It’s best to have your electric car battery checked during the annual car maintenance or when you notice signs such as a faster decreasing range, longer charging times, or warning lights. For new electric cars, an annual check is sufficient, but for older EVs or after frequent fast charging, more frequent checking is advisable. A professional battery check provides insight into your battery’s health and prevents unpleasant surprises.
How do you know if your electric car battery needs checking?
You’ll notice that your electric car battery needs attention when the range decreases faster than you’re used to, charging takes longer, or when warning lights appear on the dashboard. Strange noises during charging or noticeable differences in performance in cold or warm weather are also signals that a check is wise.
The difference between normal wear and real problems isn’t always easy to see. An electric car battery gradually loses capacity over the years, that’s normal. For most EVs, it’s about 2-3% per year. You’ll notice that you need to charge slightly more often, but it happens gradually. You recognize real problems by sudden changes: your range that suddenly becomes much shorter, or a car that indicates the battery is almost full while you’ve only been connected to the charger for a short time.
Also pay attention to seasonal influences. In winter, electric cars always perform less well, that’s no reason for panic. But if your battery suddenly performs much worse in summer than last year, then it’s time to have it checked. The same applies to temperature differences: if your battery reacts very differently at certain temperatures than you’re used to, that could indicate a problem.
Specific signals to watch for:
- The range decreases faster than you expect based on the car’s age
- Charging takes noticeably longer, especially during fast charging
- Warning lights related to the battery or charging system
- Strange noises or vibrations during charging
- Large differences in performance between warm and cold weather
- The car gives error messages about the battery or battery management system
When in doubt, it’s always wise to have a professional battery check performed. Better to check once too often than discover a problem too late.
What happens during a battery check on an electric car?
During a professional battery check, the battery management system (BMS) is read out to determine your battery’s health. We check the State of Health (SOH) percentage, look for error codes, inspect connections and wiring, measure temperatures, and compare actual performance with factory specifications. Such a check usually takes 30 to 45 minutes and gives you a complete picture of your battery’s condition.
Reading out the BMS is the most important part. This system continuously monitors how the battery performs and stores all data. We can see how many charging cycles the battery has had, how the cells relate to each other, and whether there are deviations. The State of Health percentage indicates how much capacity the battery still has compared to new. An SOH of 90% means the battery still has 90% of the original capacity.
In addition to the digital check, we also physically examine the battery and charging system. Connections can corrode, wiring can be damaged, and cooling systems can develop leaks. These are things you don’t see in the data but are important for the safety and performance of your electric car.
Temperature measurements provide insight into how well the battery’s cooling system works. A healthy battery has an even temperature distribution. Large differences between cells can indicate problems. We also compare actual performance with what the manufacturer specifies. Does the battery still charge at the speed that belongs to this type of car? Does the range correspond to what you can expect with this SOH percentage?
After the check, you receive a clear report with:
- The current State of Health percentage
- Any error codes and what they mean
- The condition of connections and wiring
- Advice on when to schedule the next check
- Recommendations if maintenance or repair is needed
We explain what the numbers mean and what you can expect for the future. No technical jargon, just clear information you can use.
How often should you actually have an electric car battery checked?
For most electric cars, an annual battery check during regular maintenance is sufficient. For older EVs, after the warranty period, or when you frequently fast charge, it’s wise to check more often. Also when purchasing a used electric car, a thorough battery check is important to know where you stand.
The frequency depends on various factors. A new electric car with warranty needs less frequent checks than an EV that’s already six years old. The type of use also makes a difference: someone who mainly charges at home and drives calmly needs to check less often than someone who fast charges daily and covers many miles.
Standard maintenance moments are ideal for a battery check. Electric cars require less regular maintenance than petrol or diesel cars, but an annual service or MOT test is a good time to check EV battery health. This way you keep track of the condition without having to make extra appointments.
Specific moments when a check is wise:
- Annually during regular maintenance
- During the MOT test (first after 4 years, then annually)
- Immediately after the factory warranty on the battery expires
- Before and after purchasing a used electric car
- After a period of frequent fast charging or intensive use
- During extreme temperatures that persist for long periods
- When you notice noticeable changes in performance
Driving behavior affects your battery’s wear. Frequent fast charging puts more strain on the battery than home charging. If you regularly fast charge, it’s wise to have the battery checked slightly more often. The same applies to those who cover many miles or often make short trips where the battery doesn’t fully warm up.
Climate also plays a role. Extreme cold or heat accelerates electric car battery aging. In the Netherlands this is usually manageable, but after a severe winter or hot summer, an extra check can’t hurt. Also if you notice that performance varies strongly with seasons, a check is useful to see if everything still falls within normal values.
What does a battery check for an electric car cost?
The costs of a battery check vary by type of check and brand. A basic check during regular maintenance costs less than extensive diagnostics. During the warranty period, many checks fall under the factory warranty, after that you pay yourself. The difference between a quick scan and thorough analysis lies mainly in the time and depth of the investigation.
A basic battery check that we perform during annual maintenance takes little extra time. We read out the battery management system, check the important values, and look for error codes. This gives a good general picture of the condition. For extensive diagnostics, we take more time to look at all cells individually, thoroughly test the cooling system, and inspect all connections.
What falls under warranty depends on the brand and conditions. Most manufacturers give 8 years warranty on the battery, with conditions about the minimum State of Health percentage. If your battery drops below that limit, checking and possible replacement are covered. Outside warranty, you pay for the check and any repairs yourself.
Price differences between brands come mainly from system complexity and availability of diagnostic tools. For brands like Renault, as an authorized specialist we have access to all dealer software, which enables more thorough investigation. For other brands, we use professional universal tools that also give a good picture of battery health.
When is a check worth the investment? When purchasing a used electric car always, because the battery’s condition largely determines the value. Also when you notice noticeable changes, a check is wise to prevent bigger problems. For regular maintenance, you don’t need to pay separately if it’s part of the standard service.
The difference between a quick scan and thorough analysis:
- Quick scan: BMS readout, SOH percentage, error code check (part of regular maintenance)
- Thorough analysis: individual cell measurements, temperature profiles, charging curve analysis, physical inspection (for specific complaints or used car purchase)
At Autobedrijven Verdonk, we specialize in maintenance and service of electric and hybrid cars. We perform professional battery checks for all brands, with extra expertise for Renault as an authorized specialist. Doubting your electric car battery’s condition? We’re happy to take a look with you and give honest advice about what’s needed. For all brands, without hassle, just as it should be.
Need help with your electric car battery?
Doubting your battery’s condition or want certainty about your battery’s health? Autobedrijven Verdonk in Veldhoven is ready to professionally check your electric car. We perform thorough battery checks and give you clear advice about your battery’s condition. Make an appointment and drive on with peace of mind.