Key facts
- Electric vehicle batteries retain about 90% of their original usable capacity after 150,000 kilometers.
- A study by Aviloo analyzed battery health for 20 popular EV models.
- The median state of health (SoH) for tested EV models was between 87% and 94% after 150,000 km.
- Battery degradation speed varies significantly within the same EV model.
Electric vehicle batteries are demonstrating greater longevity than previously anticipated by consumers, according to a new study. Data from Aviloo, an Austrian firm specializing in battery analysis, reveals that most used EVs can maintain approximately 90 percent of their original usable battery capacity even after 150,000 kilometers.
This finding addresses a significant concern for potential electric vehicle buyers, particularly amidst a global surge in EV sales driven by rising fuel prices. While EV battery warranties typically cover eight years or 100,000 miles (160,000 km) and mandate replacement if capacity drops below 70 percent, the study indicates that actual degradation is often less severe.
The research, based on over 500,000 tests conducted globally between 2022 and 2026 on 20 popular EV models, found that the median state of health (SoH) ranged from 87% to 94% after 150,000 km. Even at 50,000 km and 100,000 km, the median SoH remained high, between 91-97% and 88-95% respectively.
Aviloo noted that battery degradation rates can differ substantially even among identical models, influenced by factors such as climate conditions, battery size, and driving habits. Marcus Berger, CEO of Aviloo, highlighted that unlike combustion engine cars, an EV's value and technical condition are not solely determined by age and mileage, as treatment history is less apparent.