Electric vehicle batteries are proving to be more durable than many drivers anticipated. A recent study indicates that most used EVs can retain approximately 90 percent of their original usable battery capacity after 150,000 kilometers.
As global EV sales continue to rise, driven by increasing fuel prices, long-term battery durability remains a primary concern for consumers transitioning from traditional petrol vehicles. Typically, EV manufacturers offer warranties covering eight years or 100,000 miles (approximately 160,000 kilometers), which stipulate that a replacement battery must be provided if capacity drops below 70 percent.
Battery Health Findings
The study, conducted by Aviloo, an Austrian organization specializing in battery health analysis, assessed the median state of health (SoH) for 20 popular EV models. The findings revealed that the median SoH ranged from 87 percent to 94 percent after 150,000 kilometers. For distances of 50,000 kilometers and 100,000 kilometers, the median SoH was between 91 and 97 percent and 88 and 95 percent, respectively.
This analysis was based on over 500,000 tests performed globally on various models, including the Tesla Model Y and Volkswagen ID.4, from 2022 to 2026.
Factors Affecting Battery Degradation
The study also highlighted that battery degradation rates can vary significantly even among identical models, influenced by factors such as climate conditions, battery size, and driver habits, particularly regarding parking practices. Marcus Berger, CEO of Aviloo, noted, “In contrast to a combustion engine car, where age and mileage would more or less carry the value of the car and technical condition, that’s not the case for an EV.”
For instance, the Nissan Leaf ZE1 showed a median SoH variance of up to 13.5 percentage points at 150,000 kilometers, translating to a real-world range difference of about 29 kilometers per charge. Other models like the Tesla Model Y and VW ID.4 exhibited variances of up to 11 percentage points.
Best Practices for Battery Maintenance
Berger emphasized that batteries in hotter climates tend to degrade more quickly and advised against parking EVs with a full charge. He recommended maintaining a charge level between 30 and 70 percent to optimize battery health.
In light of these findings, three major EV organizations in the UK have urged the government to implement mandatory battery health certifications. This initiative aims to enhance consumer confidence and reward owners who maintain their vehicles properly. James Strong, a sales manager at Tesla UK, stated, “We see the customer demand for confidence in battery health.”
This article was produced by NeonPulse.today using human and AI-assisted editorial processes, based on publicly available information. Content may be edited for clarity and style.
