How Long Do Electric Vehicles Last?

Because electric cars have only become popular quite recently, there is not yet enough data to know for sure how long most electric vehicles will last. However, drivers should expect their EVs to remain on the road for around 10 years or more.

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With so many auto manufacturers putting greater emphasis on electric vehicles, many consumers have questions about EV performance and efficiency. How do electric vehicles differ from traditional gas engine cars once they are on the road?

One of the questions many people have is, “how long do electric vehicles last?” Electric vehicles run on an electric battery, and all batteries have a shelf life. EV batteries can be recharged, but eventually, every battery reaches the end of its life cycle. So what can you expect when you buy an electric car? How long can you plan on driving your EV before it needs to be replaced?

What is the Lifespan of an Electric Vehicle?

Right now, it is difficult to say just how long an electric vehicle’s battery will last, on average. The reason for this is very simple, and very practical. Electric vehicles are still relatively new to the market. Because of this, most EVs on the road have not yet reached the end of their life cycle. Most manufacturers offer estimates for the lifespan of their EVs, but until we have more data we cannot know for sure.

Having said that, the lifespan of an electric vehicle should be similar, if not better than, the lifespan of a traditional car. The average lifespan of a car in the U.S. is around 11 years. Therefore, it’s safe to assume that the best electric vehicles will last 10+ years on the road with proper care. Most electric vehicle makers offer battery warranties between eight to 10 years, or 100,000 to 150,000 miles. This should give drivers a good idea of how long the manufacturer expects the vehicle (or the battery) to last.

Maintenance Tips for Electric Vehicles

As with any vehicle, the longevity of your EV will depend on how it is treated. In some ways, maintaining an EV is simpler than a traditional car. The electric battery of an EV has fewer parts than a standard engine, meaning there is less risk of serious malfunction. Most electric vehicles have longer-lasting brakes because of regenerative braking. The best electric vehicles cost less on average to maintain than even the best gas engine vehicles.

This is not to say that you should neglect to take care of your EV. It is especially important to monitor the health and performance of your battery. Electric vehicles in 2022 run on lithium-ion batteries. That’s the same type of battery that powers our laptops and smartphones. So you likely have some experience with these types of batteries, albeit on a much smaller scale. Some basic battery maintenance habits can go a long way to prolonging the life of your EV.

Extreme temperatures can affect the life of your battery. If left in the heat for too long, the performance of your EV’s battery can be greatly diminished. If you live in a hot climate, keeping your car parked in a garage or shaded area can save you from early battery failure.

Over-reliance on DC Fast Charging stations can also reduce the lifespan of your battery. While fast charging is useful, try to use Level 1 or 2 charging stations when possible, as these have less impact on your battery’s lifespan.

Also remember that if your battery does stop working, that is not the end for your EV. You can replace and recycle your EV battery. If your battery expires before its warranty, you can even replace it for little or no cost.

Ray Catena is the leader in LEVs in the New York and New Jersey area. Contact us to learn more, or visit a Ray Catena dealership today. 

Learn more about electric vehicles:

• EV Charging Stations
• What is the warranty on an LEV?
• Which LEVs have the best technology?
• Where Can I Service My LEV?
• What Types of Service Does a LEV Need?

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