How Long Will Electric Cars Stay on the Road?

Electric cars have surged in popularity due to high gas prices and the emergence of new all-electric vehicles across all major vehicle types. Because electric cars are a relatively new technology, prospective buyers may be curious about how long they can expect these cars to last. 

From battery life to expected length of ownership for popular electric cars, we answer the question of how long you can expect EVs to remain on the road.

How Long Do Electric Car Batteries Last? 

Because replacing a car’s battery pack can cost upwards of $20,000, it’s likely the end of a car’s battery life is when drivers will choose to replace their vehicle. When it comes to the lifespan of an EV battery, many factors should be taken into account. While electric car battery life can vary, EV manufacturers are required to provide a warranty on their batteries for at least 8 years or 10,000 miles. Just like traditional gasoline vehicles, some manufacturers offer longer warranties. For example, Kia offers a battery pack warranty for 10 years or 100,000 miles, and Hyundai provides warranty coverage on EV batteries for the entire lifetime of the vehicle. It’s also worth noting that battery warranties vary not only by time but also the nature of the coverage. Some automakers will only replace the battery if it dies completely, while other brands like BMW, Tesla, and Volkswagen will cover a battery after battery capacity falls below a certain percentage.  

Once met with skepticism, battery technology has continued to evolve as manufacturers create larger batteries with improved range. The advanced technology of these larger new batteries also reduces battery degradation. Even as they degrade, they will still maintain a large percentage of their range. For example, a Tesla Model S only loses an estimated five percent of battery capacity over its first 50,000 miles. 

When properly maintained, modern electric car batteries likely won’t require a battery replacement. And as engineering evolves, batteries will be designed to last the entire lifespan of the vehicle. Therefore, the cost of replacing a battery should not be a deterrent for potential EV drivers.

How to Extend Electric Vehicle Battery Life

Although modern EV batteries are built to stand the test of time, that only remains true if they are properly maintained. Electric car battery life is also affected by the number of times the battery pack is charged and depleted. The more charging cycles, the faster the battery will degrade. Follow these important tips to optimize EV battery lifespan.

1. Avoid parking in extreme temperatures    

Lithium-ion batteries have thermal management systems that will heat or cool themselves, which uses energy and drains EV battery packs. Think of the effect extreme temperatures have on your cell phone battery. Avoid extreme temperatures by parking in the shade on hot days and inside a parking structure or garage in extreme cold temperatures to assist battery longevity.

2. Don’t Overcharge or Undercharge Your Vehicle 

Modern electric cars have management systems that avoid charging and discharging at the maximum and minimum charging levels. That means never reaching a full charge or falling to zero percent. This helps avoid charging your vehicle above 80 percent or below 20 percent, which will help prolong battery life.