Learn how to care for electric vehicles batteries!
At Arval Trading, we recognize the battery's pivotal role, constituting up to 30% of an electric vehicle's value.
As electric vehicles (EVs) continue to gain traction in the automotive market, used car dealers are increasingly encountering these innovative cars in their inventories. One of the most critical aspects of maintaining EVs is proper battery care. The battery is the heart of an electric vehicle, and its longevity and performance can significantly impact the overall value of the car.
This guide aims to help used car dealers understand the nuances of EV battery care, ensuring customer satisfaction and maintaining the resale value of these vehicles.
Understand how batteries works
An electric vehicle runs on a lithium-ion battery that stores and supplies the energy to power the vehicle. Mostly for hybrid vehicles, manufacturers use a second type of battery called nickel-metal. These batteries are dedicated to vehicles without plug-in recharging systems.
Some car batteries even allow you today to use them as a generator to power your house appliances in case of power outage!
These batteries are designed to last many years, but their longevity is heavily dependent on their maintenance and usage. Used car dealers can use knowledge about battery health and care as a selling argument.
Smart Choices, Strong Savings
Battery replacements are significant expenses. By understanding how your battery works and how to preserve its efficiency, you will provide a longer life expectancy.
- Avoid extreme states of charge. By keeping your battery between 20% and 80%, you will protect its component.
- Use fast charge sparingly. While being convenient, fast charge takes a bigger tole on your battery than regular charging.
- Avoid extreme temperatures. Lithium batteries are sensitive to heat and cold. By parking your car in a garage or protected area, you’ll limit the impact of natural environment on your battery.
As a dealer, explaining the steps to customers buying an electric car can help reduce their negative expectations about EVs.
A new way to drive
Aggressive driving, with frequent rapid acceleration and heavy braking, can strain the battery and reduce its lifespan. A smooth and steady driving style will minimize the stress on the battery and therefore increase its longevity.
Some electric vehicles are equipped with regenerative brakes. They work by collecting the kinetic energy produced when braking and transforming it back into electrical energy. Learning how to properly use this technology will help you gain some autonomy.
An efficient maintenance
EVs usually provide detailed information about battery health and performance.
Like a traditional vehicle, some electric vehicles benefit from regular maintenance check-ups where the battery condition is assessed. At Arval Trading, we are currently working on providing more and more electric vehicles checkups before uploading them on MotorTrade. Thanks to our partnership with AVILOO Battery Diagnostics and MOBA we can already provide to some of our clients purchasing EVs, certified battery health assessments to set a new standard in the industry.
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Handling Used EVs: Specific Considerations
When buying a used electric vehicle, it's important to consider how to keep it in good condition and maintain its value.
- Battery Warranty: Many EV batteries come with warranties that can extend up to 8 years or 100,000 kilometers. Familiarize yourself with the specifics of the warranty for each vehicle in your inventory and communicate this information to buyers.
- Resale Value: Highlight the lower operating and maintenance costs of EVs compared to traditional internal combustion engine vehicles. Proper battery care and documentation can significantly enhance the resale value.
Educate Customers
A used car dealer can be very helpful to customers by teaching them how to take care of their EV batteries. When selling an EV, take the time to explain charging practices.
Provide a detailed explanation of optimal charging practices and the importance of avoiding extreme states of charge.
Demonstrate features, by showing customers how to use any battery care features, such as scheduled charging, preconditioning, and thermal management systems.
Offer resources such as manuals or links to manufacturer guidelines on battery care.
Conclusion
Knowledge about electric vehicles battery will help you preserve its life and thus safe some money. As a used car dealer, this knowledge will help you establish more trust with your clients looking to purchase EVs.
By understanding the basics of battery health, implementing optimal charging practices, ensuring regular maintenance, and educating customers, used car dealers can play a pivotal role in the successful adoption of electric vehicles.
As the automotive industry continues to evolve, staying informed about the latest advancements in EV technology and battery care will help you not only maintain your inventory but also build trust and loyalty with a growing customer base.
Embrace these practices, and you’ll be well on your way to becoming a trusted expert in the burgeoning field of electric vehicles.
Start purchasing electric vehicles today with Arval Trading’s special EVs lists. Register here.
