How Long Does Your Car Battery Last

Rev Up: How Long Does A Car Battery Last?

The surge in EV sales is driven by advancements in technology, environmental concerns, and significant savings you’ll get in the long run. However, there’s one question that first time EV buyers need answering, and clearly, before they finally make the switch: how long does a car battery last? Understandably, an electric car battery degrading over time is a huge concern for potential electric car buyers. 

To quell your concerns about the longevity of an electric car battery and proper EV charger usage, here’s a guide to delve into the numerous factors impacting electric car battery life and what EV drivers can do to extend battery life. 

Understanding how electric car batteries are made

Most EV batteries are made from lithium ion, the very same one also used in consumer electronics like mobile phones, laptops, and appliances. Lithium ions used in electric car batteries, of course, are on a much larger scale, designed to store an incredible amount of energy to power the car’s electric motor. 

Since lithium ion batteries are lightweight and rechargeable, they’re exactly what a travelling vehicle needs, not to mention the reasons why lithium’s efficiency is unparalleled. 

How long does a car battery last? 

The battery pack is an electric car’s most vital component and the one that ultimately determines factors like power and range. Requiring a guarantee that your EV’s battery will last many years is only good sense. But how long does a car battery often last? 

The batteries go through cycles of ‘discharge’ when driving and ‘charge’ when the car is plugged in. Repeatedly doing this process over the years causes their power capacity to decline, meaning, the range and time required between each journey will decrease. 

On average, EV batteries are designed to last between 10 to 20 years, while most manufacturers offer up to eight years of warranty. Fortunately, prospective EV buyers can rest assured that with continuous advancements in technology, batteries will have a longer lifespan than ever before. 

Extending the life of your electric car battery

There are ways to ensure that your EV battery lasts longer, so you can maximise your electric car investment. 

Avoid exposure to extreme climates: Extreme cold or heat can have adverse effects on your car’s battery, accelerating degradation, which, clearly you don’t want. 

Smart charging practices: Charging the battery between 20%-80% is the suggested range. While 100% efforts are always good, the principle doesn’t apply when charging your electric car. It’s simply not recommended for optimal battery life over the long haul.

Going for the maximum charge, especially when you don’t need to, only stresses your battery unnecessarily. Also, avoid letting the battery drop below 20%.You can avoid this from happening by having an EV charger installed at your place.

In Australia, brands like Tesla, Myenergi ZappiFronius Wattpilot, and the GoodWe HCA EV Charger are just some of the trusted names to consider. 

Don’t fast charge too often: DC quick charging is convenient and time efficient, especially if your battery is about to run out, but constantly charging your EV this way can put a strain on your battery’s health. Fast-charging, while offering great relief and convenience when you need it, presses so much current into the batteries in a short period, waning them faster. 

Why does an EV battery degrade over time? 

Over time, the battery’s capacity to hold a charge decreases, which is completely normal for lithium-ion batteries. Across all electric vehicles, an EV battery degrades at 2-3% per year on average, although proper charging practices, along with mindful usage, can make a great deal of difference to protect your EV’s battery life. 

Are electric cars still worth it? 

Electric car batteries last around 10 years on average, with others lasting up to 20 years. This is still a substantial amount of time to rely on electric vehicles as a viable source of transportation without paying for gas. Owning an EV is not only cheaper in the long run, it’s also very convenient, especially if you have your own home EV charging station.

Tesla’s Wall Connector is the obvious choice if you have a Tesla car, although it can also work on non-Tesla vehicles. For larger usage, Tesla’s Three Phase Wall Connector is also a solid option. 

The advancement of new EV technology in the coming years also sparks the possibility of electronic car batteries having a much more extended lifespan. Once this comes into fruition, concerns over battery degradation may eventually fade. 

about the author
Picture of Marcin Hernik

Marcin Hernik

Marcin Hernik is the Managing Director at Volteam Electric Pty Ltd, leveraging his expertise honed from TAFE Queensland's Electrical and Electronics Engineering, following his graduation from the University of Technology and Humanities in Radom. His career is marked by a commitment to excellence in electrical engineering and leadership in the industry.