When buying a used car, the one aspect to check is the state of the mechanical components. Before, I would be concerned about how the engine has lived, whether or not it has had an ‘easy’ life munching motorway miles, or stop start in town.
With an EV, this is somewhat reduced: we know now that the traction motor is normally reliable, especially with one moving part. However, for peace of mind, how would you check the main (traction) battery health?
Well, with a simple bit of kit, checking is pretty straightforward!
How is it done?
In a recent video, I explained the step by step process on how to get State of Health (SoH) readings from pretty much any EV. However, I know that many would like a step by step written down, so here it is!
Step 1: Get An OBDII (OBD2) Scanner
To access the data, you’ll need something called an OBD II Scanner or Reader. These can be very affordable, however it is important to buy one that isn’t THE cheapest (normally the transparent ones) as I’ve found them to be very unreliable.
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Step 2: Get The ‘Car Scanner’ App
First of all, unfortunately if you have an iPhone (iOS), I have not had any luck getting this to work with my iPhone, so I would highly recommend an Android phone.
Any android phone from the last 5-8 years will be fine, and a good time to utilise that old phone that is hidden in the drawer! In this video, I’m using a Samsung Galaxy Note 9 from 7 years ago. I’ve left a link for some cheaper refurbished Android phones if you would like to purchase one for this purpose.
First of all, unfortunately if you have an iPhone (iOS), I have not had any luck getting this to work with my iPhone, so I would highly recommend an Android phone.
Any android phone from the last 5-8 years will be fine, and a good time to utilise that old phone that is hidden in the draw. In this video, I’m using a Samsung Galaxy Note 9 from 7 years ago.
Next, you will need to install this application, Car Scanner ELM OBD2 which will work great finding the SoH.
Step 3: Plug In The OBD2 Scanner To The Car
What you are looking for is the OBD2 port, otherwise known as the ‘diagnostic’ port in the car. Normally on right hand drive vehicles it is found underneath the steering column, but can be closer to the bonnet or boot open lever.
What you are looking for is the OBD2 port, otherwise known as the ‘diagnostic’ port in the car.
Normally on right hand drive vehicles it is found underneath the steering column, but can be closer to the bonnet or boot open lever.
As you can see, I have located the port, and just need to plug it in the correct orientation.
After, turn it on using the button on the front of the device, and connect using the Bluetooth setting on the phone.
Step 4: Go Through The Application Menus And Find The Battery Health
Select Your Car Model. In my case it is ‘Hyundai Ioniq Electric, but ensure it is for your car.
At the main menu, I would click ‘all sensors’, which will show you a LOT of different sensors, but by scrolling down you will find battery health.
Finally, scrolling down will get you to [BMS] or ‘Battery Management System’
As you can see, 100% SOH indicated, so no concerns there!
So there you have it, hopefully a useful guide to ensure you are confident in purchasing a used EV. Let me know in the video comments if you have followed this guide, and also let me know if you would like further help on getting the most out of your EV!