How long does an electric car battery last?

With more and more drivers looking to make the switch to electric, it's only natural that they'll have a few questions before buying an EV. Along with range anxiety (the fear of running out of charge) a big question is often: how long do EV batteries last?

Like any car part or battery, an electric car battery can degrade over time - but this shouldn't be a deal-breaker.

There are many ways to preserve your electric car battery life span and, in many cases, you'll find that electric car batteries exceed the lifespan of their internal combustion counterparts. Firstly, let us discuss how EV batteries work...

How do electric car batteries work?

Most electric car batteries are made of lithium ion, which is also used in many of your household appliances, phones and laptops. The battery may look like a single unit, but it is actually made up of thousands of individual cells that all work together to power the electric motor.

The battery releases energy as you drive, sending power to the motor, and when you plug it into a charger, this process reverses, recharging the battery for your next journey.

Electric cars use lithium-ion batteries because they're lightweight and durable - however, much like your phone or laptop battery, the power capacity will decline over time and use.

Importantly though, modern EVs can retain most of their capacity for around a decade, so if you're wondering how long your EV battery will last, it shouldn't be a massive concern.Figures show that an electric car battery will work at 80% of its original capacity after eight years of daily use.

Electric car battery capacity and size

When we discuss EV battery 'capacity' and 'size', we're referring to how much energy the battery can store - this is measured in kilowatt-hours (kWh). There are a wide range of EV car battery capacities and sizes across different models and manufacturers, and this will impact a vehicle's range, cost and charging time.

The battery is also one of the most expensive parts of an electric vehicle, so if you have a large-capacity battery pack, you may find that the total price or monthly leasing price of the car may increase. When choosing which electric vehicle to buy, it's important to think about your budget, personal preferences and driving habits.

For example, if you only tend to do short trips, a small city car with a smaller battery may suffice. On the other hand, if you're prone to driving long distances, you should consider a car with a larger battery that's capable of longer ranges. Similarly, think about what you're willing to spend, as bigger batteries will cost more.

How long do electric car batteries last?

This brings us to the all-important question: how long will an electric battery last? A good first stop is to check what the manufacturers promise as this will indicate how confident they are in its engineering.

Battery degradation won't hugely affect the EV's performance in terms of acceleration, refinement or cruising ability. It will lessen the range, but even an eight-year-old Nissan Leaf at the UK's average mileage for its age would likely only see losses of around 20%, according to independent tests.

How many miles does an electric car last for?

The average EV battery can potentially last around 280,000 miles or more, more than double the lifespan of a typical ICE vehicle. This significant increase in expected longevity makes the value proposition of EVs even more compelling.

Electric car battery warranties

Most new EVs come with battery and or mileage warranties for peace of mind. The table below shows a summary of popular UK EV manufacturers and the standard warranties their new electric cars come with.

Some manufacturers even offer a maximum allowed battery degradation level warranty. These types of warranties ensure that if the battery capacity of your EV falls below a certain level i.e., 60% then the manufacturer will replace or repair the battery unit for you.

It's important to check your warranty at time of purchase to ensure you are happy with the cover you have chosen.

How to extend EV battery life

There are simple steps you can take daily to preserve your EV's battery life and capacity.

Getting into these habits as soon as you make the switch is our best advice:

• If you can, park your EV in a garage rather than out on the street to avoid extreme temperatures.
• Charge your battery before it gets to 20% and try not to let it run flat.
• Don't charge the battery to 100% every time you charge it.
• Use rapid charging sparingly.
• Wait until your battery has cooled down before charging - don't charge as soon as you've stopped.
• Avoid harsh acceleration at all times.

Conclusion

To conclude, EV batteries, like with any and all batteries, do have a lifespan. However, EV manufacturers provide generous battery warranty, and it would seem that some models can stay on the roads for longer than their ICE counterparts. With advancements in technology, electric car battery capacity will only improve further as time goes on.

Your questions answered

How much is an electric car battery?

Ultimately, how much an electric car battery costs depends on a few different factors including:

• EV make, model and variant
• Battery size and capacity
• Part availability
• Battery manufacturing costs
• Battery installation and labour costs

On average, to replace an EV battery it would cost around £7,000.

Can you recycle electric car batteries?

EV batteries can be recycled as long as they are recycled and disposed of by a qualified professional at a battery recycling centre. These batteries contain dangerous toxins due to the materials used in production, therefore it's imperative that you seek the help of a qualified professional. You can find EV battery recycling centres in large cities in the UK, such as Wolverhampton.