Frequently Asked Questions
Everything you need to know about EV battery health and how VoltChek can help you.
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About VoltChek
What is VoltChek?
VoltChek is a free battery health estimation tool for electric vehicles. We analyze data from thousands of EVs to provide you with an instant estimate of your battery's State of Health (SoH) based on your vehicle's make, model, year, and mileage.
How accurate are VoltChek estimates?
Our estimates are based on aggregated real-world EV data and are typically within ±3-5% of actual measured SoH. For the most accurate reading, we recommend getting a diagnostic scan from a certified dealer or using an OBD-II reader.
Is VoltChek free to use?
Yes! Our basic battery health estimate is completely free. We also offer a premium report ($4.99) that includes detailed forecasting, fleet comparison, resale value analysis, and a downloadable PDF report.
What data do you collect?
We only collect the vehicle information you provide (make, model, year, mileage) to generate your estimate. We do not require personal information for the free estimate. If you create an account, we store your email for account management purposes.
Battery Health Basics
What is State of Health (SoH)?
State of Health (SoH) is a measurement of your battery's current maximum capacity compared to when it was new. A 90% SoH means your battery can hold 90% of its original capacity. This directly affects your vehicle's driving range.
What's a normal SoH for my EV?
Most EVs lose 1-3% capacity per year under normal use. A 3-year-old EV typically has 92-97% SoH, while a 5-year-old EV might have 88-95% SoH. Factors like climate, charging habits, and driving patterns affect degradation rates.
Why does my EV's range vary?
Range varies due to several factors: temperature (cold weather reduces range significantly), driving style (highway vs. city), climate control use, terrain, and battery SoH. A 10% SoH reduction means roughly 10% less range.
Can battery degradation be reversed?
No, lithium-ion battery degradation is permanent. However, you can slow future degradation by following best practices: avoid extreme temperatures, limit fast charging, keep charge levels between 20-80% for daily use, and avoid leaving the battery at 0% or 100% for extended periods.
Battery Warranties
What does my EV battery warranty cover?
Most EV manufacturers offer 8-year/100,000-160,000 km battery warranties that guarantee a minimum SoH (typically 70-80%). If your battery falls below this threshold during the warranty period, it may be eligible for replacement or repair.
How do I know if my battery is under warranty?
VoltChek shows your vehicle's warranty information when you run a battery check. We display the warranty duration, mileage limit, and SoH threshold. Check your owner's manual or contact your dealer for official warranty terms.
What if my battery falls below the warranty threshold?
If your battery SoH drops below the manufacturer's warranty threshold (usually 70%) within the warranty period, contact your dealer. They will perform a diagnostic test and, if confirmed, may replace or repair the battery at no cost.
Charging & Maintenance
Does fast charging damage my battery?
Occasional fast charging is fine, but frequent DC fast charging can accelerate degradation due to heat generation. For daily charging, Level 2 (240V) home charging is gentler on the battery. Most manufacturers recommend limiting fast charging to when necessary.
Should I charge to 100% every time?
For daily driving, it's better to charge to 80% and only charge to 100% when you need the full range. Keeping the battery at very high or very low charge states for extended periods increases stress on the cells.
How often should I check my battery health?
We recommend checking every 6-12 months or after significant mileage increases (10,000+ km). More frequent checks are useful when buying a used EV or if you notice range reduction.
Does cold weather permanently damage my battery?
No, cold weather temporarily reduces range but doesn't cause permanent damage. The battery's thermal management system protects it. However, avoid fast charging a very cold battery—use preconditioning first.
Buying & Selling EVs
How does battery health affect resale value?
Battery health significantly impacts EV resale value. A vehicle with 95% SoH may command a premium, while one with 80% SoH could be worth 10-20% less than average. Our premium report includes detailed resale value analysis.
What SoH should I look for in a used EV?
For a used EV, look for at least 85% SoH for vehicles under 5 years old. Below 80% may indicate excessive degradation or poor maintenance. Always request a battery health report before purchasing.
How can I prove my battery health when selling?
Our premium report provides a professional PDF document showing your battery's SoH, forecast, fleet comparison, and warranty status. This can be shared with potential buyers to demonstrate your EV's condition.
Still have questions?
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