With more used electric vehicles entering the market and growing consumer confidence in their long-term reliability, the EV market is evolving rapidly. But what makes this growth possible is the unseen digital infrastructure supporting smarter and more transparent decisions for consumers and businesses. Experts from Volkswagen Financial Services and Uptime explain how these tools are shaping the future of EV ownership.
As e-mobility evolves, technology is increasingly crucial in enhancing transparency, efficiency, and accessibility for businesses and consumers alike. This article marks the beginning of a new series by Uptime, where we invite industry experts to explore how digital tools are shaping the future of electric vehicles.
According to Martin Ligeza from Volkswagen Financial Services, the used EV market is projected to grow by 10–15% annually, driven by increasing lease returns and a rapidly expanding charging infrastructure.
Leasing remains the dominant way to access an electric vehicle. “About 70% of EVs in Europe are leased rather than purchased outright,” says Ligeza. “It’s a flexible, low-risk way for drivers to try EVs without committing to full ownership. However, with this growth in leasing comes the need for better tools to help customers compare options, calculate monthly payments, and understand a vehicle’s long-term value”
This is where digital platforms and IT solutions come into play. Modern tools, like leasing calculators and predictive analytics systems, have become essential for both consumers and businesses alike.
“Turning data into useful insights requires strong digital infrastructure and smart software solutions, especially in a constantly changing market.” says Ligeza. “For instance, battery costs have come down by 85% since 2010 and continue to drop.”
Growth supported by smart IT solutions
One company driving this digital transformation is Uptime. Uptime builds different IT platforms for the automotive sector, including leasing calculators that simplify complex decisions. “We’ve built our calculators to provide clarity,” says Michal Jankowski, Head of Uptime Development. “Customers can easily compare costs and see how factors like mileage, residual value, and battery health impact their leasing terms. For businesses, it’s a powerful tool to manage fleet costs and make data-driven decisions.”
Calculating the resale value of an electric vehicle requires a different approach than for traditional combustion-engine cars. EV-specific algorithms must account for factors like battery health, charging patterns, and software updates, which play a much bigger role than mileage.
“The resale value of an EV largely depends on battery health, which can retain up to 80–90% capacity after eight years, depending on usage, especially charging patterns,” explains Ligeza. “Unlike traditional cars, where engine wear is closely tied to mileage, EV drivetrains experience minimal mechanical deterioration.”
Maintaining strong residual values for EVs also involves proactive measures from manufacturers. Volkswagen Financial Services has implemented several strategies to support the long-term value of its electric vehicles. Certified pre-owned programs, for example, offer buyers added security with battery performance certificates and warranties that guarantee a minimum capacity of up to 70% for eight years or 160,000 kilometers. Additionally, Volkswagen regularly releases over-the-air software updates for models like the ID.3 and ID.4, improving performance metrics such as charging speed and driving efficiency.
This transparency is paying off. “It’s one of the reasons why over 50% of EV buyers in Europe would now consider a used model, compared to less than 30% in 2020,” Ligeza says. As more buyers become comfortable with the reliability of EV batteries, demand for second-hand vehicles is expected to continue rising.
Preparing for a data-driven EV future
According to Ligeza, partnerships with IT firms are essential for navigating the complexities of modern mobility. “Collaborations with charging providers like Ionity have added thousands of fast-charging points, enabling EVs to charge up to 80% in under 30 minutes. These partnerships ensure seamless integration of technology, addressing customer concerns and enhancing the EV ownership experience,” he says. “Our long-time partner Uptime has also helped to create a UX for B2C and B2B sales to upscale whole used cars stock.”
Choosing the right development partner for EV-focused digital tools is a critical decision that can significantly impact a company’s success in this growing market. A capable development partner should have experience in integrating diverse data sources, such as manufacturer APIs, telematics systems, and market research databases, into a seamless and reliable platform.
Equally important is the partner’s ability to build scalable, secure, and user-friendly solutions. EV markets are evolving quickly, and a development partner must design platforms that can adapt to new industry standards, government incentives, and technological advancements. “Our experience has shown that real-time data processing and intuitive design are crucial for both consumers and businesses,” says Jankowski. “You want a partner who can deliver a long-term solution that grows with your needs.”
The future of electric mobility is set to become even more data-driven. Solid-state batteries, for example, could double energy density and reduce charging times to under 10 minutes. Volkswagen plans to roll out vehicles with this technology by the end of the decade. “Level 4 autonomous driving will further transform leasing models, especially for fleet owners,” Ligeza adds, noting that vehicles like the VW ID.3 and ID.4 have already received over-the-air software updates that boost charging speeds and extend range.
For Uptime, these innovations present opportunities to build even smarter digital tools. “The next wave of e-mobility will be defined by data,” says Jankowski. “From solid-state batteries to autonomous driving, these advancements will open new possibilities for digital tools. Our job is to make these innovations accessible, giving customers and businesses the insights they need to navigate the future of mobility.”