Do EV batteries need replacing regularly? Will you need to buy new batteries every couple of years? Find out more about this in our simple guide.
How long do EV batteries last?
There are still a vast number of queries surrounding electric vehicles and EV charging and battery issues is one of the biggest topics – specifically, how long EV batteries will last.
So, to get some kind of answer once and for all, read our handy guide on how long EV batteries last, what affects their lifespan, and how you get the best out of your green machine.
How long do EV batteries last for?
The specific lifecycle of an EV battery can differ by manufacturer, but for the most part, you can expect an eight-year, 100,000-mile warranty on almost all electric car battery packs.
Popular models offer:
Make and model | Battery warranty – years | Battery warranty – miles |
Audi e-tron | 8 years | 99,419 miles |
BMW i3 | 8 years | 100,000 miles |
Hyundai Ioniq/Kona | 8 years | 125,000 miles |
Jaguar I-Pace | 8 years | 100,000 miles |
Kia e-Niro/Soul | 7 years | 100,000 miles |
Mercedes B-Class/EQC | 8/7 years | 62,000/100,000 miles |
MG ZS | 7 years | 80,000 miles |
Nissan e-NV200/Leaf | 8 years each | 100,000 miles each |
Renault Zoe | 8 years | 100,000 miles |
Seat Mii | 8 years | 100,000 miles |
Smart EQ ForTwo/ForFour) | 8 years each | 62,500 miles each |
Tesla Model S/X/3 | 8 years each | Unlimited/unlimited/120,000 miles |
Toyota Mirai (hydrogen) | 8 years | 100,000 |
Volkswagen e-Golf/e-Up | 8 years each | 99,360 each |
Given these sizeable “warranty” milages, you could be forgiven for being confused about why consumers are concerned.
However, just as a phone’s battery capacity can fluctuate depending on its age and usage, the same is true for electric cars.
What affects an EV battery’s longevity?
Perhaps unsurprisingly, there are several factors that can affect the health of your EV battery and therefore the range and usability of your electric car.
Battery degradation
Lithium-ion EV batteries are faced with repeated charging cycles – from empty to full and vice versa.
This can be affected by:
How often you charge
Charging too often is a common mistake EV owners make, which is often in an attempt to do the right thing by their vehicle.
Natural degradation occurs in the battery based on the number of charging cycles the EV battery completes over its lifespan and can deteriorate if charged too often.
To make it easier to remember, EV batteries have a Goldilocks zone which includes keeping the battery at 30-80% charged and minimizing the number of charging cycles completed.
This will help make sure you protect the longevity of your battery and your EV runs just right!
What capacity you charge to
While we might charge our phones to 100% every night and not think anything of it, however charging your EV battery to 100% regularly is a potentially harmful to the longevity and performance of your battery over it’s useful life.
EV batteries like to be kept between 30-80% in the Goldilocks zone, and the more you can do this, the longer your battery will last.
Overcharging can lead to stress on the battery, so if you need a full charge for a full range ahead of a long trip, ensure to unplug your EV charger as soon as charging is completed.
How low you allow your EV charge to go
As you might be expecting by now, going too far down from the Goldilocks zone – below 30% – often can impact the battery life.
Likewise, leaving your battery flat could result in the battery pack no longer accepting charge – sometimes referred to as bricking. Luckily, however, new EVs now have systems in place to prevent full battery depletion.
Extreme temperature exposure
Extremely hot or cold temperatures can negatively affect your car’s battery and range. As such, if you live in a very hot or cold climate, try to park your car in the garage or under shade to limit temperature exposure.
How to maximize your EV battery – our top tips for keeping your battery in top shape.
The main ways to help your EV battery last longer are simple and easy to follow.
As such, you should try to:
- Keep your EV battery in the Goldilocks zone
While for most EVs this is 30-80%, be sure to check your manufacturer’s guidebook to see exactly what this is for your vehicle.
- If you must charge up to 100% capacity, make sure to unplug your EV charger straight after charging has completed to avoid overcharging the battery.
- Keep your car from getting too hot or too cold.
- Don’t let your battery run down completely.
Choose EV-Chargers.com for all your charging needs
Some EV batteries far outlast the warrantied 10 years, potentially making it to 20 years with appropriate care and proper maintenance before their batteries need to be replaced.
So, if you are considering an electric car, don’t let concerns about EV batteries put you off.
If you need advice about a Level 1 EV charger, a Level 2 EV charger of your own, or anything else, why not reach out to the team? You can email us at [email protected] or speak to us on our webchat by clicking the icon at the side of your screen.
