Experts call for Labour to introduce new motoring | Tech News

Motoring specialists have demanded Labour launch a system of new motoring “health certificates” to address major concerns. Experts at AXA UK stressed the introduction of battery health certificates for all-electric cars was vital to boosting demand. 

Specialists have suggested the move could drive a surge in interest for second-hand electric vehicles, dramatically ramping up sales. A health certificate would outline what condition the car battery is in, providing peace of mind for buyers to seriously consider slightly older second-hand EVs. Research from AXA shows that 63% of UK motorists were not currently planning on buying an electric vehicle. 

However, analysis shows that more than a third (37%) said this was due to concerns over a battery’s lifespan suggesting a certificate could be a major boost.

Marco Distefano, managing director of AXA Retail said: “Battery health certificates have the potential to boost consumer confidence and drive demand to create a thriving second-hand EV market. 

“It’s clear that motorists have concerns around both the lifespan and cost of electric vehicles and without addressing these issues there is a risk that EV uptake will remain low. 

“We urge the Government to urgently publish guidelines to support standardised battery health testing. 

“Not only will this stimulate the used EV market, but it also has the potential to positively impact insurance premiums by providing a barometer for assessing the value of EVs in a similar way that mileage is used for vehicles with an engine.” 

Labour did make a commitment to introduce battery testing in their manifesto released ahead of the General Election. 

However, there has been no new information on when this could emerge  despite calls from across the industry. 

According to the RAC, electric car batteries are anticipated to final for in extra of 10 years or 100,000 miles. 

Even then, the breakdown specialists admit that battery degradation is not going to have an affect on the car’s efficiency with solely a slight drop in vary predicted.

The Association of Fleet Professionals (AFP) has also weighed in, suggesting a new system could break many of the myths associated with the new technology.

They mentioned: “There is widespread misunderstanding about EV batteries, including exaggerated fears about safety and degradation.

“However, existing evidence consistently shows that EV batteries are durable, safe, and degrade at a slow, predictable rate. This information must be communicated more effectively.”