Polestar, a European electric vehicle manufacturer, is aiming to boost the market for pre-owned EVs with the introduction of new battery health certifications.
These certificates offer potential buyers a clear and concise assessment of a vehicle’s battery condition, expressed as a percentage. Polestar believes this transparency will alleviate concerns about long-term battery performance, a significant barrier for many considering purchasing used electric cars.
Addressing Buyer Hesitation
Recent studies have highlighted the importance of battery health documentation in reassuring prospective buyers wary of potential battery degradation in older EVs. Polestar’s initiative directly tackles this concern by providing readily available data on battery state-of-health (SOH).
Special Sales Event & Incentives
Customers can explore these certified pre-owned vehicles at a special sales event, where attractive financing options will be offered for the Polestar 2, 3 and 4 models.
- Complimentary Charger: A Zaptec home charger (valued up to £495) is included with purchases made during the event.
- Installation & Warranty: The charger comes complete with standard installation and benefits from a five-year warranty alongside lifetime 4G connectivity.
Enhanced Transparency for Polestar 2
A dedicated battery SOH check will be available for all pre-owned Polestar 2 models, ensuring customers are fully informed before making a purchase.
Expanding Pre-Owned Presence
Polestar is further expanding its commitment to the used EV market by opening its first dedicated pre-owned Space in Erdington, Birmingham, this May. This location will focus exclusively on thoroughly inspected and prepared vehicles.
Software Updates & Future-Proofing
A key advantage of owning a Polestar vehicle, whether new or pre-owned, is the ability to receive over-the-air software updates. These regular updates not only improve performance but also introduce new features. “As more pre-owned Polestars start to come on the market, it offers a lower price entry-point to join the Polestar family and experience our performance EVs with all the software features of our new cars,” stated Matt Galvin, Managing Director of Polestar UK.
Recent updates have included popular integrations like Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, along with apps such as Waze and YouTube.
Industry Alignment & Research Support
Polestar’s move aligns with growing calls within the automotive industry for standardized battery testing protocols across all electric vehicle brands. Research from AXA UK suggests that these certificates could significantly increase demand in the used EV market.
According to a survey by AXA UK and Aviloo, 63% of drivers currently have no plans to purchase an EV, with 37% expressing concerns about battery longevity. Only 8% are considering a second-hand electric vehicle.
The Role of Government & Insurance
“We urge the Government to urgently publish guidelines to support standardised battery health testing,”
said Marco Distefano, Managing Director of AXA Retail. “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.”
AXA’s findings indicate that battery health certificates could also lead to more predictable and potentially lower insurance premiums by streamlining the valuation process for pre-owned electric vehicles.
