Automotive E-ssentials

TÜV SÜD cooperates with CARA to standardise battery assessment

The traction battery represents up to 50 percent of the total value of an electric car. This makes it all the more important to have accurate information about the health of the battery when trading in used vehicles.

TÜV SÜD and AVILOO already offer a battery test for used electric cars. In addition to a state-of-health test for private customers, there are also flash tests for the B2B sector for car dealers, OEMs, vehicle rental companies and fleet operators.

Based on its expertise in battery testing, TÜV SÜD is now working as a member of the Car Remarketing Association Europe (CARA) to establish a European standard for battery assessment in vehicle take-back processes to facilitate remarketing and support the residual value of used cars through battery confidence.

CARA was established in 2016 as a non-profit international organization to support the used car market. CARA’s members include leasing and rental companies, fleet management service providers and vehicle data management companies. Determining the State of Health (SoH) is particularly important for the used electric car trade. The condition of the battery is key to determining the value of a used electric vehicle. Therefore, CARA's goal is to establish and certify an independent standard for battery assessment. Such a certification would increase consumer confidence and make the remarketing of electric vehicles easier and more profitable.

A two-step approach is planned: Firstly, a basic solution will be introduced, based on reading data from the battery; secondly, there will be a premium solution that determines a neutral and OEM-independent SoH value. CARA will define the parameters for standardizing the battery condition assessment and certify interested parties.

TÜV SÜD is already established as a neutral technical service provider for battery testing. Its service portfolio includes battery testing for a wide range of different applications: from electric vehicles and off-road, e-bikes, aerospace to the extensive field of stationary energy storage systems, grid storage and uninterruptible power supplies. This versatility, coupled with many years of international experience, state-of-the-art testing technology and highly competent experts, is what TÜV SÜD brings to CARA as a partner.

Some Questions for Pascal Mast, Director New Technologies and Sustainable Services at TÜV SÜD

What is TÜV SÜD's role in the partnership with CARA?

P. Mast: TÜV SÜD took the initiative in setting up and chairing the CARA Battery SOH working group. Within this working group, TÜV SÜD played a key role in developing the standard on the basis of customer requirements.

Why is TÜV SÜD a particularly suitable partner for Battery Health?

P. Mast: TÜV SÜD has a comprehensive network for the assessment of batteries. From type testing in its own laboratories to participation in international working groups such as the TÜV Association, CITA or UNECE committees, as well as testing centers throughout Germany as contact points for private and business customers thanks to our TÜV SÜD Auto Partners.

What is the goal of the Battery Health Initiative?

P. Mast: It is about the holistic assessment of the battery in its life cycle. TÜV SÜD aims to develop a battery life cycle from manufacture to recycling. To this end, the Battery Passport will be supplemented by essential elements. These include the standardization of all possible assessments and checks in the course of a battery's life, e.g. the determination of its value, or an inspection and release after damage, or a safety check during the main inspection, for example.

Copyright: Auto Service Praxis