Whether you own an electric vehicle (EV) or a hybrid, the health of its main battery pack is pretty important. It directly affects your driving range and the car’s overall value. While the range estimate on your dashboard gives you an idea for the day, it doesn’t tell the whole story about the battery’s long-term condition.
This long-term condition is often referred to as the ‘State of Health’ or SoH. Think of it like the battery’s capacity compared to when it was brand new. Over the years, as batteries are charged and discharged, they degrade slightly, meaning they can’t hold as much energy as they once did. This is normal, but the rate of degradation can vary.
Why Isn’t the Dashboard Range Enough?
The range shown on your dash is an estimate based on recent driving style, temperature, and the current charge level. It’s useful for planning trips, but it doesn’t accurately reflect the battery’s underlying SoH percentage.
How to Check the Real Battery Health
To get an accurate SoH reading, you need specialised diagnostic equipment that can communicate directly with the car’s battery management system. This isn’t something you can typically do at home.
This is where an auto electrician experienced with EVs and hybrids comes in. Here at AutoSparks in Ashburton, we have the tools to:
1. Connect to your vehicle’s diagnostic port.
2. Access the battery management system.
3. Read the current State of Health (SoH) data.
This SoH figure, typically expressed as a percentage, provides a clearer picture of the battery’s condition. For example, a battery with 90% SoH has lost about 10% of its original capacity.
Why is SoH Important?
* For Owners: Knowing your SoH helps you understand the realistic range you can expect and monitor how the battery is performing over time.
* For Buyers: If you’re looking at a used EV or hybrid, the SoH is one of the most critical factors determining its value and future usability. A pre-purchase inspection should always include an SoH check.
* For Sellers: Having a recent SoH report can provide transparency and confidence for potential buyers.
Whether it’s a complete electric vehicle or a petrol hybrid, the high-voltage battery is a key component. If you’re in the Ashburton area and want to know the proper health of your EV or hybrid battery, contact AutoSparks. We can perform a diagnostic check and provide you with the necessary information.
