Winning contractors, vigilant customers

As you know, the topics discussed on our site are based on our convictions, our intuitions and our observations in the field. Being based in China, we benefit from a head start on the evolution of the global electrical market.

Today, a major opportunity has arisen: to become a center specializing in the repair of Lithium traction batteries.

The main difficulty lies not so much in the technical nature of the repair, but in two critical points:

1. Spare parts sourcing: find compatible modules and specific consumables.
2. Software reprogramming: Ensuring communication between the repaired battery and the vehicle management system (BMS).

Our solutions

• Hardware: structured networks now enable us to order modules and the consumables we need. For anything from China, our team is at your disposal to source and secure your needs.
• On the software side: You can buy directly from the manufacturers, or use specialized service providers offering remote or on-site reprogramming packages.

Investment and profitability

For an electric vehicle, a few hundred euros’ worth of components is often enough to bring a pack back into working order. The main investment is in equipment (test benches, diagnostic tools, safety), estimated at around €10,000.

In terms of sales, these interventions are generally invoiced at between €3,000 and €4,000 (average price recorded), offering a comfortable margin for the repairer while remaining advantageous for the customer.

• When a customer encounters a battery problem, there are three options:

1. Manufacturer support

The manufacturer replaces the battery under warranty or following a recall. However, this is the exception. Depending on its chemistry, a lithium battery has an average lifespan of 7 to 10 years, after which time the cost is borne by the customer.

2. Replacement with a used battery

The market for used parts is growing. Our advice: Be careful about the age of the pack. If the battery is more than 5 years old, the investment is risky. Ideally, opt for units with a 3-year life.

3. Repair by changing modules (The strategic choice)

This is the most popular option, but it requires rigor to avoid technical errors due to unfamiliarity with the systems. Here are our recommendations:

• Old battery: If a module fails, it’s best to replace all the modules with a homogeneous batch (same manufacturing batch) to guarantee thermal and electrical balancing.
• Large packs (over 8 modules): Targeted replacement of faulty modules alone is often sufficient and more economical, provided that test reports are available.
• New batteries: For an isolated failure on a recent vehicle, extremely thorough SOH (state of health) and SOC (state of charge) tests are imperative.

• To secure the transaction and enhance the value of your expertise, three elements are essential:
  1. The complete SOH/SOC report: This detailed document (in paper or PDF format) analyzes the condition of each module. It is crucial for insurance purposes, to enhance the value of the vehicle when resold, in the event of a claim or in the event of litigation. Our advice: if a service provider doesn’t provide this report, run away! This document also releases you from liability in the event of a subsequent incident (e.g. fire).
  2. The warranty: A serious intervention must be covered by a warranty of at least 3 years to demonstrate the reliability of the repair.
  3. Accurate, honest invoicing: The invoice must be crystal-clear. The intervention must be invoiced as a specific package dedicated to the battery. It is essential to avoid drowning the main intervention in a multitude of other lines or ancillary services, which would make the origin of the problem ambiguous. The details (number of modules changed, tests carried out) must be clearly mentioned to justify the service.

  Our strategic pre-construction advice

  Before validating a costly repair, we recommend proposing an initial package including removal, re-installation and full test report. Once the precise diagnosis and the reports for each module are in hand, the customer can make an informed final repair decision.

• Whatever the type of work carried out on your battery, the submission of a detailed test report for each module (including the SOC and SOH) is a sine qua non condition for completion of the service. This document is your only tangible proof:
  • Technical: It certifies the balancing and actual health of each module after repair.
  • Legal: In the event of a dispute or claim (fire, major breakdown), this report releases you from liability and proves that the work has been carried out to standard.
  • Patrimonial: Without this SOH/SOC ratio, your vehicle loses its value on the used market because you can’t justify the condition of its most expensive component.

  Always request this document before paying the invoice. If the professional is unable to provide you with a precise module-by-module statement, the work cannot be considered complete.

Would you like to benefit from expert advice or secure your module supplies from China? We’ll be happy to help you boost your business or advise you on a project.