The Netherlands-based auto marketplace AutoTrack has announced that it is adding additional information to its secondhand electric vehicle (EV) listings, such as real-world range and battery condition. These factors can also be used as search filters.
Most of the information is automatically generated, requiring no extra effort from dealers. This should generate higher-quality leads that convert faster, says AutoTrack.
The company cited recent research it had conducted showing that visitors to its website and app require more in-depth information about electric cars, with real-world driving range and the condition of a used car’s battery the two standout issues, followed by battery capacity and warranty, real-world energy consumption, fast-charging time, WLTP range and home-charging times.
(WLTP, or Worldwide Harmonised Light Vehicles Test Procedure, is a standardized laboratory test used in the EU to measure the fuel consumption, CO2 emissions and the electric range of new passenger cars and light commercial vehicles.)
AutoTrack will now include all of this information in every listing for registered EVs.
“These are exactly the questions and concerns our visitors have, which is why it’s important to make this data visible in the car advertisements,” said Ingrid Spierts, head of product, marketing and strategy.
“The best part is that car dealers don’t have to do anything at all: The information is automatically added, and the car immediately becomes discoverable as soon as a buyer searches with these additional filters.”
As some users find the stated WLTP range too generic and unrealistic, AutoTrack says it now provides the real-world range for every EV, displayed as an average for daily use throughout the year. Visitors can also see how certain conditions affect the range — for example, city versus highway driving, in summer and winter conditions.
“If buyers have all of this information upfront, it saves many questions and extra research in the showroom. It also helps prevent disappointment afterward, reducing the need for additional after care,” added Spierts.
The real-world range, (fast) charging times, WLTP range, battery warranty, energy consumption, and the type of charging port are automatically provided by EV Database.
Information on battery condition will initially be handled by launching partner GO Remarketing Solutions, the official reseller of Moba CertifyPro.
“For all used cars, the technical condition is a concern, and this applies specifically to the EV battery due to the high replacement costs,” said Spierts. “When car dealerships are in possession of an SoH [state of health] certificate, they can add this report to their car advertisements at no cost, directly addressing the needs of potential buyers.”
The EV landscape in Europe is set to be drastically disrupted over the coming years as a new EU regulation concerning electric batteries comes into force. The shift presents an opportunity for automotive marketplaces to become important stakeholders in the EV lifecycle.
AutoTrack.nl, one of the leading auto sites in the Netherlands, is owned by Automotive Mediaventions, which also operates auto verticals Gaspedaal.nl and AutoWereld.nl.
