How long does the battery in an electric car last?
- Silvia Josten
- Jun 18
- 10 min read
Updated: Jul 4
"How long does the battery in an electric car actually last?"
This is a question many potential buyers and owners of electric cars ask themselves. After all, the battery is not only the heart of the vehicle, but also one of its most expensive components. The good news: Modern lithium-ion batteries now have a surprisingly long lifespan – provided they are used and cared for properly. In this article, you'll learn which factors influence the lifespan of an electric car battery, how you can actively extend it, and when a replacement is necessary. We'll also take a look at current manufacturer warranties, testing and recycling options for electric car batteries (important when buying a used car!), and the most important tips for battery care.
What influences the lifespan of an electric car battery?
The lifespan of electric car batteries depends on various factors that electric car owners can positively influence through conscious behavior.
Charging cycles and deep discharge are crucial factors for battery life. Each complete charging cycle from 0 to 100 percent places a strain on the battery cells. Deep discharges below 20 percent of remaining capacity are particularly damaging.
Temperature and climatic influences have a significant impact on electric car batteries. Extreme heat above 35°C accelerates chemical processes in the battery and reduces its service life. Cold temperatures below -10°C temporarily reduce the available capacity. Modern electric vehicles therefore have temperature management systems that actively cool or heat the battery.
The quality of the battery management system (BMS) is crucial for a long battery life. An intelligent BMS continuously monitors the voltage, temperature, and state of charge of each individual battery cell. It prevents overcharging, compensates for cell imbalances, and automatically optimizes charging processes. Premium manufacturers therefore invest heavily in the development of advanced battery management systems.
Driving behavior and usage have a surprisingly positive impact on battery health. Contrary to previous assumptions, recent studies show that dynamic driving with frequent acceleration and braking puts less strain on the battery than steady highway driving. Regenerative braking can even extend battery life.
Average lifespan of electric car batteries
A Stanford study shows that an electric car battery lasts up to 38% longer in real-world driving conditions than predicted by laboratory tests. The researchers tested 92 lithium-ion batteries over two years using various discharge profiles—ranging from constant laboratory discharge to realistic driving patterns.
Surprisingly, it turned out that dynamic driving with frequent acceleration and braking extends battery life, not shortens it. Rest periods while parking also have a positive effect. The study identified a "sweet spot" in the discharge rate where various aging processes balance each other out. "Dynamic cycling enhances battery lifetime" was published in the journal "Nature Energy".
The Canadian company Geotab specializes in electric vehicles as fleet vehicles. It currently has four million subscription contracts in 160 countries. Geotab also offers support for electric fleets in Germany – including tools for range monitoring, charge level indicators, and charging planning. This is particularly relevant for German companies with sustainability goals or ESG requirements.
Based on data from electric vehicles managed by Geotab, the service provider predicts significantly longer battery lifespans than previously assumed. With its "Battery Degradation Tool," available since 2019, Geotab continuously monitors the condition of electric car batteries. Current measurements show that electric car batteries lose their storage capacity by an average of only 1.8% annually. Based on this degradation rate, Geotab concludes that modern e-car batteries can achieve a lifespan of two decades. This development represents a significant improvement: In 2019, the annual capacity loss was 2.3%.
The analysis leads Geotab to a remarkable conclusion: The batteries in current generations of electric vehicles are expected to remain functional longer than the vehicles themselves and therefore probably will not require replacement during their entire service life.
Many manufacturers offer guarantees on the lifespan of their batteries. Here are a few examples:
Manufacturer | Model | Warranty period | Minimum capacity |
Audi | all models | 8 years/160,000 km | 70% |
BMW | all models | 8 years/160,000 km | 70% |
Fiat | 500e (42 kWh) | 8 years/160,000 km | 70% |
Hyundai | Kona electric, Ioniq 5 | 8 years/160,000 km | 70% |
Kia | all models | 7 years/150,000 km | 70% |
Mercedes Benz | EQS | 10 years / 250,000 km | 70% |
Porsche | Taycan | 3 years / 60,000 km | 80% |
Polestar | Polestar 2 | 8 years / 160,000 km | 70% |
Tesla | Model 3 LR, Performance | 8 years / 200,000 km | 70% |
VW | all models | 8 years/160,000 km | 70% |
Volvo | all models | 8 years/160,000 km | 70% |
Most manufacturers offer voluntary guarantees: After 160,000 kilometers or eight years, whichever comes first, the capacity must still reach at least 70% of the original value, otherwise the customer has the right to have the battery replaced.
The European Union is planning binding regulations in the near future: batteries must still have 80% of their storage capacity after five years and 72% after eight years.
