The 2026 Guide to EV Battery Health for Private Hire Drivers

At a Glance: How to Maintain and Protect Your EV Battery

• SoH Over Mileage: State of Health (SoH) is now the primary factor for vehicle resale value in 2026.
• The 20-80% Rule: Keeping your battery charge between 20% and 80% is the most effective way to extend its lifecycle.
• Combat Cold: Using grid-powered pre-conditioning can offset up to 30% range loss in cold British winters.
• Specialised Cover: Battery replacements can be incredibly costly. Our specialised EV insurance provides up to £10,000 in dedicated battery cover following an insured incident, giving you significant protection against unexpected repair bills.

In 2026, your electric vehicle (EV) is more than just a car; it’s the heartbeat of your business. With the recent VAT changes on fares and the reduction of the EV Congestion Charge discount in London, every penny of profit counts. However, staying profitable isn't just about finding the next fare; it's about protecting your most expensive asset.

What is State of Health (SoH) and Why Does It Matter?

State of Health (SoH) is the new "engine maintenance" for the modern driver. In 2026, SoH is now the primary factor for vehicle resale value, even more so than mileage.

• Performance: A degraded battery means more time charging and less time earning.
• Resale Value: Insight from Autohit confirms buyers now prioritise battery health above all else.

3 Essential Habits to Extend Your EV Battery Life

• Follow the 20-80% Rule: Keeping your charge between 20% and 80% avoids excessive voltage stress and significantly extends battery life.
• Use Grid-Powered Pre-conditioning: British winters can reduce range by up to 30%. Use your app to warm the battery while plugged in, so stored energy is used purely for driving.
• Balance Your Charging: While Ultra-Rapid DC chargers are convenient, constant use generates heat that accelerates degradation. 

Realities of Repair: Why specialised cover is no longer optional

As EVs fall out of their manufacturer's warranties, protecting your battery from accidental damage, fire, and lightning is a reality for drivers, even if the car is under warranty. While insurance doesn't cover gradual degradation or wear and tear, it protects against sudden, costly incidents that could end your career. This is Money has highlighted a rising trend where electric cars with only minor battery damage are being written off by insurers because the packs are difficult to repair or assess after a small scuff or bump.

The costs of getting it wrong are significant. According to data from Bumper and the RAC, replacing an EV battery in the UK can cost anywhere from £4,000 to over £15,000, depending on the capacity, which is a cost that could instantly end a driver's career if they aren't properly protected.

This risk extends to your accessories as well. Theft of cables is rising; INSHUR covers your charging cables specifically while they are in use to charge your vehicle. With replacement Type 2 cables often costing upwards of £200, these "small" thefts are a major headache for drivers charging in public hubs.

How INSHUR Protects Your Investment

At INSHUR, we’ve seen how standard private hire insurance policies often treat an EV like a traditional petrol car, frequently leaving "grey areas" around battery damage or stolen cables. Our policy is built for 2026, including specialised battery cover up to £10,000 for accidents and theft.

Our EV private hire policies are built for the 2026 driver, offering:

• Specialised Battery Cover: Protection against accidental damage, fire, and lightning.
• Charging Cable Protection: We cover your cables against theft while they are being used to charge your vehicle.

Protecting your battery is about protecting your livelihood. By combining smart charging habits with a policy that actually understands your tech, you can stay on the road, and profitable, no matter what 2026 throws at you.

Ready to protect your EV?

Get a quick and easy quote with INSHUR today.