Electric Vehicle Batteries Exceed Driver Longevity Expectations

A recent study has shed new light on the durability of electric vehicle batteries, revealing that most used electric vehicles (EVs) maintain around 90% of their original usable battery capacity even after covering 150,000 kilometers. This finding addresses a significant concern among drivers contemplating the shift from traditional petrol cars to electric models.

The rising global demand for EVs, propelled by escalating fuel prices, has been met with lingering apprehension regarding battery longevity. According to current industry standards, EV batteries typically come with warranties that last eight years or cover up to 100,000 miles (approximately 160,000 kilometers). Under these warranties, manufacturers must replace batteries that lose more than 30% of their capacity.

The study conducted by Aviloo, an Austria-based organization specializing in battery health analysis, revealed a median state of health (SoH)—indicating the percentage of remaining battery capacity—ranging from 87% to 94% across 20 popular EV models after 150,000 km. From their examination, the batteries displayed a median SoH of between 91% and 97% after 50,000 km, and between 88% and 95% after 100,000 km. This comprehensive analysis encompassed over 500,000 tests on models like Tesla’s Model Y and Volkswagen’s ID.4 between 2022 and 2026.

The Aviloo report also indicated that battery degradation rates can vary significantly among the same makes and models. Factors such as climate, battery size, and driving habits—including how drivers park their vehicles—play crucial roles in influencing battery lifespan.

Marcus Berger, chief executive of Aviloo, explained, “Unlike combustion engine cars, where age and mileage directly correlate to the car’s value and condition, the situation with EVs is more complex. Two cars of the same age and mileage can differ vastly in their performance based on how they’ve been used.”