Used EV battery guarantee boosts dealer confidence

A new battery health guarantee for used electric vehicles is helping to build confidence among UK dealers and drivers, easing concerns over battery lifespan.

Motability Operations, which runs the Motability Scheme, piloted the initiative on its remarketing platform, mfldirect, offering dealers the option to independently test the battery health of any EV purchased. Vehicles found to have less than 90% battery capacity could be returned at no cost.

The trial saw dealer searches for EVs on the platform increase by 25%. What's more, 110 dealerships that had previously only purchased petrol or diesel vehicles have bought EVs from mfldirect for the first time since the trial’s launch.

Battery health remains a key concern for both dealers and consumers. According to the Motability Scheme’s EV Transition Tracker, 50% of drivers hesitant to choose an EV cited battery lifespan as a key barrier, while 74% of UK used car dealers said it matters to retail customers.

Following the pilot’s success, Motability Operations has made the guarantee a permanent feature. 

Andrew Miller, CEO at Motability Operations, said: “Battery reliability is one of the biggest sticking points for UK drivers. Our guarantee tackles this hesitancy head on, giving both dealers and consumers the reassurance they need. It’s a simple step that can make a real difference to the growth of the used market and support the UK’s wider EV transition.” 

Toby Poston, Chief Executive at BVRLA, said: “The used market holds the key for a healthy and sustainable transition to cleaner, greener vehicles. Every month we see registration figures of new electric vehicles grow, with that high demand feeding the used EV market. Drivers are driven by cost, clarity and confidence. Initiatives such as this represent a big step forward in providing that confidence, enabling more drivers to make the switch and opening up zero-emission motoring to more households.” 

Ian Mansfield, Head of Buying at Motorpoint, said: "We've seen demand for used electric vehicles grow considerably in recent years and they're now one of the fastest selling fuel types on the market. As a business, we're committed to offering our customers unrivalled choice when shopping for their next car and mfldirect’s Battery Health Protection is important when it comes to our EV stock. Since we signed up to the trial we've seen interest continue to grow, even with consumers who would have historically been sceptical about the battery life of second-hand EVs."