Automotive services and technology provider Cox Automotive has been working on assessing EV battery state of health for a decade, and has found that, while most used EV batteries are relatively healthy, the outliers tend to be significantly degraded, highlighting the importance of measuring each individual vehicle.
Now Cox is rolling out a system that can measure EV battery health for specific vehicles, based on their VINs (vehicle identification numbers). The company plans to implement the new system through its subsidiary Manheim, an operator of wholesale vehicle auctions.
Cox’s VIN-specific solution uses Manheim’s LotVision technology to quickly assess the battery health in each vehicle and automatically transmit in-depth information to condition reports (CRs) and vehicle detail pages (VDPs) on Manheim.com.
LotVision is a wireless tracking device placed in a vehicle that helps dealers locate vehicles on Manheim lots to within 10 feet. Now, with a simple firmware update, it can be used to capture EV battery health information, which will be displayed when the listing goes live on Manheim.com. Information displayed will include a battery health score (0-100%) that represents the remaining battery capacity, captured directly from the vehicle, alongside vehicle-specific information including warranty information, battery chemistry, charging cable presence and current state of charge.
Cox Automotive believes that VIN-specific battery state of health will be the new standard in the used-car industry. “EV battery health scores that are based on make/model averages are just that…average,” said Steve Rowley, President of Cox Automotive.
“With this innovative new use of LotVision, we’re giving clients exactly what they need: the most detailed information possible on each individual EV, so they can make informed buying and selling decisions,” said Grace Huang, President of Cox Automotive Inventory Solutions. “Transparency drives confidence in the wholesale marketplace, and that’s why we’re committed to giving our clients VIN-specific battery health information.”
Manheim has been preparing for the influx of EVs into the wholesale marketplace. Since 2019, the company has invested more than $200 million in EV infrastructure and process improvements. Manheim now offers sellers more than 800 EV chargers, safe storage and access to 850+ trained technicians who can safely handle, service and dispose of EV batteries. In 2023, approximately 48,000 EVs were sold in the Manheim Marketplace, and the company expects that number to double in 2024. In April, clients will begin seeing the expanded battery health information on Manheim CRs and VDPs across most makes and models.
