EV battery state of health (SOH)

What Is battery state of health (SOH) in an electric vehicle?

As electric vehicles become increasingly common, understanding battery condition is essential, particularly when purchasing a used EV or maintaining the performance of your current vehicle. One of the most important indicators of battery condition is State of Health, commonly referred to as SOH.

What does SOH mean?

Battery State of Health is a measure of how an electric vehicle battery performs compared with when it was new. It is usually expressed as a percentage.
A battery with 100% SOH is performing at its original full capacity, while a battery with 80% SOH can hold approximately 80% of the energy it could store when new.
SOH provides a clear indication of the battery’s remaining usable capacity and helps determine whether it is still performing effectively or beginning to show signs of degradation.

Why does SOH matter?

State of Health is important because it can affect several key areas of EV ownership, including driving range, charging performance, resale value and repair decisions.
A lower SOH may result in fewer miles per charge, slower or less consistent charging, and a reduced vehicle value. At EAC Electric, we use SOH data to help determine whether a battery requires repair, reconditioning or targeted replacement of specific modules.

How is SOH measured?

There is no single universal method for measuring SOH, as the process depends on the vehicle and the diagnostic tools available. Common assessment methods include onboard vehicle diagnostics, specialist battery diagnostic equipment, and voltage and resistance testing of individual modules within the battery pack.

At EAC Electric, we take a detailed approach that goes beyond basic readings. Our technicians assess real-world performance, thermal behaviour and charging patterns to build a comprehensive understanding of the battery’s overall condition.

Can SOH be improved?

SOH cannot usually be improved directly, as it reflects the physical condition and wear of the battery. However, certain repairs and maintenance procedures can help restore performance and efficiency.

Replacing faulty modules, balancing cells and applying relevant software updates may improve how the battery performs and how accurately its condition is reported.

At EAC Electric, we specialise in repair-first solutions. This means we focus on identifying and repairing the specific issue wherever possible, rather than replacing the entire battery unnecessarily.

Expert EV battery health assessments

SOH is a vital part of understanding the condition of an electric vehicle battery. Whether you are buying, selling or maintaining an EV, knowing the battery’s State of Health helps you make informed and confident decisions.

If you are unsure about your EV’s battery condition, EAC Electric is here to help. Our team can assess your battery, explain what the results mean and recommend expert repair options tailored to your vehicle.

Our team is passionate about supporting customers with professional advice and specialist EV expertise.

Whether you require diagnostics, repairs or simply guidance, please get in touch. We look forward to hearing from you.