BCA has launched an industry-first facility in Doncaster, offering cost-effective battery repairs for de-fleeted electric and hybrid vehicles. The site, managed by BCA Fleet Solutions, provides diagnostics, repairs, and replacements for high-voltage components, including the battery, inverter, drive motor, and on-board charging system, with work carried out to OEM standards.
The used electric car market is growing rapidly, with EVs accounting for 4.3% of all used car sales in Q1 2026, according to the Society of Motor Manufacturers and Traders. This growth is driven by the influx of three- to five-year-old ex-fleet cars, many of which were leased to company car and salary sacrifice schemes following the introduction of ultra-low tax rates in April 2020.
The latest data from HM Revenue & Customs shows 51% of company car drivers were in electric cars in 2024/25, a significant jump from the 7% share in 2020/21. However, with supply surging and few incentives available for second-hand buyers, the leasing sector is facing large losses due to “cliff-edge” residual values when vehicles are auctioned at the end of their typically three-year contracts.
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Although used vehicle leasing is rising in popularity, which helps spread depreciation over a longer period, companies have warned that they may need to inflate monthly rentals on new cars to cover the risk of further losses. This could make new cars more expensive for both fleets and private customers.
Industry body the British Vehicle Rental and Leasing Association has called for standardized battery health certificates to give buyers more confidence and make vehicles easier to sell. In response, BCA has launched several services to support demand, including a battery service report that produces a health score out of 100 and issues condition grades from A to E.
Within a year of introducing this report, BCA claimed that the 22,000 vehicles auctioned with battery health reports averaged a 1.4% improvement compared to guide price and a 2.7-day reduction in time-to-sale. This suggests higher confidence among dealers that they can sell these vehicles on.
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Paul Bromley, managing director of BCA Fleet Solutions, commented: “Rather than simply replacing expensive batteries, we investigate the cause and repair or replace components, delivering a cost-effective and timely solution that means EVs and hybrid vehicles can be repaired and offered for sale without undue delay.”
They help drive Environmental, Social and Governance goals and ensure that these vehicles reach the market in the best possible condition to attract buyers. By using “green” parts where available, they are also reducing waste and promoting a more sustainable approach to vehicle maintenance.
As the used electric car market continues to grow, initiatives like BCA’s battery repair facility and standardized battery health certificates will help build confidence among buyers and drive the adoption of electric vehicles. With more than 1,000 EVs going through its auctions each week, BCA is well-placed to support this growing market and help reduce the risks associated with buying a used electric vehicle.