Let’s be real: the second-hand market for electric vehicles in Belgium feels a bit like that awkward uncle at a family gathering – everyone knows he’s there, but no one wants to linger too long in conversation. Prices drop faster than your mood on a Monday morning, and buyers steer clear, wondering if the battery can still handle a weekend trip or is only good for a quick jaunt to the bakery. But here’s the good news: starting next year, things are set to change, thanks to a clever government move that makes battery health mandatory and visible. It’s not a revolution with sirens and confetti, but a quiet fix that could finally get things moving.
Picture this: you’re eyeing a used EV, and instead of guessing based on mileage, you get hard facts about the battery. That’s exactly what this new rule does. The Car-Pass, that trusty sidekick for every second-hand deal, will now include a field for the “State of Health” – or SoH, in tech speak. This percentage shows how much capacity the battery still has compared to when it left the factory. An SoH of 92%? That means you can still go almost as far as you could with a new battery, minus a coffee stop or two. To get that number, the seller has to get the battery tested at an accredited lab, like DEKRA or Aviloo. It’s like a doctor’s visit for your battery: a quick check-up that lays the truth bare, no fuss required.
Why is this such a big deal? Look at the numbers, and the problem is crystal clear. In 2024, over 727,000 used cars were registered in Belgium, a 5.6% jump from the year before – a solid sign the market’s bouncing back from the post-pandemic mess. But electric vehicles? They’re still lagging behind: only 3.9% of second-hand cars in the first half of 2025 were fully electric, up from 2.7% in 2024. In raw numbers, that’s just 22,861 EVs in the third quarter of this year. The reason? Depreciation that hits harder than a triple espresso. Buyers are spooked by the thought of a battery that, after a few years, wheezes like an old diesel climbing a hill. Studies show batteries typically lose 2 to 8% of their capacity per year, depending on how you charge and drive – not catastrophic, but enough to plant seeds of doubt.
That uncertainty is a deal-killer. In markets where battery checks are already standard, like the UK, EVs with an SoH certificate sell on average 7 days faster. Sellers can confidently ask fair prices for a healthy battery, and buyers don’t feel like they’re rolling the dice in a casino. Here in Belgium, this transparency could take the brakes off. Picture it: a 2022 Tesla Model 3 with 95% SoH at a price that doesn’t scare you off. Or a Renault Zoe that still cruises 300 kilometers without breaking a sweat. It makes EVs not just more affordable for the average Joe, but also pushes the whole shift to electric up a gear. More second-hand sales mean less waste, faster circularity, and a market that’s finally growing up.
Let’s not kid ourselves: this isn’t a magic bullet. The diagnosis is optional for now, and the costs – a few hundred euros, give or take – fall on the seller. But come on, in a world where fuel prices dance like a drunken sailor, an honest battery check is a bargain. It builds trust, and trust is the grease that keeps this market running. A few years from now, we might look back and wonder, “How did we ever manage without it?”
In short, this measure is an unsung hero in the EV saga. It makes the second-hand market less of a minefield and more of a smooth highway. If you’re already itching to shop, you’re in the right place. Dive into our marketplace, where you can search and buy 100% electric cars – from entry-level models to premium rides, all with the promise of clean kilometers. Check it out at https://volty.be/nl/buy/cars/overview/ and drive away with a smile.
