According to the latest results from our Reliability Survey, the Nissan Leaf is the most reliable electric car, with a score of 99.7% – with the few complaints we received being about the car’s bodywork, rather than its battery. Most of those faults were to do with its electrical systems and bodywork, however; just 4% of the complaints we received related to its battery. That’s counter-intuitive for many people as it’s the opposite of how a gas-engine car works, which uses less fuel while cruising at highway speeds than in traffic. Overcharging can also cause chemical changes inside the battery itself, which again could negatively affect how efficiently it can store energy. Be aware, however, that some automakers only cover the battery pack against a complete loss of its ability to hold a charge, which would be extremely rare. Consumer Reports estimates the average EV battery pack’s lifespan to be at around 200,000 miles, which is nearly 17 years of use if driven 12,000 miles per year. How long do electric car batteries last for. How Long Do Electric Car Batteries Last? Most lithium-ion batteries perform at their best when they’re at between 50% and 80% of capacity. Choosing an EV with a higher kWh rating is like buying a car that comes with a larger gas tank in that you’ll be able to drive for more miles before needing a “fill up.” At that, be aware that an electric car’s management system prevents the battery from either becoming 100 percent fully charged or 100 percent discharged to preserve its efficiency and extend its usable life. These batteries undergo ‘cycles’ of discharge (when you’re driving your car) and charge (when you plug your car in), and over time those cycles take a toll in terms of how much charge the battery can hold – and therefore, how far your electric car can travel before needing to be recharged. This standard warranty is excellent, but remember to take a look at the fine print. Early Nissan Leafs are over 6 years old, and many are still showing great battery health. Most hybrid cars these days use nickel-metal hydride (NiMH) battery packs that have 30% to 40% more capacity than standard Ni-Cd batteries. Like any battery, including the one in your mobile phone or laptop, the batteries in electric cars will lose some of their capacity over extended use. As electric vehicles age, shoppers will likely shy away due to the possibility of an expensive battery repair. Pushing a battery longer than five years, even under perfect driving conditions, could cause your battery to fail without notice. Brands like BMW, … For example, according to data compiled by the organization Plug In America, the battery pack in a Tesla Model S will only lose around five percent of its original capacity over the first 50,000 miles, with the rate of depletion actually slowing down from there. Below, we’ve explained why this happens and offered advice on how you can keep your electric car battery in top condition for longer. Simply put, a battery will be specified in amp-hours. Though some electric car buyers take out extended warranties to salve any fears of excess battery depletion, it’s not particularly necessary. More is better here. Most manufacturers guarantee a certain amount of battery life within that time frame. "The EPA estimates the Volt's fuel economy at 106 mpg in electric mode, and 42 mpg combined for the gas engine. How long do electric car batteries last? They’re also less prone than other battery types to lose their charge when not being used. October 1, 2016 - Though battery problems are often associated with cold weather, Consumer Reports magazine says heat is a bigger enemy of car batteries. According to many car manufacturers, the lifetime of an electric car battery is between 8 and 10 years. The bottom line here is that if it’s properly cared for, an electric car’s battery pack should last for well in excess of 100,000 miles before its range becomes restricted. Almost all electric vehicle batteries are warrantied for at least eight years and 100,000 miles. When the mercury hits 95°F and air conditioning is in use, an owner can expect the range to fall by an average of 17 percent. EV battery packs generally contain a series of connected individual cells, perhaps several hundred of them depending on the model, instead of a single massive unit. At the other end of the scale is the Tesla Model S, with a score of 50.9%. After looking at the miles driven and the effect on battery health, Nissan concluded that the Leaf’s battery will outlast the overall vehicle by at least 10 years. However, while an electric car’s battery pack will eventually lose its ability to hold a full charge, rest assured that it’s not likely to fail altogether, but rather lose its capacity gradually over time. In 2015, for example, Nissan reported the case of a Leaf that was bought in 2013 to be used as a taxi around Cornwall. On the Leaf, for example, Nissan offers a warranty covering the battery and electric motor for up to five years or 60,000 miles. Good care extends battery life. ADAPTIVE CRUISE CONTROL!! At that, the batteries in all electric cars sold in the U.S. are covered under warranty for at least 8 years or 100,000 miles. The Prius has two batteries: A high voltage battery for running the car, and a low voltage battery for running the computers. The batteries undergo cycles of 'discharge' that occur when driving and 'charge' when the car is plugged in. There are far less moving parts in an electric motor than a gasoline engine, an electric car uses only a single-speed transmission, and EVs avoid over two-dozen common automotive components that will eventually fail and need replacing. Motor1.com Team 9/16/2020. LIGHT ASSIST!! CLEAN CARFAX!! Privacy Policy, © 2021 MY EV. In a test of the Nissan Leaf in cold conditions, for example, we managed 108 miles – substantially less than in warmer temperatures. 1 OWNER!! Batteries reside in a harsh under-the-hood environment where temperatures can easily exceed 200 degrees Fahrenheit in hot weather. Nissan reports having to swap out only a relative handful of batteries in its Leaf EV, despite selling many thousands of units over the last eight years in production. FORWARD COLLISION WARNING AND AUTONOMOUS EMERGENCY BRAKING WITH PEDESTRIAN MONITORING!! Tesla warranties its 60-kwh Model S to 125,000 miles, and the 85-kwh version gets unlimited miles.In 2012, after reports of premature battery degradation in hot states for the Nissan Leaf, especially in Arizona, T… Its lifespan can be even longer if you are careful to charge only partially and at low voltage. Recent Arrival! is part of Haymarket Automotive, a division of Haymarket Media Group © Haymarket Media Group 2021, Promoted | Your electric fleet and company car questions answered, Promoted | Why an electric company car is perfect for long journeys, Promoted | Why an electric company car is perfect for city driving, Promoted | NissanConnect: helping company car drivers work smarter. Leave your lights on or leave accessories plugged in battery repair accessories plugged.! And its ability to accept a charge basically a standard car battery is an expensive battery...., batteries with a higher capacity tend to last longer had enough data long life but will wear out.... 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