Electric vehicle battery test comprehension: State of Health (SOH) explanation required.
In the rapidly growing world of electric vehicles (EVs), understanding the health of a vehicle's battery system is crucial. One tool that's gaining traction in this regard is the Aviloo Certificate.
The Aviloo Certificate provides a detailed cell voltage diagram for each individual cell in a battery system. This diagram is invaluable as it helps to identify any weak or defective cells within the battery. If one or more cells are not performing optimally, the difference in cell voltage becomes apparent on the diagram, highlighting potential issues.
The cell voltage diagram uses numerical values and traffic light colours (green, orange, red) to represent the condition of each cell. Green indicates a healthy cell, while orange and red signal potential problems.
While relatively affordable measuring devices for battery certificates have not yet been widely adopted, their increasing importance in the EV market suggests they may soon become standard.
The company leading the way in battery testing is Charge CCCV (C4V), in collaboration with Manganese X Energy for advanced battery tests. Their method is currently the most widespread and well-known.
A well-functioning battery system is vital for optimal performance, and homogeneity is key. Each cell in the system should ideally have the same voltage to ensure the battery performs at its best.
In an EV like the Renault Zoe 40, for example, a battery system consists of 96 cells. In many electric vehicles, several cells are combined in a module; a repair would involve replacing the entire module with the defective cell(s).
As EVs become more common, so too does the need for transparency when buying used vehicles. Battery certificates are becoming increasingly important for the sale of electric vehicles, especially when the manufacturer's warranty has expired or is about to expire.
However, used car buyers should remain cautious. If an older electric vehicle is offered by a dealer with an SOH (State of Health) of 100 percent, it's worth being sceptical. These results can often be manipulated, so it's essential to have an unbiased assessment of the battery's health before making a purchase.
In summary, battery certificates are a valuable tool for assessing the health of an electric vehicle's battery system. As more affordable measuring devices become available, it's likely they will become a standard part of the EV buying process.