How Long Do EV Batteries Really Last? New Study Reveals Surprising Findings

There’s a common myth that electric vehicle (EV) batteries degrade quickly and need frequent replacements. But a new study from Geotab, a Canada-based fleet management company, has put that myth to rest. According to their research, EV batteries are lasting much longer than previously thought, making them reliable for the full lifespan of the vehicle.

Battery Degradation: The Facts

In 2019, Geotab reported that the average EV battery degraded by 2.3% per year. However, their latest study shows that today’s EVs are performing even better. After analyzing data from 5,000 EVs and over 1.5 million days of use, they found that the average annual degradation rate of modern EV batteries is just 1.8%. This is a 22% improvement over the past five years, with top-performing models showing as little as 1% degradation per year.

This is great news for EV owners. A degradation rate of 1.8% means that even after 20 years, an EV battery would still retain about 64% of its original capacity. For example, a Tesla Model Y Long Range, which has a range of 320 miles when new, would still offer over 200 miles of range after two decades—enough for daily driving and short trips.

Real-World Data Proves EV Reliability

Geotab’s study shows that highly used EVs don’t degrade faster than less-driven ones. In fact, it seems the more you drive an EV, the more value you get without worrying about significant battery wear. This puts to rest concerns about battery reliability for those driving EVs frequently or over long distances.

Interestingly, the rate of battery degradation in EVs is actually lower than the wear and tear seen in internal combustion engine (ICE) vehicle components over time. This further supports the idea that EVs can be just as reliable—if not more so—than traditional gasoline-powered cars.

What Causes Battery Degradation?

While all EV batteries will degrade over time, several factors can impact the rate of degradation:

1. Temperature: High temperatures can accelerate battery wear. Geotab found that EVs with active cooling systems (like Tesla’s liquid cooling system) have slower degradation rates compared to those with passive air systems (like the Nissan Leaf). For instance, the 2015 Tesla Model S has an average degradation rate of 2.3%, while the 2015 Nissan Leaf sits at 4.2%.
   
   
2. Charging Habits: Keeping your battery’s state of charge between 20% and 80% can extend its life. Charging it to 100% frequently or letting it drain too low can speed up degradation. While DC fast charging was once thought to harm batteries, newer research suggests it’s not as damaging as once believed. However, continuously charging LFP-based batteries to 100% can damage the cells over time.
   
   
3. Parking in the Shade: High ambient temperatures can negatively impact battery life, so parking in shaded or cooler areas can help reduce wear.

The Future Looks Bright for EVs

This new data should give EV owners and potential buyers peace of mind. With better battery technology and improved cooling systems, modern EVs are proving to be highly reliable for long-term use. As David Savage, Vice President of Geotab UK, said, "People should feel confident that many current EVs are suitable and cost-effective to replace a range of light, medium, and heavy-duty ICE vehicles."

The bottom line? With an annual degradation rate as low as 1.8%, today’s EV batteries are built to last. In 20 years, most EVs will still offer plenty of range for daily driving needs, making them a smart and sustainable choice for the future.


Source: Insideevs.com