Generational has published analysis comparing battery performance across used plug-in hybrid electric vehicles (PHEVs) and battery electric vehicles (BEVs) from automotive retailers across the country. Covering 1,000 PHEVs and 1,000 BEVs of comparable age and mileage, it found that both retained strong average battery state of health, however, there is materially greater variation among PHEVs. This suggests that PHEV battery performance may be more heavily shaped by differing usage profiles, charging behaviour and driving patterns than those seen in BEVs.
Across the PHEVs, average battery state of health stood at 94.27%, with a standard deviation of 5.48%. By comparison, the BEV cohort recorded a slightly higher average battery state of health of 94.94%, with a lower standard deviation of 4.14%. Generational also found that 4.70% of PHEVs in the sample had a battery state of health below 85%, compared with 1.5% of BEVs. While the proportion of lower performing vehicles remains small across both groups, PHEVs were more than twice as likely to fall below that threshold within this dataset.
The findings point to a notable difference in how PHEVs and BEVs are used in the real world. BEVs are generally dependent on the battery as the vehicle’s primary energy source, meaning owners and operators typically develop more consistent charging and usage routines. PHEVs, by contrast, can be used in a wider range of ways – some are charged frequently and driven largely on electric power, while others may rely more heavily on the combustion engine or may experience shallower, more frequent charge and discharge cycles.
As a result, two PHEVs of similar age and mileage may have very different battery histories. This makes verified battery testing an essential part of the decision making process for those seeking to understand the true condition of a used plug-in vehicle.
Oliver Phillpott, CEO of Generational, said:
“Average battery state of health evidently remains strong across both PHEVs and BEVs. What stands out is the wider spread of results among PHEVs, which underscores how both buyer and seller need to double down on checking the usage profile of the vehicle in question. The data reinforces how battery condition is something that needs to be assessed on a case by case basis. Transparent testing allows strong vehicles to be priced confidently and problematic vehicles to be identified early.”
Contributors
Rob Shepherd (author)
Rob is Consulting Editor for InstallerELECTRIC. He is a well-respected journalist with a strong history in the electrical sector.
