Do I really need a new EV battery?

EV batteries fade silently. Most owners notice only range dips or odd charging curves. But manufacturers rarely publish exact thresholds. They prefer vague "performance drop" language. Consumers can't tell if a battery is nearing end or just normal aging. Regulators need a badge for battery health. A single industry‑defined metric, like State of Health, would cut marketing spin. Right now, OEMs keep proprietary numbers. It's a black box that benefits sales, not users. When I bought my car, the dealer said the battery was "full life". Two years later the range hit 70 % of original. The warranty didn't cover it. No clear disclosure. That's an ethical lapse. Transparency should be a standard, not a privilege. What if a federal rule required 90‑day diagnostic testing at every service visit? Or a public registry of battery health data? That would level the playing field. The industry could still innovate, but with accountability. It's a simple policy that protects consumers while keeping incentives for better tech.