Did you know that as of 2024, around 3.75% of cars on UK roads are fully electric?1 Although on the surface that percentage may seem small, it’s actually mighty, equating to a whopping 1,250,000 electric vehicles (EV) already roaming our streets.
With the demand for new and used EVs continuing to grow1, what should you know before you take the plunge and buy one for yourself? Well, a big question is how long EV batteries last, as you won’t get far without one. Luckily we’ve got you covered with this quick guide to EV battery life.
What’s the average lifespan of an EV battery?
The good news? Electric car batteries can last a surprisingly long time. While estimates vary, most experts agree that EV batteries can last around 10-20 years2 and potentially cover up to 200,000 miles or more. So even if you choose to purchase a second hand EV, unless it’s already covered a huge distance, you shouldn’t need to worry about replacing the battery.
A number of manufacturers also offer warranties for batteries up to a set age or amount of miles covered. Some of these warranties are transferable to new owners, so keep an eye out if you’re planning to buy a used EV.
What happens when you need to change your EV battery?
EVs run on lithium-ion batteries, similar to those in gadgets, like laptops and smartphones, but much larger. Just like those devices, EV batteries can be recycled at the end of their life, which further adds to the environmental case for choosing an EV.
Unfortunately, due to the rare minerals in lithium-ion batteries, they currently make up around 40% of the total cost3 of your electric car. So, it’s unlikely you’re going to want to replace one in a 10-20 year old vehicle. However, battery costs are coming down4, so they may be much more affordable to replace when the time comes.
In reality, many drivers will change their car long before the battery reaches its lifespan anyway. In fact, UK drivers change their car every 5.2 years on average5 - long enough for an EV to have up to 4 owners within its battery lifespan.
If you do choose to replace your EV, you can minimise the high upfront cost by trading in your old EV or battery for money off a new vehicle.
Learn how EV car batteries work.
How do you extend the lifespan of an EV battery?
As expected with any rechargeable battery, EV batteries will degrade over time. However, there are things you can do to extend an EV’s battery lifespan.
Avoid extreme temperatures. Wherever possible try and keep your EV in a neutral environment, as very hot or very cold temperatures can permanently damage your EV’s battery capacity.
Keep your use of fast charging to a minimum. Although public charging stations are great and can certainly help you stay on the road, charging overnight at home using a slower 7kW charger is better for the battery than rapid charging in the long run.
Avoid fully depleting the battery. We recommend charging your EV when it hits 20% battery life, instead of letting it reach 0% charge (empty). This helps to prevent unnecessary battery degradation and maintain your battery capacity for longer.
Don’t overcharge the battery. To further maintain battery health, we recommend only charging to 80%, rather than 100% (fully charged), unless you’re preparing for a long range journey.
What is the average EV battery capacity?
Battery capacity is the main factor that determines the range of your electric vehicle, and it can also affect the driving performance.
The average capacity of an electric car battery is around 40kWh, but they can range from as little as a 6kWh Citroen Ami all the way up to a whopping 118kWh Mercedes EQS 450+6. Whilst it can be tempting to splash out for the biggest battery you can afford, think of it more like buying new clothes - you want to find the size that’s right for you. When choosing a battery this should be no different.
If you’re making shorter trips or only occasionally using your EV then smaller EVs with 30kWh batteries or below will be enough for your needs. If you often need to take longer trips then battery capacities that exceed 100kWh might be more suited to you.
To give you an idea of the range you can expect from different battery capacities in popular new EV models:
6.3kW has a range of around 46 miles per charge.7
27kW has a range of around 140 miles per charge.8
64kW has a range of around 281 miles per charge.9
118kW has a range of around 480 miles per charge.10
However, generally speaking, the larger the battery capacity, the pricier the EV, so it’s a good idea to think about your individual driving needs when choosing an EV.
Can you recycle EV batteries?
Yes, you can absolutely recycle your old EV battery. Not only can your EV make a difference each time you take a drive, but in its battery ‘afterlife’ too.
It’s important to ensure that qualified professionals remove and dispose of your EVs battery. You can do this by phoning your local manufacturer’s garage and they’ll be able to let you know where you can get your battery replaced. When trading in your EV the battery should be recycled by the garage.
The importance of recycling EV batteries.
Less sent to landfill. Throwing away or burying batteries means that they will just end up in landfill. Dangerous chemicals can leak from batteries into the ground, which can affect a whole host of things - such as agriculture, the environment, and wildlife.
Giving materials a new purpose. When we recycle lithium-ion batteries (EV batteries) metals like cobalt, nickel, and lead can be extracted and used for new purposes.
Lower costs for the next round of EVs. The battery is one of the most expensive components of an electric car, as many of the materials are rare and difficult to obtain. Reusing the materials from an old electric battery can help keep battery costs down because manufacturers don’t need to mine for new raw materials.
Get the most from EV batteries.
EVs aren’t the future anymore, they’re the present, and they’re only set to keep on growing. Now you know how to pick the right EV battery for you, it’s time to choose your EV home charger and enjoy the full convenience of life with an EV.