Buying a used EV? Here's how to check the battery health

As electric vehicles (EVs) become more commonplace on Australian roads, battery health is emerging as one of the most important – and least understood – parts of the second-hand EV market.  

Unlike combustion engines where mileage, service history, and oil quality offer a decent picture of condition, EVs require a different lens altogether. And at the heart of it all is the battery.  

Although EV batteries are proving to be more durable than expected according to a report by auction house Pickles, excess degradation can occur if a battery electric vehicle (BEV) or plug-in hybrid (PHEV) is not charged according to manufacturer recommendations. And there’s nothing like peace of mind knowing just how healthy the battery is when buying or selling a used EV. 

To help bridge that gap, the NRMA has teamed up with global battery diagnostics leader Aviloo to offer a mobile EV battery health check service. The service provides independent, accurate assessments of battery condition, allowing buyers, sellers and owners alike to make better informed decisions. 

A smart step for EV buyers 

Battery degradation is one of the key factors that determines the long-term value and usability of an EV. But when you’re buying second-hand, there’s often no clear way to see how much usable capacity is left. 

The NRMA EV Battery Health Check is as easy as booking online and it only takes five minutes to do. It delivers a clear report, emailed directly to the buyer, with a score out of 100 and detailed metrics on capacity and potential performance concerns.  

For prospective buyers, that kind of transparency can make the difference between confidence and costly surprises. It’s also a handy bargaining chip – if a vehicle has retained high battery health, it strengthens the seller’s case. If it hasn’t, it may help the buyer negotiate a fairer deal. 

Importantly, the check is brand-neutral and works with over 90% of EV and PHEV models currently on the road. That means it isn’t reliant on inbuilt diagnostics, which can vary in accuracy or even be inaccessible to a buyer at the time of inspection. 

Building trust for EV sellers 

For those selling an EV, especially privately, proving the condition of the battery is becoming more than a nice-to-have. As EVs increase in number and age, buyers are becoming savvier – and many will expect some form of validation when it comes to battery life. 

The NRMA check gives sellers a trusted third-party document to present to interested parties. This kind of independent reporting, backed by The NRMA and Aviloo, has also been adopted by auction house Pickles, which now includes it as part of their EV listings. It’s a sign that battery health checks are becoming part of the standard due diligence toolkit for used EVs – much like a mechanical inspection or PPSR check. 

At $150 for members ($200 for non-members), it’s a small upfront investment to improve buyer confidence and possibly fetch a higher resale value. 

A useful tool for current owners too 

Even if you’re not buying or selling, the check provides a simple way to monitor how your EV is ageing. Driving habits, charging routines, heat exposure and software updates can all affect long-term battery condition. Many owners want to know: am I treating my battery well? Is it time to adapt my charging behaviour? Could a drop in range be linked to battery decline? 

The battery health check provides that insight. And while many EVs offer some form of on-board diagnostic, these can be difficult to interpret – or may overstate the battery’s condition. Independent checks provide an impartial reality check, separate from the vehicle manufacturer. 

How an EV battery health check works 

The process is quick and user-friendly. A trained NRMA patrol officer visits your home or workplace across Sydney metro areas and Canberra, plugs in a small diagnostic tool, and the whole test takes about five minutes. Results are emailed almost immediately, with a clear breakdown of remaining capacity, any concerns, and a score out of 100. 

The service supports both battery electric vehicles (BEVs) and plug-in hybrids (PHEVs), although standard hybrids (HEVs) aren’t yet included. 

Appointments are available on weekdays, with a minimum of 48 hours’ notice. Locations must be safe and accessible, but there’s no need to visit a workshop – it’s entirely mobile. 

Limitations and fine print 

As with any testing tool, there are boundaries to what the battery health check can deliver. It doesn’t replace full diagnostics from the car’s manufacturer, nor does it guarantee future battery performance. The report reflects the condition of the battery at the time of testing and doesn’t involve mechanical inspection. 

That said, for a relatively modest outlay, it provides a clear, accessible snapshot that’s useful across the EV lifecycle – whether you’re at the start of the buying journey, selling, or simply keeping an eye on your car’s health. 

The bottom line 

As EV ownership matures in Australia, battery health checks are shaping up as an essential part of responsible vehicle management. With uptake growing across the private market and used EV auctions alike, it’s a move towards transparency that benefits everyone – buyer, seller and owner. 

And with the NRMA backing the service and offering member pricing, it’s more accessible than ever. 

You can book online at NRMA’s website, with confirmation sent via SMS and appointments typically available within a few days.