In France, the government has introduced a new rule requiring used electric vehicles to show their battery health status. This move aims to increase transparency and build trust among buyers. The announcement was made in early September 2026 by Monique Barbut, the minister of Ecological Transition. The initiative involves a "trust pact" with major car manufacturers, including Stellantis, Renault, and Aramis Group, to ensure that dealerships provide clear information about the condition of used electric vehicle batteries.
A key metric for assessing the health of an electric vehicle's battery is the State of Health, or SOH. This is expressed as a percentage and reflects how much of the battery’s original capacity remains. For example, a 90% SOH means the battery has lost 10% of its maximum range. The requirement applies to second-hand electric vehicles sold by professionals, although some dealers already offered this information on their own. The exact list of affected professionals and the extent of the obligation for this measure are still being finalized.
This initiative aligns with a broader European effort to standardize information about electric vehicle batteries. Starting in February 2027, a new European regulation will require a "battery passport," a digital document that can be accessed via a QR code. This passport will include details about the battery's origin, its history, and its current condition. The new French rule, which mandates the display of SOH in dealerships, is viewed as a forward-looking step toward meeting this future standard.
The French government's action highlights a growing focus on sustainability and consumer protection in the electric vehicle market. By ensuring that buyers have accurate information about battery health, the measure is intended to reduce uncertainty and promote confidence in the used EV market. It also supports the broader transition to electric mobility by addressing one of the key concerns buyers have about the long-term performance of used electric vehicles.
France Mandates Battery Health Disclosure for Used Electric Vehicles
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