Since our June 2023 post on “Mythbusting EV Battery Life – How Long Do They Really Last?”, the topic has garnered significant media attention. As a result, we decided to revisit the subject.
One of the biggest concerns for potential EV owners is battery life. Will it hold a charge for my daily commute? How long will it last before needing a replacement, and will replacing the battery cost a fortune?
Research by telematic company Geotab has shown that “high levels of sustained battery health” have been observed in its database of electric models.
How Long Does an EV Battery Last?
The good news is EV batteries are built to endure. Most manufacturers confidently back their batteries with warranties lasting 8 years or 160,000 KMs (100,000 miles). This guarantees at least 70% of the battery’s original capacity remaining during that period. Studies suggest they might even last much longer, potentially reaching 12-15 years or even further depending on how you use your car. In March of 2023, American electric vehicles specialist website Recurrent carried out a survey of 15,000 EVs and found that only 1.5 % of them had needed a complete battery replacement.
Factors Affecting EV Battery Life
Just like any rechargeable battery, EV batteries experience some degradation over time. Here are some things that can influence how long your battery lasts:
- Charging Habits: Frequent fast charging can put stress on the battery. Whenever possible, use slower charging methods at home (this is also the most cost-effective way to charge).
- Number of Charging Cycles: The more you charge and discharge the battery, the more wear it experiences. However, modern batteries are designed for many cycles.
- Make, Model and Age of EV: While battery chemistry is similar across most EVs, a car’s make, model, and age can influence battery life due to variations in battery size, thermal management systems, and charging capabilities.
- Temperature: Extreme heat or cold can accelerate degradation. Parking in a garage whenever possible can help. Here in Ireland, our weather is typically mild without extreme temperatures, so this is less of a factor.
Battery Replacement Costs:
Replacing an EV battery can be expensive, ranging from €4,500 to €13,795. (source: March 2024 – Electric Car Battery Replacement Costs in 2024 [Updated] (recurrentauto.com).
However, there are a few things to consider:
- Warranty Coverage: Many battery replacements would be covered under the manufacturer’s warranty so for the first, or even first couple of owners, it’s going to be a warranty issue, not a cost issue.
- Maintenance Savings: Electric vehicles require significantly less maintenance compared to traditional petrol and diesel cars. These savings can help offset the eventual battery replacement cost.
- Battery Technology Advancements: Battery technology is constantly improving, and replacement costs are expected to continue to decrease in the coming years.
The Takeaway: Long-lasting and Getting Better
EV batteries are designed to last for a long time, and with proper care, they can provide reliable power for well over a decade. While replacement costs can be high, advancements in technology are continuously driving those costs down. Furthermore, the overall lower maintenance needs of EVs can help balance the cost equation.
So, if battery anxiety is holding you back from going electric, rest assured that EV batteries are built for the long haul. With continued innovation, we can expect even better battery life and further affordability in the future.
Ready to make the switch? eStation can help?
eStation makes the switch to an electric vehicle easy. We’ve been installing and supplying EV charging solutions throughout Ireland since 2015 and can help you get set up to make the most of your new electric car.
To find out more about how our team of experts can help, get in touch today.