If you’re considering making the switch to owning an EV for the first time, you might be wondering how long the average electric car battery lasts. Along with range anxiety, making sure electric car batteries can go the distance in the long term is a big concern for first-time EV owners.
The good news is that modern EV batteries are designed to last as long as the vehicle itself. Advances in battery technology, thermal management systems and manufacturer warranties mean that battery longevity is not the major concern it once was.
In this article:
What determines battery lifespan?
Like mobile phone or laptop batteries, EV batteries will lose capacity over time. However, the technology inside an electric car is far more advanced and robust. Ultimately, battery lifespan is influenced by various factors like technology, environment and driver behaviour.
- Driving patterns
While high mileage isn’t necessarily harmful, aggressive driving and frequent heavy acceleration can generate more heat, which contributes to wear and tear. However, EV batteries are designed to handle everyday use, and safe daily driving won’t dramatically shorten lifespan. - Battery management systems (BMS)
Every EV has a battery management system. The software monitors temperature, voltage and charging rates to help protect the battery from damage. It helps to prevent overcharging and overheating, which can shorten battery life. - Thermal management
Temperature plays a big role in battery health. Most modern EVs use liquid cooling or heating systems to keep the battery at the right temperature. This generally helps to prolong the life of the battery. - Charging habits
Frequent rapid charging or regularly running the battery down to very low levels can increase wear and tear. Maintaining regular, slow charging habits can not only avoid damage but can even extend the battery’s lifespan.
Battery degradation over time
As an EV battery begins to degrade, you won’t notice any major effects on the car when it comes to acceleration or driveability – but it may start to reduce the vehicle’s maximum range.
Most EVs use lithium ion batteries, and these degrade from use over time. However, this is usually gradual and predictable. Most batteries can maintain up to 90% of their original capacity after 100,000 miles.
On average, most EV batteries are expected to last around 10 years or 100,000 miles before they become unusable.
Even if a battery drops to 80% of its original capacity, the car will still function well; it just won’t travel quite as far on a single charge as it did when new.
Everyday use and battery health
The key to a long battery life is good and consistent maintenance. EV batteries can go through two types of ageing: calendar ageing and cyclic ageing.
Calendar ageing is inevitable. This is when the battery naturally degrades over time, even if the car isn’t being driven very often. Chemical changes inside the battery slowly reduce its ability to hold charge.
Cyclic ageing happens through repeated charging and discharging. Every time you drive and recharge your vehicle, this counts as a cycle. Over many years, these cycles gradually reduce the overall capacity of the battery.
The way you charge your EV plays a big role in managing cyclic ageing. It’s recommended you speak to your EV dealership or a specialist EV charging point electrician to make sure you’re charging your car in the most efficient way possible, to preserve battery life for as long as possible.
Avoiding exposure to extreme high and low temperatures also helps to prolong your EV’s battery life. Keeping your electric car plugged in to your home charger during extreme weather conditions can allow the vehicle’s thermal management system to regulate the battery temperature while you’re not driving.
Many electric cars have a thermal pre-conditioning system, which warms or cools the battery before driving. It’s recommended you use this function while the car is still plugged in to be most effective.
Rapid charging is convenient when used occasionally. However, relying on rapid chargers daily can result in faster degradation. Rapid chargers deliver high levels of current over a short period of time, which generates more heat and places greater strain on the battery. Slower, overnight home charging is typically much gentler and better for long-term battery health.
Warranties and expected lifespan
Many car manufacturers offer generous battery warranties, giving new EV drivers added peace of mind.
For example, AION offers the industry standard at 8 years or 100,000 to 120,000 miles of battery warranty, whichever comes first. Warranties like this guarantee the battery will retain at least 70% of its capacity during the warranty period. If the battery capacity drops below the guaranteed capacity within that timeframe, the manufacturer will repair or replace it.
This level of warranty boasts the confidence manufacturers have in their battery technology. It also gives EV owners peace of mind that making the switch to electric is practical and comes with support as standard.
Tips for battery maintenance
While much of battery ageing is unavoidable, there are practical steps you can take to maximise lifespan:
- Slow, overnight charging is best. Use a home charger where possible and rely on rapid charging only when necessary.
- Avoid extreme temperatures. Park in the shade during hot weather and in a garage during freezing conditions.
- Make the most of the car’s thermal management system. Let the car regulate battery temperature before driving.
- Speak to your dealership or a specialist EV charging installer to ensure your home charging setup is safe and efficient.
- Choose the right warranty for you. Research manufacturers that offer substantial battery warranties for added peace of mind.
The final charge
- Degradation can happen gradually over time, but most EV batteries are expected to perform for at least 10-15 years and well over 100,000 miles.
- Maintaining good driving and charging habits is the key to making sure your EV battery maintains as much capacity as possible for as long as possible.
- EVs are designed with various integrated functionality to promote long-term battery health.
- Strong manufacturer battery warranties show industry-wide confidence that EV batteries are reliable for the long term.
