We had a local resident email us with some AMAZING questions about electric vehicles. They were so good, we decided to share them with you on our web page. This is Part 2, talking about battery life, and used EVs.
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Q: How long should one expect an EV battery to last? I’ve heard 15-20 years, but how much life can one really expect if the vehicle is kept in an extreme climate?
Every new all electric vehicle in the US comes with a 100,000 mile warranty on the main battery – some are even more. And typically battery life is based on miles, not years. While the technology is still advancing, the current accepted standard for an EV battery is somewhere over 200,000 miles – some claim much higher.
While heat can definitely be an issue, most EVs made today have a liquid temperature management system – basically a radiator for your battery, which keeps its temperature cooler in summer, and warm in winter.
If the battery temperature is moderated properly, there’s no reason to think the battery can last hundreds of thousands of miles. Liquid temperature management helps a lot. For cars without a liquid system, things like parking in a garage or covered parking may help the long-term life of the battery.
Q: Is it ever worthwhile to purchase a used EV? How does one evaluate the remaining life of the battery? Does the mileage matter? Does one need to know where the vehicle came from (extreme climate, rental agency, etc)?
Buying a used vehicle – gas or electric – requires the same type of homework, with just a few more steps. Like any car, you’ll want to check for any remaining warranty available, damage or repair report (like a CarFax), and the like.
For an EV, it’s best to ask for what’s called a State of Health report. This can tell you if the battery has suffered any degradation over time, and is typically expressed in percentage of new (i.e., 92 percent). A reputable dealer will be able to get that report for you.
And don’t forget – there may be tax advantages to getting an EV – new or used – if the vehicle you choose makes the qualifications (See our blog on Tax Incentives for details.)