Gothenburg, Sweden -- Kia leads the pack for used electric vehicle battery health, according to a new compilation from Swedish online vehicle marketplace Kvdbil. Both Volvo and Tesla also made the top rankings, reinforcing that the batteries in used electric and plug-in hybrid vehicles last far longer than many consumers believe.
For the first time, Kvdbil analyzed data from more than 1,300 plug-in vehicles that underwent the company’s battery tests. The results provide new insight into which automakers deliver the best long-term battery performance.
Kia dominates the results, with several models showing exceptionally high State of Health (SoH) ratings. The South Korean automaker tops both the electric and plug-in hybrid categories. Volvo placed with one electric model and two plug-in hybrids, while the Tesla Model Y ranked among the top electric vehicles.
Eight in Ten Cars Score Highest Rating
Despite brand variations, the overall findings were positive: 79 percent of vehicles tested achieved Kvdbil’s highest rating — three stars — meaning a battery SoH above 90 percent.
“The degradation of a car battery occurs slowly thanks to advanced technology and smart design, including efficient cooling of the battery cells,” said Martin Reinholdsson, test manager at Kvdbil. “These results bust the myth that used car batteries don’t last. Even after several years of use, most batteries still have plenty of capacity — and drivers can extend that lifespan even further with proper charging habits.”
Good for the Planet — and Your Wallet
The strong battery performance means used EV buyers can feel confident in their purchases. According to Reinholdsson, rechargeable cars are not only a sustainable choice for the environment but also a sound long-term investment.
“Our tests show that vehicles lose very little range over time. That said, buyers shouldn’t rely solely on manufacturer WLTP data,” Reinholdsson added. “For anyone considering a used EV, this is a clear message: you’re getting performance and range that will last.”
Top Brands for Used EV Battery Health
(Average SoH rating from more than 1,300 tests)
1. Kia
2. Audi
3. Opel
4. Tesla
5. Mercedes-Benz
6. Peugeot
7. Volvo
8. BMW
9. Volkswagen
10. Skoda
Top Used Electric Vehicles
- Kia EV6
- Kia e-Niro
- Tesla Model Y
- Opel Mokka-e
- Mazda MX-30
- Audi Q4 e-tron
- Fiat 500e
- Volvo XC40 Recharge
- Citroën e-C4
- Volkswagen ID.4
Top Used Plug-in Hybrids
- Kia Sportage
- Kia Optima
- Volvo XC60
- Kia Ceed
- Volvo V60
- Peugeot 3008
- BMW 530e
- Volkswagen Passat GTE
- BMW X1
- BMW 330e
Five Tips for Battery Longevity
- Avoid full charges. Keep your battery between 20 and 80 percent during daily use; reserve 100 percent charges for longer trips.
- Protect from temperature extremes. Park in cool areas during heatwaves and preheat the vehicle when plugged in during cold weather.
- Limit fast charging. Use it only when necessary, and avoid fast-charging a cold battery.
- Don’t store fully charged or empty. If parked for more than two weeks, maintain a 40–60 percent charge and disable high-drain systems.
- Use charge limits. Set a maximum charge level (e.g., 80 percent) and keep your software updated.
About the Study
The findings are based on Kvdbil’s analysis of 1,366 used electric and plug-in hybrid vehicles — 723 electric and 643 plug-in hybrids — tested through the company’s online platform.
