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Recent data from Generational, a UK-based company specializing in electric vehicle (EV) battery health, reveals that newer EVs maintain significantly better battery health compared to older models, even when they’ve traveled the same distance. This highlights the rapid advancements in battery technology and suggests that mileage alone isn’t the best indicator of an EV’s condition.
Key Highlights
- 2023 EVs have 10% higher battery health on average than 2016/17 models at 90,000 miles.
- At 50,000 miles, 2023 EVs show over 5% better battery health than older models.
- Battery health is a crucial factor in assessing used EVs, more so than mileage.
- Transparent battery health information is essential for informed decision-making in the used EV market.

Battery health refers to how well an EV’s battery retains its charge and performs compared to when it was new. A higher percentage means the battery is closer to its original capacity. According to Generational’s testing, EVs from 2023 have an average battery health of 86% after 90,000 miles, while models from 2016 and 2017 average only 75.87% at the same mileage. This 10% difference is significant, as it can affect the vehicle’s range and overall performance. For example, a 10% difference could mean an extra 20-30 miles of range on a full charge, depending on the vehicle.
Even at lower mileages, the gap is clear. At 50,000 miles, 2023 EVs have over 5% higher battery health than their 2016-2017 counterparts, suggesting newer batteries are more resilient and degrade less over time.
As the used EV market grows, understanding battery health becomes vital. Unlike traditional cars, where mileage often shows wear and tear, EVs need a different approach. Battery health offers a clearer picture of a vehicle’s condition and longevity. Oliver Phillpott, CEO of Generational, notes, “Our testing provides transparency into the actual performance you can expect. In the electric age, battery health provides crucial context to mileage when assessing a used EV’s condition.”
Generational’s technology uses a device that plugs into an EV’s OBD port to analyze battery health quickly and easily. This tool, requiring minimal training, helps car dealers and others assess EVs accurately. By offering clear, percentage-based ratings, Generational aims to standardize used EV evaluations, boosting confidence in buying and selling.
Bottom Line
Generational’s data shows newer EVs have significantly better battery health than older models, even at the same mileage. This emphasizes the need to consider battery health when evaluating used EVs and the value of transparent data in the market. As EV technology advances, further improvements in battery health and longevity could benefit both consumers and the environment.
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