Frequently Asked Questions
EV batteries typically follow a pattern, where there is an
initial small drop in capacity over the first year or so, a
steady marginal decline over 5-10 years, and then a deep drop
over a year+ as the battery is getting to its end of life. A
low battery replacement risk indicates that a battery is not
exhibiting any signs of entering the final phase towards its
end of life.
Hybrid batteries typically follow a different pattern, where
there is an even drop in capacity over time, with a steep drop
as the battery is getting to its end of life. A low battery
replacement risk indicates that a battery is not exhibiting
any signs of entering the final phase towards its end of life.
Cells rated "fair" are showing early signs of degradation but are still functional. "Failing" cells have significantly reduced capacity compared to the pack average, which can affect range and performance. A few fair cells are common in older batteries, but multiple failing cells may indicate the battery is approaching end of life. Your VoltScore report includes specific recommendations based on your results.
Manufacturer warranties typically only cover complete battery failure — not gradual degradation. Your battery could lose 20-30% of its original capacity and still not qualify for a warranty claim. A VoltScore report gives you an objective snapshot of actual battery health, so you know exactly where you stand whether you're buying, selling, or just planning ahead.
We recommend testing annually as part of regular maintenance, or before any major transaction (buying or selling). If your vehicle is over 5 years old or has more than 100,000 km, more frequent testing (every 6 months) can help you catch degradation trends early and plan accordingly.
Your car's dashboard estimate is based on recent driving habits, climate, terrain, and other variables — it's a prediction, not a measurement. The VoltScore report measures actual cell-level data directly from the battery management system, giving you the true usable capacity compared to the manufacturer's original specification. Think of it as the difference between a fuel gauge estimate and actually measuring what's in the tank.
A basic battery check only looks at overall capacity — like checking if a bucket is full. A full VoltScore report examines every individual cell, identifies early degradation patterns, and assesses premature failure risk. A battery can appear healthy at the surface level while having individual cells that are deteriorating faster than the rest, which will eventually cause problems. The full report catches what basic checks miss.
New batteries can show small voltage differences between cells during their break-in period. This is normal and typically balances out within a few charge cycles. If the differences persist or grow over time, it may indicate a manufacturing defect worth investigating under warranty.
