Electric vehicles (EVs) last just as long, and sometimes even longer, as cars with traditional internal combustion engines (ICE). They typically last for an average of 15 to 20 years, while ICE vehicles have a lifespan of 12 to 15 years. Because EVs have fewer mechanical moving parts than ICE vehicles, they experience less wear over time. Fewer things break down, service trips aren’t needed as often, and repairs are typically more straightforward.
Electric Car Battery Life
The primary concern when it comes to EV lifespan is the longevity of the battery pack. This is the main component of the vehicle and is also the most expensive, often making up 30% to 40% of the vehicle’s production costs. Over time and with repeated charging, lithium-ion batteries degrade just like phone batteries. As a result, driving range slowly decreases as time goes on. Fortunately, batteries degrade slowly and most owners will have not have major issues.
If you find yourself needing to replace an EV battery, you can expect to pay anywhere from $4,000 to $20,000 depending on the battery size and capacity. Most EV batteries are warranty protected for a minimum of eight years or 100,000 miles, whichever comes first. The rest are covered for 10 years or 150,000 miles, or even more.
The good news is that these batteries can last from 15 to 20 years. Consequently, the original batteries could outlive the electric vehicles they power.
What Affects Electric Car Lifespan?
While EVs tend to last longer than ICE vehicles, it never hurts for drivers to be extra careful. Here are some things to keep track of in order to increase your car’s lifespan:
- Charging Habits: While DC fast charging may be convenient, consistent high power may generate excessive heat and cause the battery health to drop. Slow charging is recommended for preserving battery health.
- Temperature: Extreme heat or cold temperatures can negatively impact driving range both long-term and short-term. This factor will vary based on where you live, but keeping your vehicle indoors will help.
- Driving and Maintenance: EV tires may wear out a bit faster due to the heavy battery packs, but other components like brake pads may last longer thanks to features like regenerative braking. As always, regular maintenance checks will help you catch problems early before they get worse. For more in-depth content about how to keep your EV in tip-top shape, visit our Car Maintenance and Repair Information Center.
Editor’s note: This article has been updated since its initial publication. Russ Heaps contributed to this report.
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