Your Electric Car Will Fall Apart Before Its Battery Pack Does, Study Finds

According to a study by top automotive telematics company Geotab, it is likely that battery packs for electric vehicles (EVs) will outlast the cars themselves. The study based on 10,000 electric cars has shown that degradation rates of EV batteries are decreasing compared to earlier estimates. For the 2019 study, Geotab recorded an annual rate of 2.3% in battery degradation. This stands revised by the company’s further studies to an average of 1.8% per year.

At the rate, EV batteries themselves could last up to 20 years well beyond the average vehicle life of 15 years. According to Geotab, most EV batteries will hold more than 80% of their capacity after 12 years. this implies that they would probably outlast the car as a useful asset. The study also underscores that very much like gasoline-powered cars, it is mechanical issues and not battery failures that make EVs not run up to 20 years.

Despite these positive findings, Geotab emphasizes the need for more data, particularly from older EVs. The study also found variations in battery degradation across different EV models, with factors such as climate and charging methods influencing the results. For instance, frequent use of DC fast charging has a mild effect on battery health, but operating EVs in hot climates accelerates degradation. Active cooling systems are crucial in such environments to maintain battery longevity.

Moreover, the study touches on “battery buffers”—unusable battery capacity reserved to prevent excessive degradation. This capacity can be adjusted through over-the-air updates, helping to further manage battery health.

While the study’s findings are promising for EV longevity, the conversation around sustainable transportation continues to emphasize ethical sourcing of battery materials, recycling, and renewable energy.