This Is How Often the Battery Needs to Be Replaced in Electric Cars

Here's how often the EV battery needs to be replaced, according to recent studies. Spoiler alert: the results are promising!

In recent years, the electric car industry has seen some significant transformations. As more people embrace the eco-friendly ride of electric vehicles (EVs), questions about battery life have become a hot topic. After all, the battery pack is a crucial component, and replacing it can cost a significant amount of money. However, a ray of hope shines through a new report, suggesting that worries about battery replacement might be overblown.

According to insights from Recurrent Auto, a US-based company keeping a close eye on the electric car scene, only a mere 2.5 percent of surveyed electric cars have needed battery replacements. And guess what? The majority of these replacements were for cars manufactured before 2015.

Digging deeper into the data, researchers found that for cars made between 2011 and 2015, about 13 percent required battery pack replacements. However, for newer models from 2016 onwards, the replacement rate drops to less than one percent. That's a massive improvement! So, hopefully, in a few years, the EV batteries will be at their top level.

The Decline in Battery Prices and Battery Degradation

Historically, the price tag of a new battery pack has been a cause for concern among electric car owners. But here's the good news – prices are on a downward spiral, making battery replacement more affordable than ever. 

But what about battery degradation? Over time, and after numerous charging cycles, it's natural for battery capacity to decrease. Factors like fast charging to 100 percent can accelerate this process.

However, car and battery manufacturers assure us that even after eight years or 160,000 kilometers, the battery should retain at least 70 percent of its original capacity. So, if your car had a range of 50 miles when it was new, you can expect around 35 miles after eight years. And here's the thing – tests show that most batteries actually outperform this expectation.

As technology continues to advance, battery warranties are becoming more generous. Companies like Toyota and KGM (formerly SsangYong) are leading the charge with longer battery warranties, instilling confidence in EV owners everywhere.

In conclusion, while battery replacement is a consideration for electric car owners, the future looks okay. With decreasing prices, low replacement rates, and improving technology, the electric car landscape is evolving for the better.