A large-scale analysis has revealed that used plug-in hybrid vehicle batteries show good durability under daily use conditions, even over long distances.
The study was based on over 28,500 measurements of battery State of Health, an indicator that shows the percentage of remaining capacity compared to the battery’s condition when the car left the factory.
The results showed that this type of battery often retains a significant portion of its original capacity, even after high mileage, which boosts buyer confidence in used hybrid cars when they are inspected properly.
According to experts, a battery is expected to retain at least 92% of its capacity at 50,000 kilometers, 88% at 100,000 kilometers, 84% at 150,000 kilometers, and no less than 80% at 200,000 kilometers.
They indicated that values significantly lower than these benchmarks may indicate abnormal battery degradation or a fault in some of its cells, which could lead to high replacement costs.
Recommendations confirm that checking the battery’s condition should be a fundamental step when buying a used hybrid car, as the battery is a central element in the car’s value and its future operating costs.
If the inspection results show a significant deviation from the reference values, experts advise reconsidering the purchase decision or requesting an additional warranty from the seller to cover the possibility of costly replacement.
To extend the life of a hybrid car’s battery, experts recommended avoiding frequent full charging to 100% or complete discharge, and maintaining a charge level between 20% and 80% as much as possible.
