With range a constant fear expressed across the EV battery supply chain, from raw material suppliers to dealers and end users, it is encouraging to note that EV batteries last far longer than is often assumed.

According to research by Aviloo published by the Financial Times, the median remaining battery capacity after 150,000km (93,205 miles) is around 90 per cent, far higher than many manufacturers and lawmakers expected.

Given that battery degradation is a major concern and one of the biggest barriers alongside range anxiety for customers, it is encouraging to know that EVs last far longer than many in the field expected.

How did researchers get this so wrong? How long do batteries truly last? What affects battery longevity? And what are the warning signs that it is time for a replacement?

 

Why Do Electric Vehicle Batteries Last So Much Longer Than Expected?

There are several reasons why EV batteries last longer in reality than the hypothetical ranges that have been suggested and were the source of several warranty requirements and regulations.

Some relate to improved battery manufacturing techniques, where raw materials are used more effectively in the creation of battery technology, whilst others relate to flaws in some of the standardised tests used to test battery longevity.

 

Flawed Testing Methodology

Historically, cycle testing is used to test longevity quickly, but the problem with these tests is that they are designed under assumptions that batteries would be fully discharged and recharged, as was the case for older types of rechargeable batteries.

The minimum warranty requirement rules in the UK, which require carmakers to supply a replacement battery at no cost if the battery capacity falls to below 70 per cent of its original level within 160,000km (100,000 miles) or eight years (whichever comes first), are built from this.

The problem is that whilst this approach is technically sound, it is not indicative of real-world operating conditions.

In reality, most drivers will top up their batteries and start charging from around 20 per cent capacity up to around 80 or 90 per cent, which significantly reduces the strain on the battery and improves its operating lifespan.

 

Improved Battery Manufacturing Techniques

As well as this, the lithium-ion batteries used to power the original Nissan Leaf are very different to the battery packs used to power modern EVs, and further advances are taking place at an alarming rate.

The original Nissan Leaf had an operating range of over 100 miles, but the version of the car available in 2026 has a range nearly four times that, with maximum ranges between 250 and 500 miles increasingly becoming the standard.

Some of this comes down to greater battery capacity, but there is also a greater understanding of how to make the most of the materials available, and how recycled battery packs can outperform ones made from virgin materials.

 

Environmental Variables

Laboratory conditions are inherently sterile, consistent and standardised, which allows for a fair comparison point but also one that is not entirely related to real-world conditions.

Batteries in EVs are subject to additional physical strain, temperature changes, charging cycles caused by regenerative braking, a combination of slow and fast charging, traffic conditions at both city and motorway speeds, and parking.

Unlike cars with petrol or diesel engines, battery degradation varies far more on a model-by-model basis, which has led to the increase in calls for battery health certificates to be mandated for new and used EVs.

 

Telltale Signs That An EV Battery Needs Replacing

An EV battery will typically last over a decade of typical use before the degradation reaches a noticeable point. There are cases of EVs with over 200,000 miles of use that still have a significant percentage of their original range.

As well as this, EV batteries tend to degrade at a relatively slow rate; in many cases, batteries lose less than one per cent of their overall capacity per year, which is hard to spot when driving every day.

However, there are some signs that an EV battery may need replacing, often accompanied by warning lights which may suggest taking your EV in for service.

 

Noticeable Drop In Range

A car’s range is variable and dependent on conditions, so losing a few miles of range from one charge to the next may not be indicative of a problem.

However, if you notice a significant drop in range mid-journey without extreme weather or other factors to take into account, it could be a sign that your EV is struggling to hold charge.

 

Slower To Charge

Whilst EVs can take a long time to charge, if you are getting regular charging faults or charging speeds are significantly below your car and charging station’s capabilities, it could be a sign of potential trouble.