Maverick Diagnostics and Next Eco Car agree deal that sees plug-in and EV battery test sold in Ireland

Date: Friday 19 May 2023

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Maverick Diagnostics and Next Eco Car are delighted to announce a partnership that sees the Irish EV sales and sourcing specialist become a distributor of AVILOO, a ground-breaking independent battery test for EVs and plug-in hybrids.

A provider of original diagnostic tools and technical support, Maverick Diagnostics supplies AVILOO tests in the UK and has agreed to assist Next Eco Car with diagnostic assistance.

Next Eco Car Managing Director, Simon Acton, said:

“We had actually been trialling AVILOO Premium for 18 months, and we generated some awareness of its capabilities within the Irish EV community, but after connecting with Maverick Diagnostics’ Andy Brooke, it was clear there were synergies and mutual benefits to a collaboration.

“We have a grasp of the Irish market and knowledge of the AVILOO product, not to mention the proximity to Irish customers, while Maverick has outstanding experience and knowledge of motor trade diagnostics tools. A partnership, whereby Next Eco Car would become the Irish distributor of AVILOO, made perfect sense.”

Andy added:

“We’re thrilled to be working with Simon and his team at Next Eco Car. Their knowledge of the Irish market will be invaluable, as we look to spread the importance of the AVILOO Flash and Premium tests. Our technical background, meanwhile, will mean we’re able to offer our expertise when required.”

The Flash test
The Flash test will be geared towards independent workshops and dealers. In just three minutes, a Flash test generates an analysis of a traction battery while a vehicle is stationary. The diagnostic tool measures several parameters – vehicle communication, battery controller, HV battery state, LV system and battery history – before offering a manufacturer-independent test score between one and 100. Technicians can then illustrate that score and the test’s overall findings to customers with a report.

The test begins by plugging an AVILOO box into the OBD port of a vehicle. Next, wait for a flashing yellow LED light to appear, which indicates the start of the test, then start the vehicle. Finally, the LED light will turn green to signal that the test is complete. A report will then be immediately generated and sent to the e-mail address synced to the device. This is available on either app or desktop.

The Premium test
Meanwhile, the Premium test is, primarily, aimed directly at motorists, but will also be utilised by workshops and dealers where a need is identified.

But what’s the difference between the Flash and Premium? The latter will compare the health of a plug-in hybrid and EV against when it was new. The results will include a percentage score of the battery’s exact state of health.

Upon ordering and receiving a Premium test kit from a website – http://www.batterydiagnostics.ie/ – the first step, like the Flash, is to plug the AVILOO box into the vehicle’s OBD port. The device is specifically designed to collect the necessary data and then match it against battery parameters. The vehicle then needs to be fully-charged.

Next, the motorist will receive an e-mail with a webapp, click the link, and all that is left to do is drive as normal until the battery level reaches a minimum of 10% – the customer has seven days to do this.

The rest is down to the AVILOO box! In just two working days, the customer will receive a TÜV certified battery test certificate – including an overall percentage – why is this important? TÜV certification is globally recognised for its neutrality when judging products, so customers can be confident of its accuracy and independence. The box is then collected and returned to Next Eco Car.

Currently, AVILOO tests cover approximately 80% of existing EV and plug-in hybrid models. With daily work on the introduction of new models, that percentage is growing. Next Eco Car will be able to advise customers on which test is appropriate for them.

“Irish market is ready!”
The deal was revealed at a press conference last week, where several vehicles were tested to illustrate the simplicity of the test but also the comprehensiveness of the AVILOO technology. With approximately 80,000 EVs on Irish roads today, between BEV and PHEV models, and new EV sales growing by around 50% year-on-year, Simon is confident either a Flash or Premium test will be vital for consumers:

“The market is only increasing, and the reality is that most consumers only ever buy used, not new. Used EV sales were once the preserve of OEM franchise holders and specialists, like Next Eco Car, but as demand grows, we see used EVs available through a much broader variety of car sales outlets. The AVILOO product can offer a key support to these businesses and their customers.”

The next step for Next Eco car is to grow its portfolio; in fact, excitedly, it is pleased to reveal that Linders in Dublin and Crossey’s Garage and Drysdale Motors, based in Lisburn and Dundonald respectively, have already signed-up.

Furthermore, Next Eco Car has pledged to work alongside EV associations in both the Republic and Northern Ireland to offer tests to its members.

More information is available at www.batterydiagnostics.ie. Next Eco Car can be contacted directly by email on evbatterydiagnostics@nextecocar.ie or by phone on +353 (0)89 708 5859.

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