The battery is the heart of an electric vehicle (EV). Its performance determines not only the range but also the safety and longevity of your vehicle. Among the most important indicators for assessing a battery’s condition, the State of Health (SoH) is a key parameter. But what does this figure really mean, and how should you interpret it after a PKC test?
1. What is the State of Health (SoH)?
The State of Health (SoH) of a battery represents its overall health compared to its original capacity when leaving the factory. It is usually expressed as a percentage: 100% means the battery is new and retains its full capacity, while a lower percentage indicates a loss of capacity over time and usage cycles.
2. Understanding the PKC Test
A PKC test (Power Check Control) is an advanced diagnostic that reliably evaluates the actual performance of an electric vehicle battery. It reads data from the Battery Management System (BMS) via the OBD-II port and generates a battery certificate with key information such as the SoH and other performance indicators.
3. Interpreting a SoH Result After a PKC Test
Once the test is completed, you typically receive a SoH percentage. Here’s how to interpret the results:
| SoH | Interprétation | Practical Advice |
| 90–100% | Battery in excellent condition | Normal driving, no concerns. |
| 75–89% | Slightly worn battery | Monitor range, adjust charging habits. |
| 50–74% | Degraded battery | Reduced range, consider maintenance. |
| <50% | Severely worn battery | Replacement recommended. |
💡 A low SoH does not necessarily mean the battery is unusable, but that it stores less energy than originally.
4. Factors Affecting SoH
Battery degradation depends on several physical and usage factors:
- Charge/discharge cycles: Each cycle slightly wears the battery.
- Extreme temperatures: Both heat and cold accelerate wear.
- Frequent fast charging: Repeated DC charging can stress cells.
- Natural aging: Even without heavy use, a battery degrades over time.
The SoH after a PKC test is a valuable indicator for evaluating the real health of an electric vehicle battery, offering an objective, quantifiable view of its condition. Understanding this number helps anticipate costs, optimize vehicle use, and reassure customers, especially during buying or selling.
Order Your PKC Kit Today
To ensure transparency and the value of your electric and plug-in hybrid vehicles, equip yourself today with the PKC Power Check Control kit.
Enjoy an immediate, certified diagnosis, compatible with over 90% of electric and plug-in hybrid vehicles on the European market, and provide your customers with the confidence they expect.
👉 Order your PKC kit now and start measuring, certifying, and valuing your batteries with peace of mind.
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