
How Long Do Electric Car Batteries Last?
At Ray Price Mt. Pocono Ford, we’ve helped many drivers near Mount Pocono, Tobyhanna, Scranton, Pocono Pines, and Blakeslee, Pennsylvania, on their electrified driving journeys. Many customers ask us questions about their electric vehicle (EV), including: “How long do electric car batteries last?”
The average EV battery lasts longer than the battery in a gas-powered car: anywhere between 8 to 20 years. In this overview, we’ll explain what you need to know, including when to replace an electric car battery and how we can assist you in doing so. Let’s go!
The Lifespan of Electric Car Batteries
Electric car batteries are designed to provide reliable and efficient power for your vehicle. The lifespan of an EV battery can vary depending on several factors. Every EV comes with a battery warranty that is good for eight years or up to 100,000 miles. Depending on how and where you drive, your battery could last as long as 20 years.
So, what factors impact your EV’s battery? They include:
- Battery Chemistry: Diverse EV models employ various battery chemistries, such as lithium-ion, each showing a promising impact on lifespan. Modern EVs are often equipped with cutting-edge battery technologies known for their robustness.
- Temperature: While extreme weather conditions can pose challenges, the good news is that with proper storage and charging practices, your battery can thrive even in these environments.
Additionally, adopting a smooth driving style and adhering to regular charging practices can help preserve your battery's health over the long term.
Batteries May Last Longer than Expected
A new study from Stanford’s SLAC-Stanford Battery Center suggests your electric vehicle’s battery might stick around much longer than standard lab estimates indicate. Their research found that when EV batteries undergo real-world driving patterns—such as stop-and-go traffic, short trips, and frequent parking—they age more slowly than batteries tested under constant, steady use.*
The researchers tested 92 commercial lithium-ion battery cells across multiple discharge profiles, comparing the standard laboratory method (constant cycling) with more realistic driving behavior. The closer the profile mimicked actual use—pauses, braking (which recovers energy), and varied loads—the more life the battery showed. They estimate that real-world use could extend battery life by as much as 40 percent beyond conventional projections.*
One surprising finding: short, sharp accelerations didn’t accelerate aging as presumed—in fact, they correlated with slower degradation. Letting the battery rest during parking periods also helps. The conclusion: Lab tests may be overly pessimistic. This is good news for EV drivers who expect their batteries to last for many years on the road.
How to Preserve Your EV’s Battery
Next up in our discussion of “How long do electric car batteries last?”, we’ll offer our top suggestions for extending your battery’s lifespan. By following these essential tips, you can potentially keep your battery in ideal shape for longer. Here are some positive steps you can take to ensure your battery stays in top-notch condition:
- Charging: Charge your EV regularly and keep the battery within a healthy range. We also recommend using traditional charging whenever possible. A fast charger is occasionally fine, but it shouldn’t be used daily.
- Avoid Extreme Temperatures: Park your EV in a shaded or temperature-controlled area to shield the battery from extreme heat or cold.
- Smooth Driving: Embrace a gentle driving style. Gradual acceleration and deceleration reduce stress on the battery and promote longevity.
By following this advice, you can maximize the benefits of your EV and enjoy more efficient drives.
Schedule EV Battery Service With Us
Hopefully, now you know, “How long do electric car batteries last?” When it’s time for you to get your EV’s battery replaced, we’d be happy to help you at our service center.
Our team of automotive experts understands the unique needs of EVs and can provide comprehensive battery services, including diagnostics, maintenance, and replacements if necessary. Our services include:
- Battery Health Check: We'll assess your battery's condition to ensure it's performing optimally.
- Maintenance: Regular maintenance can extend your battery's life. We'll help you develop a maintenance schedule that suits your vehicle.
- Replacement: If a replacement is needed, we offer high-quality batteries and expert installation services.
To schedule an appointment with us, you can use our online scheduling tool. When it comes to servicing your electric car battery, we aim to be your trusted partner.
FAQs
How long do electric car batteries usually last?
Many modern electric car batteries are expected to last between 10 and 15 years with gentle use. Automakers design them to keep useful capacity well past 100,000 miles. In Pennsylvania’s climate, where winters are cold, EVs deploy thermal management systems to protect the battery.
What affects the lifespan of an EV battery?
Everyday factors influence how long a battery will stay healthy. High heat or extreme cold, repeated fast charging, and letting the charge fall nearly to zero often can accelerate degradation. On the other hand, keeping software updates current, charging within safe limits (for example, avoiding full 0–100% charge in daily use), and maintaining moderate driving habits help extend battery life.
How can I make my Ford EV battery last longer?
You can protect your battery with simple steps. Use a Level 2 home charger overnight to reduce the need for frequent fast charging. Park in shade or inside when possible. Try to keep the battery’s state of charge between about 20% and 80% in everyday use, reserving full charges for longer trips. Ford’s BlueOval Charge Network tools help you plan stops to avoid overusing the battery.
Ask Us More About “How Long Do Electric Car Batteries Last?”
We hope this guide to “How long do electric car batteries last?” has helped you. At Ray Price Mt. Pocono Ford, we want to assist drivers near Mount Pocono, Tobyhanna, Scranton, Pocono Pines, and Blakeslee, PA, in maintaining their EVs, and battery service is an integral part of that.
Next time you need battery service, you can request an appointment with us online. Stop by today!
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