How Long Do EV Batteries Last?

As electric vehicle (EV) ownership increases and becomes more mainstream, some car shoppers still have their doubts about switching away from vehicles with an internal combustion engine. Although the price of EVs has dropped, the EV tax credits continue, and the range has increased, many consumers are hesitant to own one. Car shoppers have a variety of concerns about taking the plunge, with many centered around relying on batteries and EV infrastructure. A common question is how long do electric car batteries last.

Three main worries are the lack of public EV charging options, a short driving range, and the need to potentially replace the EV battery. Also, people who live in multifamily buildings or lack a dedicated parking spot may have issues charging at home. In addition, lack of knowledge about EVs continues to be a hurdle to widespread adoption. In particular, consumers need more information about EV batteries and, specifically, how long they last.

Electric car battery technology has rapidly advanced in the last decade, and many vehicle shoppers hold onto outdated or inaccurate information on the topic. Therefore, it is critical for EV professionals to educate consumers and help dispel myths.

Electric Car Battery Lifespan

While lead-acid car batteries last about 3 to 5 years, EV battery pack lifespan is much longer. Typically, today’s EV batteries last 10 – 20 years. Many car manufacturers offer an 8 to 10-year or 100,000-mile warranty on electric car batteries, which can help ease consumer concerns about battery longevity.

However, like solar panels, EV batteries don’t typically give out one day and stop operating. By contrast, they slowly degrade over time and become less effective in storing energy, decreasing vehicle range by 1% to 2% annually. This means the vehicle can eventually travel a shorter distance on a single charge.

What Kind Of Battery Packs Do EVs Use?

Plug-in hybrid electric vehicles (PHEVs), hybrid electric vehicles (HEVs), and battery electric vehicles (BEVs) all use lithium-ion EV battery packs. Laptops, tablets, cell phones, e-bikes, and solar PV battery storage use lithium-ion batteries as well.

These battery banks have numerous advantages over other types because lithium-ion batteries have:

● High energy per unit mass

● High power-to-weight ratio

● Good temperature performance

● High energy efficiency

How Long Does an Electric Car Battery Last While Driving?

Advances in lithium-ion battery technology have significantly increased the range of many EVs, with several models now exceeding 300 miles on a full charge. The 2024 Tesla Model 3 Long Range offers 341 miles, while the Kia EV6 Long Range RWD and Hyundai Ioniq 6 have ranges of 310 and 361 miles, respectively. Moderate-range models like the Chevy Bolt EV provide 259 miles of range, while compact options like the Nissan Leaf feature a range of up to 212 miles.

Some EVs even have bidirectional charging abilities. This means that energy from the EV battery can power other loads. With this application, an EV can help power a home, business, the power grid, another EV, or specific loads. However, when an EV battery pack supplies power for other uses, its driving range may be reduced.

How Long Does an Electric Car Battery Last in a Day?

The daily range of an electric car battery depends on its capacity, vehicle efficiency, driving speed, and more. High-capacity batteries with ranges over 300 miles can provide 8–10 hours of typical driving. Factors such as driving habits, terrain, speed, and climate control also influence how far and how long an EV can go in a day.

How Solid State Batteries Could Be the Future of EVs

Solid state batteries hold the potential to revolutionize the EV industry by addressing some of the key challenges of current lithium-ion EV batteries. With a solid electrolyte instead of a liquid one, these batteries offer higher energy density, which means they can store more energy in a smaller, lighter package.

This could result in EVs with longer ranges, reduced battery weight, and quicker charging times, ultimately making electric vehicles more practical for daily use. Solid state EV batteries are expected to last longer than traditional lithium-ion batteries, potentially exceeding 15 years due to their enhanced durability and stability.

Factors That Impact How Long Electric Car Batteries Last

Numerous factors impact battery life, but only some are easily within the control of EV drivers. The level of lithium-ion battery degradation greatly impacts its ability to hold a charge. Eventually, drivers will want to replace electric vehicle batteries. Although degradation is inevitable, there are steps drivers can take to slow it down a bit, extending the useful life of the battery.

Maintain Certain EV Battery Charge Levels

Many EV professionals recommend keeping the battery charged between 20% and 80%. It can put strain on the battery pack when it is completely discharged or fully charged, which slowly reduces its capacity over time. Although charging to 100% enables the vehicle to travel farther, it isn’t recommended to maximize how long EV batteries last.

Avoid Storing The EV Battery At 100% Charge

If an EV needs to sit for a long time between uses, it's best for the electric car battery not to be fully charged or discharged. Thus, a state of charge between 20% and 80% is ideal. Smart charging stations can end charging at a certain level, helping drivers achieve the desired level of charge. Also, many electric cars have settings that control the maximum battery charge to help extend electric car battery life.

Avoid Regularly Using DC Fast Charging Stations

There is some concern in the EV industry about the habitual use of DC Fast Chargers (DCFC), also known as Level III chargers. Habitual rapid charging can cause a minor decline in battery capacity compared to Level II chargers. If possible, drivers should use DCFC chargers sparingly.

Monitor Exposure To Extreme Temperatures

EV batteries can have a shorter lifespan in warmer climates. Extremely warm temperatures while driving, charging, and parking can strain EV batteries, shortening their lifespan. Whenever possible, EV drivers should park in the shade on warm days.

