With lead prices rising, the price of electric vehicle batteries has recently gone up as well. That increase has driven many unscrupulous dealers to sell refurbished batteries at low prices for profit, while many consumers, tempted by the cheap prices, keep buying them. So how can you tell whether the battery you bought is refurbished?

1. Check the outer packaging: does the sealing tape show signs of being opened? Once it has been opened, there is probably a problem.

2. Check the outer packaging: are the printed logo and lettering clear? Repackaged cartons are never printed as finely as the original factory packaging.

3. Check the battery plastic case: is the lettering clear, and does the appearance match the official pictures of the new product online? A new battery usually looks very clean and smart, with no ground marks or scratch traces.

4. Check the wiring terminals: are there wear marks from previous use? The positive terminal carries red rubber and the negative terminal black or blue rubber. Is that colored rubber smooth and flat?

5. Check the seam between the top cover and the plastic case: any electrolyte leakage? Any glue seepage?

6. Be very careful with batteries that are absurdly cheap. Under normal circumstances battery costs differ little between brands: for example, the two top brands differ by only about 10 yuan, and other second-tier brands by around 30 yuan. A gap of 100 yuan is definitely a problem.

7. The battery packaging carries a QR code, a phone number, or anti-counterfeit marks. You can verify them with a phone; every battery brand offers anti-counterfeit verification.

8. Buy batteries from legitimate stores whenever possible. Even without a formal invoice, keep a receipt so you have proof in hand. Of course, if you buy from an acquaintance, you generally will not be cheated.

We hope everyone keeps their eyes open to spot refurbished batteries, and does not chase bargains by buying cheap refurbished batteries of unknown origin.