How Long Does an Electric Vehicle & Its Battery Last?

The good news is that real-world data is highly reassuring. Recent large-scale studies analyzing data from over 10,000 electric vehicles show that EV batteries are holding up better than expected. On average, today’s EV batteries last around 15 to 20 years, with a degradation rate of about 1.8% per year. That’s already an improvement from around 2.3% per year seen in earlier data from 2019, and the trend is still moving in the right direction. Importantly, EV batteries rarely need replacement, as data suggests that less than 1% of modern electric vehicles since 2016 have required a battery replacement. As battery technology continues to improve, many experts expect modern EV batteries could last 20 years or more.

When Should You Replace an EV Battery?

For most drivers, the short answer is you probably won’t need to. As we mentioned above, EV batteries are designed to last a long time, and in most cases, they will outlast the time people actually own the vehicle. That means for the average driver, battery replacement is not something you’ll need to plan or budget for. Instead of suddenly failing, EV batteries degrade gradually over time. You might notice a slight drop in driving range after several years, but the vehicle remains perfectly usable. According to studies, many EVs are still on the road with well over 80% of their original battery capacity after 12 years of use. So, when does replacement make sense? It only becomes a consideration when the battery’s capacity drops low enough that the reduced range no longer fits your daily needs. With today’s technology, it is more of a long-term consideration than an immediate concern. Of course, this all rests on the premise of the factors below.

5 Factors That Affect EV Battery Longevity

As the years pass, the battery degrades, which is the gradual loss of its ability to hold a full charge over time. This is a standard occurrence with all rechargeable batteries. And as the battery degrades, the vehicle may not go as far on a single charge as it did when it was new, but it does not suddenly stop working. With that in mind, below are some of the factors that affect how quickly an EV battery degrades:

1. Battery age: Over time, even with proper care, the battery will slowly lose some capacity.
2. Temperature and climate: In places like Alberta, cold weather can temporarily reduce range, while extreme heat can accelerate degradation if not managed properly.
3. Charging behaviour: Frequent fast charging or consistently charging to 100% can contribute to faster degradation.
4. Battery management systems: Modern EVs come with built-in systems that help regulate temperature and charging, which protect the overall battery health.
5. EV usage: According to the Stanford Doerr School of Sustainability, real-world driving like regular acceleration, regenerative braking, short trips, and allowing the battery to rest between drives can help extend battery life. This is often better than letting the vehicle sit unused for long periods.

How to Extend Your EV Battery Life

Some factors that affect battery life are simply out of your control. You can’t change the age of the battery, and gradually, natural wear will happen no matter what. But, there are still a few practical habits that can help you get the most out of it.

• Avoid extreme charge levels: Try not to let your battery sit at 0% or stay at 100% for long periods. Keeping your battery charged between 20% to 80% for daily driving helps reduce stress on the battery.
• Use DC fast charging less often: Sure, fast charging is helpful when you need a quick top-up, but it may generate unnecessary heat on the battery if you use it too frequently.
• Protect your battery from extreme heat: Try to avoid leaving your EV in very hot conditions for long periods when possible. High temperatures can speed up the chemical reactions inside the battery, which can lead to faster wear. Cold weather, like what we experience in Alberta winters, can only temporarily reduce the range, but it doesn’t really cause long-term damage to the battery.
• Drive your EV consistently: Normal use, including everyday trips and even short bursts of acceleration, is not harmful. In fact, batteries tend to age more from sitting unused over time than from being driven regularly.
• Opt for EVs with an advanced battery: Newer EVs often come with improved battery systems that are built to manage heat and charging more effectively. If you are not sure what EV to choose or what features matter most, the team at GoElectric Calgary is here to assist with.

Shop for Your Next EV at GoElectric Calgary

We hope the information above has helped you understand how long an EV lasts and made the idea of switching a little easier. If not, that is what we are here for. Unlike traditional car dealerships, GoElectric Calgary is made up of EV enthusiasts who specialize in electric vehicles and have real, hands-on experience living with them, from home charging to everyday driving in Alberta’s conditions. Better yet, we offer a 3-day test drive, which is a simple way to experience what driving an EV is like before making any decisions. You can also check out our inventory online from the comfort of your own home, or get in touch with one of our EV specialists to have your questions answered and to book your free 3-day test drive by filling out our online form, today.