Electric Vehicle Batteries: A Pleasant Surprise in Longevity
In the world of electric vehicles (EVs), the health of a car’s battery often sparks concern among potential buyers, especially when considering a used model. However, recent data provides a reassuring perspective on this issue.
A comprehensive study by the UK-based firm Generational evaluated over 8,000 electric vehicles in 2025, revealing an average battery health score of 95.15%, surpassing early expectations. The study covered 36 different brands, examining vehicles from brand-new to 12 years old with mileages up to 160,000.
Most of the tested EVs maintained healthily high battery capacities, even as they aged. “Battery degradation is not the systemic risk it was once assumed to be. Real-world data shows that most EV batteries comfortably exceed warranty thresholds, even at higher ages and mileages,” Generational noted in its report. Furthermore, they suggested that in “most cases, the battery is likely to exceed the lifespan of the vehicle.”
Age Influences, But Not Consistently
The study revealed interesting trends regarding battery capacity over time. For instance, EVs aged 2-3 years had a median battery health of 96.94%, which slightly decreased to 95.17% for 3-4-year-old vehicles, and dropped to 85.04% for those between 8-12 years old. While older vehicles naturally experience some decline, many continue to maintain high battery health.
Generational also highlighted that the range of battery degradation outcomes broadens with age. For example, the lowest 1% of vehicles in the 4-5-year-old category retained just over 80% of their original capacity. Factors such as frequent fast-charging, allowing the battery to deplete fully, and the operational climate contribute to varying levels of degradation.
Mileage Isn’t the Sole Indicator
Mileage alone doesn’t determine battery condition. Generational found that EVs surpassing 100,000 miles often retained between 88% and 95% of their initial capacity. A notable case involved a 2019 Tesla Model 3, which exhibited 79% capacity after 113,000 miles due to frequent fast-charging and cold climate exposure.
The report suggests a need for more prevalent battery health testing to enhance transparency in the used EV market and potentially increase vehicle resale values. Differences in battery usage can result in significant capacity and range variations, even among seemingly identical cars.
For those eyeing a used EV, particularly more recent models, the growing body of evidence suggests that significant battery degradation should not be a primary concern. The data indicates a promising future for the longevity and reliability of electric vehicle batteries.
Original Story at insideevs.com