How Long Do Electric Car Batteries Last?

Electric vehicle (EV) batteries can last 20+ years with proper maintenance. Learn how to extend your EV’s battery life with simple tips.

What Is EV Battery Health?

EV battery health measures how well a battery retains its ability to store and deliver energy over time. Maintaining good battery health is crucial for maximizing range, efficiency, and performance.

How Long Do EV Batteries Last?

In 2019, EV batteries degraded at an average rate of 2.3% per year. New 2024 data shows improvement, with batteries now degrading at just 1.8% per year. At this rate, an EV battery could last 20+ years, making EVs a viable long-term option.

Do Electric Cars Lose Range Over Time?

Yes, EVs lose range due to battery degradation. However, with an average 1.8% annual decline, most EVs will retain the majority of their range for over a decade.

Factors Affecting Battery Life

Several factors impact EV battery longevity:

• Age: All batteries degrade over time.
• Temperature: Extreme heat or cold accelerates wear.
• State of Charge (SOC): Keeping the charge between 20-80% minimizes strain.
• Charging Method: Frequent DC fast charging may degrade batteries faster than slower AC charging.
• Usage: Each charge-discharge cycle affects battery capacity.
• Battery Chemistry & Management Systems: Different lithium-ion types and cooling methods influence durability.

Air Cooling vs. Liquid Cooling

Liquid cooling systems significantly slow battery degradation compared to passive air cooling. For example:

• 2015 Tesla Model S (liquid cooling): 2.3% annual degradation
• 2015 Nissan Leaf (air cooling): 4.2% annual degradation

How Temperature Impacts Degradation

Hot climates accelerate battery degradation. Data shows EVs in areas with frequent high temperatures degrade faster than those in temperate climates. Proper thermal management helps mitigate this effect.

Does High Vehicle Use Degrade Batteries Faster?

Surprisingly, no. High-use EVs do not experience significantly greater battery degradation, provided they stay within their typical daily driving range. However, frequent DC fast charging may contribute to faster decline.

How Charging Methods Affect Battery Health

While AC Level 1 and Level 2 charging have minimal impact, frequent DC fast charging increases battery degradation. Automakers recommend limiting DC fast charging to extend battery life.

What Is EV Battery Degradation?

Battery degradation refers to the loss of a battery’s ability to store energy over time. EV batteries start with 100% state of health (SOH) and gradually decline. For example, a 60 kWh battery at 90% SOH functions like a 54 kWh battery.

Is EV Battery Degradation Linear?

Battery degradation typically follows a curve: an initial drop, followed by a slower decline, and then a steeper decline toward the end of the battery’s life.

How State of Charge Affects Battery Life

Keeping an EV battery between 20-80% charge helps reduce degradation. Many EVs have built-in charging buffers to prevent extreme charge levels, improving longevity.

EV Battery Maintenance Tips

• Avoid extreme temperatures. Store and charge EVs in moderate conditions.
• Limit DC fast charging. Use Level 2 charging for daily use.
• Maintain optimal charge levels. Keep the battery between 20-80%.
• Regularly use your EV. Keeping the battery active prevents efficiency loss.
• Monitor battery health. Use telematics to track performance and make data-driven decisions.

What Happens to EV Batteries When They Die?

When an EV battery reaches the end of its life, manufacturers often recycle or repurpose it. Many automakers offer battery recycling programs to reduce waste.

TrackFleet Pro’s EV Battery Degradation Tool

TrackFleet Pro provides a tool that analyzes EV battery health over time. While the tool’s data is based on 2019 findings, it offers valuable insights into EV longevity and performance trends.

Key Takeaways

• EV batteries degrade at just 1.8% per year on average.
• Most EVs will retain significant range for over a decade.
• Battery life can be extended with proper charging habits and thermal management.

Switching to EVs is a sustainable, cost-effective choice. TrackFleet Pro’s Electric Vehicle Suitability Assessment (EVSA) can help fleets determine the best EV options for their needs.