The health of the battery can be tested
Testing organizations such as Dekra or TÜV and service providers such as AVILOO offer various solutions . The latter have just announced a further step towards even greater transparency, security, and clarity in the market for used electric vehicles. With the independent battery certificate and the AVILOO Certified seal of quality, customers will benefit from even more comprehensive battery diagnostics starting June 23, which will therefore differ even more clearly from other reading procedures available on the market. The certificate is based on a comprehensive update of the FLASH test, which has become even more powerful, precise, and informative. The detailed analysis is carried out with the usual speed, namely within just three minutes from plugging in the AVILOO test box to receiving the certificate by email. For the first time, the battery certificate shows the actual achievable range of the tested vehicle. It also shows a comparison with the WLTP value and the typical range of comparable vehicles from the AVILOO database. Marcus Berger, Managing Director of AVILOO, emphasizes the advantage of electric cars for used car purchases: " End customers have greater trust in remarketers who offer an AVILOO certificate, and the security and transparency provided mean a larger percentage of end customers are willing to purchase a used EV. So, it's a win-win situation for all market participants, from which everyone ultimately benefits."
When should the car battery in an electric car be replaced?
The battery of an electric car is the heart of the vehicle and largely determines its performance. But when is the right time to replace the battery?
Signs of declining performance
An aging electric car battery can be noticed through various symptoms. Typical warning signs include longer charging times, even when the vehicle is connected to a high-performance fast-charging station. Furthermore, the battery is less able to retain its charge—it discharges more quickly, even when the car is not in use. Reduced performance when accelerating or on inclines also indicates a weakening battery.
Loss of range and charging problems
The clearest indicator of a worn-out battery is a noticeable loss of range. While modern e-car batteries should retain approximately 70-80% of their original capacity even after 8-10 years, the range can decrease noticeably sooner in heavily used vehicles. Experts recommend replacing the battery when the capacity drops below 70% of its original capacity. Additionally, irregular charging curves, frequent error messages during charging, or unusually rapid battery wear may indicate necessary repairs or replacement.
Costs for a battery change
The cost of replacing an electric car battery varies greatly depending on the vehicle model and battery size. While prices have decreased in recent years, owners still face significant expenses. For smaller city cars, costs can range from €8,000 to €15,000, while premium vehicles or cars with large batteries can incur costs of €20,000 to €30,000. Therefore, the battery status should be checked before the end of the warranty period, so that a replacement can still be carried out free of charge within this period. Alternatively, individual battery modules can be replaced, which can significantly reduce costs.
Tip: For Tesla drivers, the company Zer029 offers a comprehensive diagnostic and repair service, so that batteries that were thought to be dead can work reliably again.
Tips for extending battery life
Gentle charging and avoiding extreme battery conditions will extend the battery's lifespan. The battery is most comfortable when the SoC is between 20 and 80%.
If the vehicle is not being driven for an extended period, the battery charge level should be in the medium range. This way, the cells don't have to compensate for extreme conditions, and there's no danger. Maintaining your battery will extend its lifespan many times over.
Use fast charging only when necessary. However, it's important to note—especially for electric cars that make frequent long-distance journeys —that charging with a DC fast charger increases degradation. Therefore, charging the battery frequently with an HPC charger will shorten its lifespan.
Regular software updates keep your vehicle up to date. Many manufacturers are constantly improving their technology, and only by updating your software with regularly released updates can you ensure trouble-free operation over a long period of time.
What happens to old electric car batteries?
Used e-car batteries don't just end up in the landfill – they go through various reuse cycles that make both economic and ecological sense.
Second-life applications as stationary storage
Batteries that no longer perform sufficiently for driving often retain 70-80% of their original capacity. This residual capacity is ideal for stationary energy storage. Companies such as BMW, Audi, and Renault are already successfully using decommissioned e-car batteries as buffer storage for solar systems, for grid stabilization, or as emergency power generators in data centers. Private households can also benefit from second-life batteries by using them as cost-effective home storage for their photovoltaic systems.
Recycling and environmental aspects
When batteries are no longer suitable for second-life applications, recycling follows. Modern recycling processes can recover up to 95% of valuable raw materials such as lithium, cobalt, nickel, and rare earths. These materials are then used in the production of new batteries, reducing dependence on raw material imports and mitigating the environmental impact of mining. The EU has already set strict recycling quotas: From 2030, at least 65% of battery mass must be recycled.
Duesenfeld already operates a facility for environmentally friendly recycling of lithium-ion batteries. Duesenfeld combines mechanical, thermodynamic, and hydrometallurgical processes in a patented process. The process achieves the highest material recovery rates with minimal energy consumption. Through mechanical processing, the Duesenfeld process achieves a material recovery rate for lithium-ion batteries that is more than twice as high as conventional recycling methods. When supplemented by hydrometallurgical processes, almost complete recycling is possible.
