Electric cars have become increasingly popular in recent years as more environmentally friendly alternatives to gas-powered vehicles. As electric vehicles age, a common question is how well they hold up over time compared to traditional cars. Here we’ll explore whether electric cars wear out and how their lifespan compares to gas-powered models.
Do electric car batteries degrade over time?
Yes, like all lithium-ion batteries, the batteries in electric cars will degrade over time and use. However, the rate of degradation depends on several factors:
- Battery chemistry: Some formulations hold up better over thousands of charge cycles.
- Battery thermal management: Proper control of battery temperature can slow degradation.
- Charging habits: Frequent fast charging can accelerate capacity loss.
- Mileage: The more miles driven, the more the battery gets used.
Most experts estimate today’s EV batteries will retain 70-80% of their original capacity after 10 years and 100,000 miles. Regular degradation past this point is likely. However, there are batteries engineered for better longevity, and degradation rates continue improving with advances in technology.
Do other electric car components wear out?
Besides the battery, EVs have far fewer moving parts than gas vehicles. There’s no engine, transmission, spark plugs, valves, belts, etc. This means less mechanical wear overall.
However, EVs aren’t maintenance-free. Components like the brakes, tires, and suspension still require service, just less often in some cases. The complex electronics and sensors will also degrade over time. Overall electric drivetrains are very durable if maintained properly.
How does electric car longevity compare to gas cars?
Properly maintained electric cars can exceed 200,000 miles without major issues. The Nissan Leaf and Tesla Model S have proven capable of reaching 300,000+ miles on their original batteries. An electric motor can outlast the useful life of the car.
Comparatively, most gas cars today have a lifespan around 150,000-200,000 miles before requiring expensive repairs. Engines and transmissions in particular need servicing. Hybrids can fare better at up to 250,000 miles since they use electric motors to share drivetrain wear.
Overall, electric cars seem capable of at least matching if not exceeding the usable lifespans of gas vehicles. Advancements in battery tech will further extend their longevity.
What about reused EV batteries?
Once below 80% capacity, EV batteries can be reused for energy storage instead of scrapped. Some companies repurpose old EV batteries for solar grid buffers, home energy storage, or backup power supplies. This second life can add another 5-10 years of useful service.
Tesla and Nissan are exploring battery recycling methods to recover raw materials. Reusing battery minerals could lower EVs’ lifecycle environmental impact and lower future battery costs.
Do electric cars cost more to maintain?
Over a 150,000 mile lifespan, maintenance costs for an electric car may average $5,000-$7,000 less than a gas car, according to Consumer Reports. With fewer systems to service, EV maintenance consists mostly of tires, brakes, coolant, and basic inspections.
However, EVs do have unique service needs:
- Battery coolant system – About $200 every 3 years
- Cabin air filter – Around $50 yearly
- Tire rotation – $50 every 6,250 miles
- Battery inspection – $150 yearly
High-voltage systems require specially trained technicians for safety. But with regenerative braking reducing wear, brake jobs might be needed just once every 100,000 miles. Overall maintenance costs are still lower for electric compared to internal combustion engine vehicles.
What happens when the battery fails?
If an electric car battery fails outright, which is rare, replacement is the only option. For newer EVs within their 8-10 year battery warranty period, a warranty claim can significantly reduce replacement cost.
Nissan Leaf battery replacements cost around $6,500 from Nissan. For a Tesla Model S, a new 85 kWh battery pack costs $12,000-$15,000. Third-party refurbished batteries are sometimes available at lower cost. If the battery capacity declines but still functions, refurbishing certain modules can be cheaper than full replacement.
Most EV makers are moving toward modular battery pack designs that allow easier and cheaper swap-outs of individual failed modules. This helps reduce replacement costs as EVs age.
Is battery replacement worthwhile?
Battery replacement costs can still be high compared to the resale value of older EVs. However, replacement may make economic sense if the remainder of the car is in good shape and you plan to keep driving it long-term. Compare the cost of a new EV ($30,000+) to a $5,000-$15,000 battery replacement plus any labor costs.
For classic EVs holding sentimental value, owners may be willing to pay a premium. But in most cases, letting an old EV go and acquiring a newer used EV tends to be more cost-effective.
Do electric cars have higher depreciation?
Most electric vehicles suffer from steep first-owner depreciation, losing 50-60% of value over the first 3-4 years. This is faster than typical gas-powered cars. Rapidly evolving technology causes used EVs to fall behind later models. Concerns over battery lifespan and replacement costs also drag resale values down.
However, thanks to lower maintenance costs, EVs can retain usable value for second owners who plan to drive them longer term or use refurbished batteries. Leasing electric cars is often a better financial option for those looking to switch out of them sooner.
Conclusion
Electric car batteries and drivetrains hold up reasonably well over 100,000+ miles if properly maintained. While EVs do require some unique service needs, their overall maintenance costs are lower than gas vehicles.
Battery replacement remains expensive if packs fail entirely, but costs are coming down. With improving battery lifespans and options to refurbish instead of replace packs, electric cars appear capable of extending their usable lifespans. While resale values lag, electric cars can deliver many years of service at lower operating costs when purchased new or lightly used.
| Electric Car | Estimated Lifespan |
|---|---|
| Nissan Leaf | 200,000 miles |
| Tesla Model S | 300,000+ miles |
| Chevy Bolt | 150,000 miles |
References
- Consumer Reports EV maintenance cost study
- InsideEVs article on Tesla battery lifespans
- Geotab report on EV battery degradation
- Wired article on reused EV batteries
- Ars Technica analysis of EV total cost of ownership