We have tested the electric car battery on over 9,000 used cars – these brands last the best

1 oktoober, 2026

Since we launched our battery test, we have tested over 9,000 used plug-in hybrids and electric cars. The results provide insight into which car brands' batteries hold up best over time. And the durability of an electric car battery? Much longer than you might think.

We have compiled results from cars that have undergone our battery test to provide insight into which car brands have the highest average battery health.

Kia takes the throne

Kia tops the brand list and has several model versions ranked high on both State of Health (SoH) lists. Among electric cars, the Volvo EX40 is at the top, while the Volkswagen Passat tops the plug-in hybrid list.

The test gives eight out of ten cars the highest rating

Despite some differences between different brands, the overall picture is positive: Eight out of ten cars in the review receive the highest rating in our three-star system .

– The degradation of a car battery occurs slowly thanks to advanced technology and smart design, including cooling the battery cells. This is also evident in this result, which busts the myth that used car batteries do not last long. Even after a few years of use, most rechargeable batteries still have a lot left to give, something that drivers can increase further with good charging patterns, says Martin Reinholdsson, test manager at Kvdbil .

Good for both the environment and your wallet

The fact that the batteries in rechargeable cars stay in such good condition for such a long time means that buyers can feel confident in buying a used electric car. Rechargeable cars are not only a sustainable choice for the environment – but also a smart long-term investment for the wallet.

– Our tests show that the cars lose very little range over time, but with that said, you should not rely entirely on the car manufacturers' own WLTP data. For those who want to buy a used electric car, this is a clear signal: You are getting a car that delivers performance and mileage that will last in the long run, says Reinholdsson.

What is WLTP? Worldwide Harmonized Light Vehicle Test Procedure and is an EU standard for how to test the range of electric vehicles in Europe. According to this standard, the range is measured at an average speed of 46.5 km/h in 23 degrees Celsius, from full charge to empty battery.

The car brands with the best used battery:

Highest average rating for SoH based on over 9,000 tests.

	Make
1.	Kia
2.	Hyundai
3.	Lynk & Co.
4.	Opel
5.	Fiat
6.	Volvo
7.	Cupra
8.	Polestar
9.	Citroen
10.	Audi

The electric car models with the best used battery:

	Car model
1.	Volvo EX40 Single Motor Extended Range
2.	Kia Niro EV 65 kWh
3.	Kia e-Niro 64 kWh
4.	Tesla Model Y RWD
5.	Kia EV6 AWD
6.	BMW i4 eDrive40
7.	Hyundai IONIQ 5 73 kWh
8.	Kia EV6 RWD
9.	BMW i4 M50 xDrive
10.	Volkswagen ID.7 GTX Tourer 86 kWh

The plug-in hybrids with the best used battery:

	Car model
1.	Volkswagen Passat 1.5 TSI eHybrid Sports Combi
2.	Kia Niro Plug-in Hybrid 1.6
3.	Kia Optima 2.0 GDi Plug-in Hybrid SW
4.	Hyundai Tucson 1.6 GDI Plug-in Hybrid 4WD
5.	Kia Sportage PHEV AWD
6.	Kia Sorento 1.6 T-GDi Plug-in Hybrid AWD
7.	Volvo V60 T6 AWD Recharge
8.	Kia Ceed 1.6 Plug-in Hybrid SW
9.	Volvo XC90 T8 AWD Recharge
10.	Volvo XC60 T6 AWD Recharge

About the survey
The statistics are based on Kvdbil 's review of the battery health of over 9,000 used electric and plug-in hybrid cars that have passed through the company's platform.