Overview
- ADAC and Aviloo analyzed roughly 28,500 State of Health results from six plug-in hybrid brands and conclude the traction batteries typically last about a vehicle’s lifetime.
- Aging patterns vary by maker: Mercedes‑Benz proves most stable; Volkswagen Group and Volvo show largely normal degradation; BMW is more sensitive to heavy electric use; Ford shows early fade with limited high‑mileage data; Mitsubishi exhibits marked early loss that later levels off.
- Higher electric driving increases charge cycles and wear, while larger batteries and maintaining charge between about 20–80% help slow degradation.
- For used purchases, ADAC sets minimum SoH thresholds of 92% at 50,000 km, 88% at 100,000 km, 84% at 150,000 km, and 80% at 200,000 km.
- ADAC urges independent capacity checks—such as the Aviloo Flash Test offered at ADAC sites—given wide SoH dispersion at the same mileage and inconsistent warranty triggers.