Electric car batteries lose just 1% range per year, Which? study reveals
A new Which? study of 3,595 electric vehicle owners shows EV batteries maintain their range better than many potential buyers expect.
The consumer group’s annual car reliability survey tracked how much driving range EVs retained compared to when they were new. Results show an average range loss of only 1% annually over seven years.
New EVs registered in 2023-24 kept 97% of their original range. Cars from 2021-22 showed identical 97% range retention.
Slightly older models saw minimal decreases – 96% range retention for 2019-20 vehicles and 93% for 2017-18 models.
Survey participants drove an average of 6,001 miles annually. Charging habits – not mileage – appear to most affect battery life.
These findings align with other recent research. A Geotab analysis of 5,000 EVs found degradation rates below 2% yearly, with battery health improving 22% since 2019.
“With these higher levels of sustained health, batteries in the latest EV models will comfortably outlast the usable life of the vehicle and will likely not need to be replaced,” said David Savage, Geotab’s vice president for UK and Ireland.
“However, we still see battery reliability being used as a stick to beat EVs with. Hopefully, data like ours can finally put these myths to bed.
“The fact is that a 1.8% decline in battery health is unlikely to have a significant impact on most driver’s daily vehicle needs, and this number will only come down further with new EV models and improved battery technology.”
In real-world terms, a Kia Niro EV with its 285-mile range would lose about 47 miles of range over 10 years at current degradation rates.
Most EV manufacturers offer 7-8 year battery warranties. Toyota and Lexus go further, guaranteeing 90% battery capacity after 10 years or 620,000 miles – far exceeding typical warranties for gas and diesel engines.
The data challenges claims about EV battery durability, showing modern electric cars maintain their performance capabilities long-term.
