Warning to check EV battery “state of health”

Dealers are being told a battery “state of health” report is the best way of measuring battery condition when selling an electric vehicle (EV).

The EV’s battery bar display is only an indicator and shouldn’t be promoted in advertising – a print-out of the battery’s state of health should be used instead, the Imported Motor Vehicle Industry Association (VIA) says.

The state of health is by far the most accurate way of measuring battery condition the VIA says in urging dealers to take care when advertising EVs.

This follows a tribunal case where a dealer advertised a Nissan Leaf showing a photo of the battery condition indicator with 12 bars, but made no other mention of battery condition.

“The buyer found he couldn’t travel the distance he expected, and rejected the vehicle. A check showed that the battery health was significantly lower than would be expected with 12 bars,” the VIA says.

The tribunal found that the photo of the indicator, which the buyer had relied on, was misleading, and upheld the rejection.

Contact VIA technical manager Malcolm Yorston on 0800 VIA VIA (0800-842 842) or email technical@via.org.nz for more information.