Buyers of used electric cars are urged to obtain a battery certificate to verify remaining capacity and range before purchase
Executive summary: Handelsblatt advises consumers purchasing a used electric vehicle to request a battery certificate that details the pack’s condition and remaining range. Battery health is a key determinant of an EV’s usability and resale value; lacking this data can lead to mispriced transactions and buyer dissatisfaction.
Who is involved: Used EV buyers, sellers, automotive dealers, and independent battery testing providers such as TÜV or Dekra.
Likely next: Demand for battery certification services will rise, potentially prompting platforms to integrate certificate fields and regulators to consider disclosure standards for used EV sales.
The Handelsblatt article highlights that a battery certificate provides critical information on an EV’s state of health and expected driving range, which directly influences pricing and purchase decisions in the secondary market. Without such documentation, buyers risk overpaying for a degraded pack or facing unexpected range limitations. The piece notes that while the certificate is not yet mandatory, its use is growing among informed consumers and dealers seeking transparency.
Timeline
- — Stromer aus 2. Hand: Gebrauchtes E-Auto kaufen: Bestehen Sie auf dieses Dokument (Handelsblatt)