any guide, the ICE market offers a clear lesson: trust drives liquidity. Just as vehicle inspections became routine for combustion cars, battery certification could soon become as standard as an MOT, reassuring consumers and stabilising pricing models across markets.
What the Data Tells Us
Our study revealed three striking trends:
- Buyers are willing to pay €550 – €1,100 more for a used EV with a certified battery report.
- The share of buyers open to purchasing a used EV jumps from 61% to 83% when independent certification is available.
- Certified vehicles sell faster - dealerships report a 36% higher conversion rate, and 81% of customers trust dealers more when certification is offered.
These numbers point to a broader truth: transparency isn’t a nice-to-have; it’s becoming a market expectation.
Signals from the Market
Early adopters confirm the impact. Manheim Express Europe saw a 29.3% increase in bids per vehicle and a 33.4% boost in sales conversion after integrating battery certification. BCA reported up to 50% higher click-through rates on listings featuring certified batteries. And a survey by mobile.de found that 60% of respondents believe certification would positively influence their trust and purchase decision.
Where the Industry Goes Next
As EV adoption accelerates, expect regulation and consumer demand to push toward standardised battery reporting. Transparency will influence not only resale values but also financing and insurance models. In short, battery health data will become a cornerstone of the EV ecosystem.
At AVILOO, we’re contributing to this conversation through research, partnerships, and technology that sets benchmarks for independent, data-driven battery diagnostics. Our goal isn’t just to certify batteries—it’s to help shape a market where trust and clarity unlock value for everyone.
The takeaway? The future of the used EV market will be built on transparency. And battery certification is poised to become one of its most powerful enablers.
