Asger Risom
Concerns about the lifespan of electric-vehicle batteries remain one of the biggest roadblocks for would-be buyers.
Concerns about the lifespan of electric-vehicle batteries remain one of the biggest roadblocks for would-be buyers. Many people still compare the technology to the lithium-ion cells in their phones and laptops — devices that can barely hold a charge after a few years. But new research suggests those fears are increasingly outdated.
Fresh data from Recurrent, an EV-battery analytics startup, shows that modern electric cars almost never require a battery replacement outside of major recalls. Researchers say improved designs, better cooling systems and more sophisticated software have sharply reduced the risk of sudden failures.
A tiny share of replacements
Recurrent examined telematics data and owner-reported repairs from thousands of EVs. Across the company’s network, fewer than 4% of vehicles have ever needed a new battery — and that figure excludes large recall campaigns involving models like the Chevrolet Bolt and Hyundai Kona.
The generational breakdown offers an even clearer picture. Early models sold from 2011 to 2016, including the first-generation Nissan Leaf, had a replacement rate of 8.5%. Those vehicles used simpler battery systems without active cooling, making them more vulnerable to heat-related degradation.
By contrast, only 2% of EVs sold between 2017 and 2021 have required a replacement, Recurrent found.
Newer batteries barely fail at all
For the latest wave of electric cars — those sold from 2022 onward — the numbers are almost negligible. Just 0.3% have received new packs, and those cases are tied almost entirely to manufacturing defects, not worn-out batteries.
Liz Najman, Recurrent’s director of market insights, said the findings should reassure drivers who worry that piling on miles will quickly kill a battery. “It’s very rare that you will need to get a battery replaced,” she said in an interview. Once a vehicle is on the road and functioning properly, she added, “there’s not really a major concern.”
Automakers now rely on advanced thermal-management systems that protect cells from extreme heat and cold, and most new EVs precondition their batteries before fast-charging sessions — steps that dramatically extend battery life.
Longer life, stronger warranties
Recurrent expects today’s EV batteries to last at least 15 years with few issues. And even when problems do arise, warranty protection helps cushion the cost. Federal rules require automakers to cover batteries for at least eight years or 100,000 miles, typically replacing packs that lose 30% or more of their capacity. Some companies offer even longer coverage.
Owners of older, high-mileage EVs may still face expensive repairs, particularly in early Tesla models. But analysts note that battery prices have fallen for more than a decade and are projected to keep dropping as the supply chain expands, making long-term maintenance less daunting.
A shift toward confidence
While many drivers remain apprehensive, the research adds to a growing body of evidence that EV batteries are far more robust than consumers realize. Modern pack designs, tighter manufacturing standards and improved cooling technology have helped turn one of the biggest worries about electric cars into an increasingly rare problem.
Sources: Insideevs, Recurrent
