The burgeoning secondhand electric vehicle (EV) market faces a significant hurdle: widespread consumer distrust fueled by misconceptions surrounding battery technology. Addressing this skepticism is crucial to accelerating the transition away from gasoline and diesel-powered cars, industry leaders say.
A recent open letter signed by several organizations, including the Association of Fleet Professionals (AFP), urged government support for electrification within the used car sector. The letter highlights a need to bolster driver confidence in EVs, mirroring the trust they place in traditional vehicles.
“What often gets overlooked, despite being included in the letter, is the necessity of building consumer faith in used EVs,” stated Ric Baird, board director at AFP. “Overcoming the existing obstacles and dispelling the pervasive misinformation surrounding these batteries is paramount. Establishing a sense of everyday reliability—an absence of perceived risk—is just as vital as any financial incentives.”
The AFP emphasized that demonstrating the long-term dependability of EV batteries, alongside ensuring accessible and affordable charging infrastructure, would be key to boosting consumer confidence. This extends beyond consumers; inspiring confidence among car dealers, many of whom remain hesitant about handling used EVs, is also essential for a thriving market.
Key Concerns & Misconceptions:
- Widespread misinformation regarding EV batteries persists, including unfounded concerns about spontaneous combustion and rapid degradation.
- Despite evidence showing electric cars are “stable, robust, and long-lasting,” this message hasn’t been effectively communicated to the public.
The AFP strongly advocates for an industry-backed battery health check as a matter of urgency.
Labour previously pledged in its manifesto to introduce such checks to stimulate interest in electric vehicles, outlining plans to “support buyers of secondhand electric cars by standardizing information on battery condition.”
Research from AXA UK indicates that battery health certificates could significantly revitalize the UK’s used EV market. These certificates would provide a standardized measure of battery health across various makes and models – a metric currently absent in the market.
According to AXA, these certifications could also positively influence insurance premiums by allowing insurers to more accurately assess the value of secondhand EVs, similar to how mileage is used for conventional vehicles. A survey conducted jointly by AXA and Aviloo revealed that 63% of drivers have no intention of purchasing an electric car, with 37% citing battery life concerns as a primary reason.
Marco Distefano, Managing Director of AXA Retail, asserted: “We strongly urge the Government to promptly release guidelines supporting standardized battery health testing. This initiative has the potential not only to stimulate the used EV market but also to favorably impact insurance premiums by offering a reliable indicator for assessing EV value.”
The benefits of standardized battery health certificates include:
- Increased consumer confidence in the longevity and reliability of used EVs.
- More accurate assessment of vehicle value, leading to potentially lower insurance premiums.
- Stimulation of the UK’s used EV market.