Future technologies for battery use
Innovative technologies are opening up further uses for old electric car batteries. Vehicle-to-grid systems enable parked electric cars to act as mobile energy storage units and feed electricity back into the grid when needed. Researchers are also working on processes for reprocessing battery cells to extend their lifespan. Future battery technologies should also be designed with a circular economy in mind from the outset, making individual components easier to replace and recycle.
Conclusion: How long does the battery in an electric car really last?
The development of e-car battery technology has reached a remarkable turning point. While early concerns about short battery lifespans and high replacement costs were certainly justified, recent studies and practical data paint a much more positive picture. With an annual capacity degradation of only 1.8% and a projected service life of up to 20 years, modern e-car batteries are significantly exceeding expectations.
Particularly encouraging is the realization that the batteries are expected to last longer than the vehicles themselves—a paradigm shift that fundamentally improves the economic viability of electric cars. Comprehensive manufacturer warranties of eight years or 160,000 kilometers offer additional peace of mind for consumers.
Even after their automotive careers, a wide range of uses open up for used batteries. Second-life applications as stationary energy storage devices and highly efficient recycling processes with recovery rates of up to 95% create a sustainable circular economy. These developments make it clear that e-car batteries are not only technically sophisticated, but also ecologically and economically viable.
FAQ - Frequently asked questions about e-car batteries
How long does an electric car battery really last?
Modern e-car batteries have a significantly longer lifespan than previously assumed. Recent studies show that the batteries only lose their storage capacity by an average of 1.8% per year. This results in a projected lifespan of up to 20 years. A Stanford study even shows that e-car batteries last up to 38% longer in real-world driving conditions than predicted in laboratory tests. After 8-10 years, most batteries still retain 70-80% of their original capacity.
How much does a battery change cost?
The cost of a battery replacement varies greatly depending on the vehicle model and battery size:
Smaller city cars : €8,000 - €15,000
Premium vehicles/large batteries : €20,000 - €30,000
However, prices are continually falling, and often a complete replacement isn't even necessary. Individual battery modules can be replaced, significantly reducing costs. In addition, specialized service providers like Zer029 (for Tesla) offer repair services that can restore batteries thought to be dead.
What happens after the battery warranty expires?
Most manufacturers offer a warranty of at least 70% residual capacity for eight years or 160,000 km. After the warranty expires, you have several options:
Continued use : The battery can often be used for many years
Module replacement : Replace only defective modules instead of the entire battery
Repair service : Specialized service providers can often help
Battery test : Testing organizations such as DEKRA, TÜV or AVILOO can determine the exact condition
The EU is also planning binding regulations: batteries must still have 80% of their storage capacity after 5 years and 72% after 8 years.
Can you actively extend the lifespan?
Yes, through conscious behavior, battery life can be significantly extended:
Optimal charging range : Keep the battery level between 20% and 80%. Avoid deep discharges below 20% and constant full charging to 100%.
Temperature management : Avoid extreme temperatures. While modern vehicles have temperature management systems, you can also help by avoiding unnecessary parking in direct sunlight or extreme cold.
Gentle charging : Use fast charging only when needed. Frequent charging with an HPC fast charger increases degradation. Slower AC charging is more gentle for everyday use.
Use downtimes correctly : During longer downtimes, the charge level should be in the middle range (40 - 60%).
Software updates : Keep vehicle software up-to-date. Manufacturers are continually improving battery management.
Is it worth buying a used electric car?
Yes, thanks to the long battery life and available testing options, the used car market has become attractive for electric vehicles. Be sure to have your battery tested before purchasing. Providers like AVILOO offer a detailed battery certificate with range analysis within three minutes. Most batteries still have many years of service life left, even in older vehicles.
What happens to old electric car batteries?
Old e-car batteries are not disposed of, but go through various reuse cycles:
Second-life applications : Batteries with 70 - 80% residual capacity are perfect as stationary energy storage devices for solar systems, data centers or private households.
Recycling : Modern processes can recover up to 95% of valuable raw materials (lithium, cobalt, nickel) and use them for new batteries.
Vehicle-to-Grid : In the future, electric cars will be able to act as mobile energy storage devices and feed electricity back into the grid when needed.
Why is dynamic driving better for the battery?
Surprisingly, recent studies show that dynamic driving with frequent acceleration and braking puts less strain on the battery than constant highway driving. Regenerative braking can even extend its lifespan. Rest periods while parking also have a positive effect, as various aging processes can balance each other out.
Are electric car batteries environmentally friendly?
Yes, across the entire life cycle. While manufacturing is energy-intensive, the long service life, second-life applications, and highly efficient recycling result in a positive environmental impact. Companies like Duesenfeld already achieve recycling rates of over 95% with low energy consumption.
