The electric car market has long been shrouded in myths suggesting that batteries quickly lose capacity and replacements cost a fortune. However, a new large-scale study from the UK may change perceptions of these vehicles. An inspection of eight thousand electric cars revealed that most batteries retain nearly their original performance even after years of use. This finding could influence the decisions of thousands of drivers who are still hesitant about purchasing an electric vehicle.
According to Autobild, the British company Generational, specializing in battery analysis, conducted a detailed survey of a large fleet of electric vehicles. The results showed that the average ‘health’ level of the batteries stands at 95.15% of their original capacity. This figure exceeded expectations and dispelled the fears of many skeptics. Even among cars that have been in use for more than ten years, batteries retained about 85% of their power. This suggests concerns about rapid degradation are often exaggerated.
Influencing factors
The Generational study did not stop at calculating averages. Experts noted that a car’s age does not always determine the battery’s condition. Instead, operating conditions and usage patterns proved more important. For example, two-to-three-year-old vehicles averaged 96.94% battery capacity, while models older than eight years saw this indicator drop to 85%. Still, even such numbers are far from critical for daily use.
Special attention was given to mileage. It turned out that even after 160,000 kilometers, many batteries retain from 88 to 95% of their capacity. This challenges the widespread belief that high mileage necessarily leads to rapid power loss. Far more harmful to the battery are frequent fast charging, prolonged exposure to extreme temperatures, and regular deep discharges. These factors are most often responsible for accelerated wear.
Used car market
Doubts about battery longevity significantly affect the second-hand electric vehicle market. Many potential buyers worry that soon after purchase, they’ll have to replace an expensive battery. However, the results of the British study show that most cars, even with high mileage and age, do not require an urgent battery replacement. This could change attitudes toward electric cars on the used market and make them more attractive to buyers.
During the study, experts encountered isolated cases where batteries were more worn than average. Usually, this was due to improper usage: frequent fast charging, long exposure to heat or cold, and regular discharging to zero. Such exceptions prove the rule—careful handling extends the battery’s service life.
Practical conclusions
For those considering buying an electric car, this data could be decisive. British experts recommend focusing not so much on the age or mileage, but on the car’s usage history. If the vehicle hasn’t been exposed to extreme conditions and has mostly been charged in standard ways, its battery will last longer. This is particularly important for anyone looking to buy a used EV.
Overall, the Generational study showed that modern electric vehicle batteries are far more reliable than most people think. Age and mileage matter less than improper handling. For the market, this means electric cars could become more affordable and sought after, and owners can feel more confident about their investment.
Generational, a UK-based company, is known for its independent research in battery technology. The firm analyzes the condition of batteries in various vehicles, providing objective data to automakers, dealers, and private individuals. Thanks to their work, many myths about rapid battery degradation have been dispelled, giving buyers more confidence when choosing an electric car.
