Electric car battery: what do we know about its lifespan?
Feb 17, 2025
The electric car battery is essentially the "heart of the vehicle" as it provides power to the motor. With the rise of electric cars, more and more people are wondering: how long can its battery be used?
In our blog, we regularly write about the topic of electric cars, so the types of batteries have also been discussed. Now we take a closer look at what we can do to use the original battery for the longest time possible.
How long does an electric car battery last?
Many myths circulate regarding this, likely due to the fact that this industry is evolving at an almost untraceable speed. New models can reach a range of 400-500 kilometers on a single charge, while just a few years ago they could only manage half that distance.
But how long can a battery actually be used? It can be stated that it could last for 10-15 years. This is supported by the fact that manufacturers often offer a warranty of 7-10 years when designing the batteries.
This time frame accommodates approximately 2-3000 charge cycles, but this does not mean that the vehicle would immediately become inoperable, as most batteries can still operate beyond this, although their capacity decreases over time.
What affects the lifespan?
The battery of a modern electric car can last up to 20 years under ideal conditions and may even outlast the vehicle. The greatest influences on it are temperature, the intensity of use, and charging habits.
In cold weather, its capacity may decrease, but this can be somewhat mitigated, for example, with a heated garage or a heating function. The real problem is rather the high temperature, which certainly does not benefit the battery in the long term.
What is the most ideal charging option?
The foundation of a long-lasting battery is the application of proper charging practices. Among home charging options, smart wall chargers, such as Voltie, offer the best solution. Voltie chargers provide users with the ability to control the charging power, thus avoiding always charging the car at maximum speed. It is also possible to set the charging to occur only up to a certain percentage, which spares the battery and increases its lifespan. Additionally, thanks to continuous software updates, Voltie chargers provide a modern and reliable solution in the long run.
How can we protect the battery?
For most electric cars, it's advisable to pay attention to not fully depleting it and avoiding regular charging to 100%. Ideally, it is best to maintain the charge level between 20-80%. Additionally, make sure to check what the car manufacturer recommends. There are already types of cars that can be charged to 100%, like the Tesla with an LFP battery.
While fast charging can be a convenient solution in urgent situations, we should try to minimize it and use it only when necessary, as these situations are typically when the temperature rises. It's therefore advisable to primarily use slower charging methods if time permits.
What can we expect in the long term?
Most electric car batteries can still perform at least 70% of their original capacity even after the mentioned number of charges (2-3000). So there's no need to panic if we exceed those magical numbers; the vehicle can still be reliably used for a long time. The capacity degradation is a very slow process.
If we pay attention to our charging habits, avoid extreme temperature effects, and properly maintain the battery, electric cars can be reliable companions for many years. By establishing home charging options, we can also make daily commuting more convenient, cheaper, and more sustainable.
If you are interested in the topic on a deeper level, check out our website! If you have any questions, feel free to contact us, and we'll help you navigate issues related to electric cars!
