Australian First: Public Battery Health Scores Launch to Boost EV Buyer Confidence

14 July 2025:  Pickles has today released its Quarterly Automotive Report - Issue 6, revealing that confidence in the used vehicle market continues to climb - especially among electric vehicle buyers - as the company becomes the first in Australia to publicly publish Battery State of Health (SoH) scores for used EVs.

Launching today in Sydney and Melbourne, the initiative is designed to eliminate one of the biggest pain points for second-hand EV buyers:  uncertainty around battery condition.  Detailed battery certificates are now available for all tested EVs sold at auction, with national rollout to follow.

"Battery health is very important in an EV," says Brendon Green, General Manager - Automotive Solutions at Pickles.  "Until now, buyers have been bidding in the dark.  This move replaces uncertainty with confidence - and positions Pickles as the national leader in EV transparency."

Each certificate includes two SoH scores - one from the manufacturer, and one from an independent source - along with detailed battery data.  This allows buyers to see beyond any OEM 'buffering' and make more informed decisions.  More than 650 EVs have already been tested, with an average SoH of 96 per cent.

The move mirrors international trends.  In Europe, the introduction of battery scoring triggered a major market shift - with more than 1,000 new dealers entering the used EV space after the system was introduced.

EV Sales Surge as Trust Grows

The Q2 2025 report confirms growing appetite for used EVs, with volumes tripling year-on-year and May marking a record-breaking month - with EV sales 55 per cent above the previous peak.  Prices remained strong, averaging $37,500.

"This is the clearest sign yet that the used EV market is moving beyond early adopters," says Green.  "We're seeing serious engagement from trade buyers, underpinned by better data, broader stock, and rising buyer confidence."

Used Market Shows Signs of Softening - But EV Prices Remain Stable

The broader used vehicle market softened in June, following a steady start to the quarter.  Despite the slowdown, internal combustion engine (ICE) prices remained stable, and electric vehicle pricing held firm - underscoring continued buyer interest and confidence in key segments.

• ICE prices remained steady, holding firm despite broader market headwinds.
• EV prices were stable quarter-on-quarter, supported by consistent demand and increased dealer engagement.
• Volumes were steady overall, with sustained buyer activity across major asset categories.

Other Key Insights from the Report:

• Private buyers are growing fast, driven by value, variety, and trust.  A Pickles survey found value for money was the top motivator, with brand reputation and ease of use also scoring strongly.
• Salvage EV sales rose more than 200 per cent nationally year-on-year, with Queensland leading the charge in battery repurposing and interstate relocation driven by government battery investment.
• Luxury Car Tax reforms could reshape fleet planning:  Pickles modelling shows that phasing out the LCT could accelerate EV adoption and improve whole-of-life cost modelling, but sudden removal risks asset value disruption.

Pickles' Quarterly Automotive Report - Issue 6 is available now at Pickles.com.au, providing national data, buyer insights, and expert analysis.

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ABOUT PICKLES

Pickles is Australia's leading marketplace for used motor vehicles, industrial, mining, oil & gas, construction, general goods, and salvage assets, offering thousands of quality items across hundreds of monthly, online auctions.  With more than 60 years' experience selling on behalf of trusted vendors including government departments, major financial institutions, fleet, lease, and insurance companies, and major corporate businesses, Pickles offers customers value, flexibility, and convenience.

For further information or to organise an interview, please contact:

Kelly Drew:  0418 486 959 / kelly.drew@stratcollective.com.au