We have tested the electric car battery on 3000 used cars – these brands last the best

Since we launched our battery test, we have tested around 3,000 used plug-in hybrids and electric cars. The results provide insight into which car brands' batteries hold up best over time. And the durability of an electric car battery? Much longer than you might think.

For the first time, we have collected data from plug-in cars that have undergone our new battery test. The results – with tests from around 3,000 cars – provide new insight into which car brands deliver the best battery health over time.

Kia takes the throne

Kia stands out in the compilation, several of their car batteries show very high levels of the so-called State of Health (SoH) . The South Korean brand tops both the electric car list and the plug-in hybrid list with its cars. Volvo has one model among the electric cars and two among the plug-in hybrids. Tesla's Model Y is at the top among the electric cars.

The test gives ten out of ten cars the highest rating

Despite some differences between different brands, the overall picture is positive: Seven out of ten cars in the review receive the highest rating in our three-star system .

– The degradation of a car battery occurs slowly thanks to advanced technology and smart design, including cooling the battery cells. This is also evident in this result, which busts the myth that used car batteries do not last long. Even after a few years of use, most rechargeable batteries still have a lot left to give, something that drivers can increase further with good charging patterns, says Martin Reinholdsson, test manager at Kvdbil .

Read more: How to charge easily and correctly at home

Good for both the environment and your wallet

The fact that the batteries in rechargeable cars stay in such good condition for such a long time means that buyers can feel confident in buying a used electric car. Rechargeable cars are not only a sustainable choice for the environment – but also a smart long-term investment for the wallet.

– Our tests show that the cars lose very little range over time, but with that said, you should not rely entirely on the car manufacturers' own WLTP data. For those who want to buy a used electric car, this is a clear signal: You are getting a car that delivers performance and mileage that will last in the long run, says Reinholdsson.

What is WLTP? Worldwide Harmonized Light Vehicle Test Procedure and is an EU standard for how to test the range of electric vehicles in Europe. According to this standard, the range is measured at an average speed of 46.5 km/h in 23 degrees Celsius, from full charge to empty battery.

The car brands with the best used battery:

Highest average rating for SoH based on approximately 3000 tests.

The electric car models with the best used battery:

The plug-in hybrids with the best used battery:

About the survey
The statistics are based on Kvdbil 's review of battery health in approximately 3,000 used electric and plug-in hybrid cars (1,503 electric cars and 1,317 plug-in hybrids) that have passed through the company's platform.