Electric vehicle (EV) batteries generally last a long time before needing replacement, typically around a decade or more. Modern lithium-ion battery packs are quite resilient and can last at least 10 years under normal usage conditions. On average, EV batteries degrade at a slow rate of about 2.3% of their maximum capacity per year.
Battery replacements are relatively rare, especially for newer models. A recent study shows that only about 2.5% of EV batteries have been replaced overall, with higher replacement percentages occurring in older model years from around 2011 to 2015 due to natural aging and wear. For example, battery replacements were notably more frequent in 2011 models (30%) compared to more recent models (around 4% in 2015).
Replacement needs can be influenced by several factors:
- Older battery technology or wear in older vehicles may require more frequent replacement.
- Battery damage from accidents or improper care (such as frequently letting the battery drain completely or excessive fast charging) can shorten battery life and necessitate earlier replacement.
- Most EV manufacturers provide battery warranties of about 8 to 10 years or a certain mileage limit (e.g., 100,000 to 150,000 miles), and batteries replaced under warranty usually fall within this period.
In summary, EV batteries typically do not need replacement for at least 8-10 years or well over 100,000 miles, with many lasting much longer if properly maintained. Replacement is more common in older vehicles or those with battery damage, but for most drivers, battery replacement is not a frequent concern within the typical ownership span.
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