Modern EV batteries are more durable than you think, new study reveals most electric cars still have 95% of their original range after 5 years

Date:
Mon, 06 Jul 2026 15:38:32 +0000

Description:
Electric vehicle batteries are lasting far longer than expected but used EVs still have one major trust problem

FULL STORY ======================================================================Copy link Facebook X Whatsapp Reddit Pinterest Flipboard Threads Email Share this article 0 Join the conversation Follow us Add us as a preferred source on Google Newsletter Subscribe to our newsletter New data from battery analytics company Recurrent has been released It shows the average EV retains 95% of
its original battery capacity Battery replacement rates have dropped dramatically over recent years A new study from battery analytics company Recurrent has revealed that the average electric vehicle retains up to 95% of its original driving capacity after five years on the road.

Although early EV manufacturers were concerned that battery packs would degrade to the point where they would need replacing , the data is now
showing that the cells are dramatically out-performing original predictions. According to a report by The Wall Street Journal , the findings point to the fact that advances in battery chemistry, thermal management systems, and vehicle software have significantly improved battery longevity, allowing EVs to effectively travel the same sort of distances as their ICE counterparts without the need for a battery pack replacement. Latest Videos From Watch
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Recurrents statistics state that roughly one in 12 electric vehicles built between 2011 and 2016 required battery replacements. For EVs produced from 2022 onward, that figure has dropped dramatically to just 0.3 percent.

While the report notes that frequent high-powered DC charging can accelerate battery degradation compared with regular charging from slower, domestic outlets, Digital Trends reveals that data from Geotab shows batteries frequently charged at high power still retain about 89.7 percent of their original capacity after several years. You may like Experts call for more repairability in the EV battery industry Considering an EV? Electric cars
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As a result, EV owners are finding their batteries are retaining more capacity, even after very high mileage, than originally predicted.

The Wall Street Journal report cites a UK-based EV dealer whose five-year-old Tesla Model 3 has clocked up 247,000 miles, yet the estimated range is only a few miles less than the official WLTP figure when new. Get daily insight, inspiration and deals in your inbox Sign up for breaking news, reviews, opinion, top tech deals, and more. Contact me with news and offers from other Future brands Receive email from us on behalf of our trusted partners or sponsors By submitting your information you agree to the Terms & Conditions and Privacy Policy and are aged 16 or over. Analysis: Used EVs require transparent battery health information (Image credit: Tesla) Despite several recent reports dispelling the myth that EV batteries degrade to a point that they are near-useless after a few years, consumer confidence remains low when it comes to the issue.

Digital Trends claims that a 2025 survey by AutoPacific found that fears
over expensive battery replacements remain the leading reason many
prospective buyers avoid electric vehicles in the US.

As such, it is extremely important that used electric vehicles are advertised with a clear and transparent battery health certificate that allows buyers to quickly and easily assess how maximum range might be impacted by any degradation. What to read next This new EV battery is promising incredible six-minute charging speeds Researchers claim EV usage in China may have saved thousands of lives Electrified vehicle sales are exploding but combustion engines arent finished yet

A number of used car dealers are already signed up to independently certified EV battery diagnostics schemes, such as those from Generational and Dekra in the UK, but many are calling for an industry-wide standard.

A poll conducted by Startline finance back in 2025 found that nine in 10 used car dealers said the used electric car sector needs an industry-wide scheme for battery health tests.

On top of this, 78% believed that battery health is an essential
consideration for most electric car buyers Follow TechRadar on Google News
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Link to news story: https://www.techradar.com/vehicle-tech/hybrid-electric-vehicles/modern-ev-batt eries-are-more-durable-than-you-think-new-study-reveals-most-electric-cars-sti ll-have-95-percent-of-their-original-range-after-5-years


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