Start with your journeys and charging.
Work out your normal daily distance and the longer journeys you make regularly. Consider where you will charge, which connectors the car uses and whether public chargers suit your routes. Choose around your actual needs, with room for unexpected journeys. SEAI’s EV buying advice provides a useful starting point.
Check the car and its paperwork.
Ask for the registration, exact model, year, battery version, mileage and service history. Check the Vehicle Registration Certificate and NCT details against the car. For an import, include its earlier registration and history in your checks.
Ask about outstanding finance, accident damage, battery repairs and warning messages. A battery report cannot establish ownership or clear finance. If buying privately, confirm who owns the car and who is selling it. Consumer protections differ between a business and a private seller; read the CCPC’s car buying guidance.
Check the battery’s State of Health (SOH).
State of Charge describes how full the battery is now. State of Health (SOH) describes its condition relative to its original condition according to the assessment method. A 100% charge indicator does not prove that the battery retains all its original capacity. See the difference between SOH and State of Charge.
Ask for a dated report identifying the vehicle and test method. Read it alongside age, mileage and other available battery data. Different methods can produce different percentages. Temperature and driving conditions also affect dashboard range estimates. SEAI explains buying a used EV.
Confirm this car’s warranty.
Ask the manufacturer or authorised dealer to confirm any remaining battery warranty using the VIN. Check its end date, mileage limit, capacity provisions, exclusions and whether it applies to you and the vehicle’s import history. Obtain the terms in writing. A battery report does not confirm that a claim will be accepted.
Arrange access before booking.
Ask the seller:
- Will you permit a battery test and diagnostic scan?
- Can you provide the keys and access at a suitable location?
- Are there battery warnings, charging problems or previous repairs?
- Can the car meet the tester’s preparation requirements?
Give the tester the exact vehicle details and appointment Eircode. Confirm compatibility, the selected test, preparation, total price and appointment length before the visit.
Keep the report in perspective.
A battery check records findings at the time of testing. It cannot guarantee future battery life, range or repair costs. A scan of supported electronic systems does not replace a physical inspection of tyres, brakes, suspension or accident damage. Investigate unusual findings before committing.
Compare our battery tests and see how two reports compare on a BMW 330e.