EV Cars With Longest-Life Batteries
Written by
Rebekah Evans
Edited by
Amen Oyiboke
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Electric vehicles (EVs) can be a great alternative to traditional, gas-powered cars if you’re looking to offset your carbon footprint or save money on fuel. However, if you’re worried about the battery life, you’re not alone.
There’s a common myth that EV batteries need frequent replacement. However, only around 0.5% of EV batteries since the 2016 model year have actually failed, according to the EPA. Not only are failure rates low, but the manufacturer’s warranty usually covers these batteries.
Plus, Recurrent Auto found that across all EV models and years, fewer than 4% of batteries have ever been replaced. Replacement rates are higher for older vehicles, while the newest EVS — from 2022 on — have an even lower replacement rate of 0.3%.
While EVs need more time on the road to truly know which cars have the longest lives, these have a reputation for lasting the longest — both in terms of capacity and miles driven.
BMW i3
The BMW i3 is a compact sedan with an estimated EPA range of up to 153 miles.Ranges vary by generation, but it has an estimated battery life of 15 years.
The all-electric BMW i3 REx has a higher maximum range of around 223. This is for 2019 models and onward. It includes the 75 or so miles that come from the gas-powered range extension.
BMW has an eight-year or 100,000-mile limited warranty on its EV batteries. Any defaults or degradation beyond 70% is covered by said warranty.
Tesla Model S
Teslas have an estimated battery life of 300,000 plus miles. Using data from the Federal Highway Administration, Kelley Blue Book estimates the average person drives about 12,200 miles per year. That means the Tesla Model S battery could last around 24.5 years.
As far as range goes, this luxury sedan is hard to beat. The 2012 Model S gets an estimated 265 miles per full charge. EPA estimates put the newest models at around 410 miles per charge.
The Tesla Model S also comes with an eight-year battery warranty (or 150,000 miles — whichever comes first).
Tesla Model 3
The Tesla Model 3 is another sporty sedan that’s worth checking out. The standard option has an estimated 321-mile range, while the premium version has up to 346 miles.
Like the Model S, the Model 3 also benefits from an eight-year, or 100,000-mile, warranty. If the battery degrades to less than 70% during this time, the manufacturer will generally replace it.
There are no official estimates on battery longevity. But assuming you drive an average of 12,200 miles per year, the Model 3 could potentially last up to 24.5 years.
Ford Mustang Mach-E
How long the Ford Mustang Mach-E battery lasts is dependent on factors like where you live, maintenance, charging habits and usage — all fairly standard across EVs. Batteries generally last at least 10 years and retain up to 90% of their original capacity for the first 100,000 miles.
Ford does offer an eight-year (or 100,000-mile) warranty on its EVs. If the battery malfunctions or degrades below a certain percentage, it may be replaced free of charge.
Kia EV6
Kia EVs come with the standard 10-year or 100,000-mile warranty. But the manufacturer predicts the average battery will last anywhere from 10 to 20 years.
If you assume typical driving habits, that means the Kia EV6 battery could also last anywhere from 122,000 to 244,000 miles.
The latest Kia EV6 has an estimated range of 319 miles.
Making Your Battery Last Longer
The U.S. Department of Energy anticipates modern EV batteries lasting anywhere from 12 to 15 years, or 100,000 to 200,000 miles. This is assuming you live in an area with a moderate climate.
According to KBB, you may be able to optimize your EV battery life by:
- Keeping your vehicle in a moderate climate.
- Charging your battery between 20% and 80% as often as possible.
- Completing regular maintenance.
- Keeping the software up to date.
- Using the system to monitor your battery life and health.
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