EV Batteries Outlast Cars: New Study Reveals

A comprehensive study of over 8,000 UK-registered electric vehicles, some dating back to 2013, indicates that EV batteries are likely to outlast the vehicles themselves. The average State of Health (SoH) for these batteries stands at an impressive 95.2%, significantly surpassing typical manufacturer warranty thresholds, which are usually set at 70% SoH over eight years or 100,000 miles. This finding aims to address a key barrier to EV adoption: public concern over battery lifespan.

The research also highlights that mileage does not have the debilitating impact on battery performance that many drivers fear. Electric vehicles with over 100,000 miles frequently demonstrated 85% to 95% battery health. Even older EVs, between eight and nine years old, maintained a median SoH of 85%. This suggests that battery degradation is no longer the most significant hurdle for widespread EV uptake, with other factors like residual values and performance becoming more pertinent.

Transparency in battery testing is emerging as crucial for building consumer confidence in the used EV market. As of February 18, 2026, battery passports will become mandatory for all EVs sold in the European Union and the UK starting February 2027. These passports will detail battery composition, origin of materials, carbon footprint, and recycled content, providing buyers with essential information.