FAQs About How Long EV Batteries Last

Many drivers have questions about battery banks, electric car battery life, and battery capacity because they are paramount when considering the cost of ownership and the driver experience.

How does electric car battery life compare to a gas-powered car battery?

The batteries in gas-powered cars usually last only about 3 to 5 years, although it depends somewhat on use patterns. However, these lead-acid car batteries cost dramatically less and are easier to recycle than lithium-ion EV batteries. In contrast, EV lithium-ion batteries can last 10 to 20 years and typically are covered under a manufacturer’s warranty for a certain number of years or miles.

Strict laws in many states result in nearly 100% of lead-acid batteries getting recycled. This is good news for the environment because it helps reduce the need for extracting virgin raw materials.

Do EV batteries come with manufacturer warranties?

Most car manufacturers, including Volkswagen, Ford, Toyota, Renault, and Chevy, offer an 8 to 10-year or 100,000-mile warranty on electric car batteries. They provide a reasonable estimate of how long electric car batteries last. But, warranties vary a bit by the automaker.

For example, Tesla offers an 8-year or 120,000 miles (whichever happens first) warranty on batteries, with a minimum of 70% battery retention over the warranty period. Rivian offers an 8-year or 175,000-mile battery warranty at 70% retention.

How long does a Rivian battery last?

The Rivian R1T first hit the market in mid-2021, so it's a bit early to know the Rivian battery lifespan definitively. However, the battery pack and electric drive train system come with an 8-year/175,000-mile warranty for the Quad Motor and an 8-year/150,000 mile for the Dual Motor. This is really similar to the Tesla battery pack warranty, which also varies by the model. This provides a reasonable estimate for Rivian battery life.

How long does an electric car battery last while driving?

Many electric cars can provide between 150 to 400 miles (240 to 640 km) of range per full charge under ideal driving conditions. If you are driving at 50 mph, you can typically drive for 3 to 8 hours, depending on the capacity of the EV battery. However, the battery charge lasts less time when accelerating quickly, using the heat or air conditioner, driving on hilly roads, or in cold weather.

What can I do to extend how my Rivian battery life?

To extend the lifespan of your Rivian battery, avoid frequent fast charging, keep the battery's state of charge between 20-80%, minimize exposure to extreme temperatures, and follow regular maintenance schedules. Use Level 2 chargers whenever possible and avoid deep discharges to maintain optimal battery health.

How much does it cost to replace a Rivian EV battery?

The cost of replacing a Rivian battery pack can vary significantly and is somewhat speculative at this point due to the evolving nature of battery technology and market dynamics. Estimates suggest that a full battery pack replacement for Rivian vehicles, similar to other electric vehicles like Tesla, could range between $10,000 and $20,000. However, this is a rough estimate, and actual prices may vary depending on various factors, such as labor costs and advancements in battery technology.

How much does it cost to replace an EV battery?

Consumer concerns about EV battery replacement costs are justified, considering it is the most expensive component. The replacement cost of an EV battery may be as little as $5,000 but can be as much as $20,000 for some higher-end models. The EV battery replacement cost is largely reliant on its storage capacity, so larger batteries have a higher price.

The cost per kilowatt hour (kWh) of battery storage has fallen dramatically in recent years from $1,160 in 2010 to $128 in 2022. However, prices are expected to stabilize at $90 per kWh by 2031. Falling battery costs are very good news for EV drivers and can make EV ownership more appealing.

Although electric car battery technology has advanced and production capacity has increased, excessive demand for EV batteries could cause prices to spike if supply runs short. For that reason, Ford CEO Jim Farley and Tesla CEO Elon Musk are urging the mining industry to extract more raw materials for batteries to prepare for a surge in battery demand.

How do I know if my EV battery is bad?

If your electric car battery needs to be replaced, you may notice a significant decrease in driving range, slower vehicle charging times, and frequent issues with holding a charge. The electric car's onboard computer system may also display warning lights or messages related to the battery. If you suspect an electric car battery issue, it's advisable to have your EV inspected by a certified technician.

Do electric car batteries lose charge while parked?

EV batteries experience a phenomenon known as "vampire drain" or "phantom drain," where a small amount of charge is gradually lost when the vehicle is parked and not in use. This loss is attributed to various factors, including the car's onboard systems, such as the computer, sensors, and connectivity features.

While the amount of drain is typically only several percent of the total battery capacity, electric car owners may notice a small decrease in charge over extended periods of inactivity. Some electric vehicles allow owners to manage this by adjusting settings or using features like "camp mode" to minimize drain.

What EV battery lasts the longest?

Tesla is known for having durable and long-lasting batteries, particularly in the Tesla Model S and Model X. However, advancements in battery technology are continuously occurring, and other EV manufacturers are making significant strides in extending battery lifespan.

Consumer Education On How Long EV Batteries Last Is Critical

When new technologies hit the market, consumers need to understand them before widespread adoption can be achieved. Many potential EV drivers have concerns about battery pack life, replacement costs, and how to extend their useful life. Therefore, as an EV charging infrastructure contractor, understanding and educating the market on this topic is essential to be a subject matter expert and to help potential EV car shoppers make informed choices.

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