The battery is one of the central components of every electric car. When the permanently installed batteries reach the end of their service life, replacing them can quickly become expensive. In our guide, you can find out how long a battery lasts in an electric car and when it should be replaced. We also reveal how you can increase the service life of the battery.

How long does the battery in an electric car last?

Buyers of electric cars rely on a battery that lasts as long as possible. How long the energy storage system in an electric car actually lasts depends on numerous factors. As a rule, batteries usually outlast the manufacturer’s warranty of 8 years or 160,000 kilometers. The TÜV states that the average lifespan of electric car batteries is 8 to 10 years. The longevity of battery cells varies depending on the manufacturer and battery design. However, the German automobile club ADAC has already subjected several electric cars to a long-term test. The experts confirmed that all batteries have a long service life. Modern lithium-ion batteries only lose their performance after a period of more than ten years.

How much does a new battery for an electric car cost?

Alongside the electric motor, the battery is one of the most expensive components in an electric car. If the component needs to be replaced, the costs are often considerable. However, there are considerable differences in the price of new batteries depending on the vehicle and manufacturer. For example, batteries for smaller and cheaper electric vehicles sometimes only cost in the mid four-digit euro range, but the price of a new battery for an electric car is almost always in the five-digit euro range. For most cars, the battery costs between 10,000 and 20,000 euros. For high-quality vehicles from well-known luxury brands, new batteries can cost 30,000 euros or more. Added to this are the workshop costs for replacing the battery.

When do you have to replace an electric car battery?

The battery of an electric car must be replaced when the battery capacity has decreased significantly or the battery is defective. If the capacity decreases, the range of the car is reduced. In this case, use is only possible to a limited extent. In order to increase the range of an electric car, it is usually necessary to install a new battery. The batteries of electric vehicles are subject to a natural ageing process. For example, the electrochemical properties of the materials inside the battery cells change over time. As a result, the battery capacity can decrease over the years. However, the capacity of the installed batteries usually decreases much more due to the use of the car.

When does an electric car need a new battery?

When exactly an electric car needs a new battery depends on the individual circumstances. These include the structure of the battery packs, the number of charging cycles or the mileage of the car. In addition, the durability of batteries can vary depending on the manufacturer and the battery system installed. A decisive factor in the decision to repair or replace the battery is the remaining capacity. After years of use, the storage capacity of the batteries in the electric car decreases. The battery installed in the vehicle can then only store a fraction of the energy. After a few years, the capacity can drop to around 70 percent.

How can the service life of an electric car battery be extended?

The service life of batteries in electric vehicles depends not only on their age but also on the specific type of use. E-car users who want to extend the period of maximum capacity should therefore take a few points to heart. This is because certain behaviors can directly influence the service life of batteries.

• Driving behavior of the driver
• Routines when charging the battery
• Use of the electric vehicle

A sporty driving style also puts a strain on the components installed in an electric car. This applies in particular to the battery, which is strained by the drain on energy. Frequent towing or regular high vehicle loads can also have a negative effect on battery life. Batteries should also never be driven completely empty or fully charged.

5 tips for a long battery life

1. Do not fully charge the electric car: To maximize the life of the battery, it should not be fully charged. A full battery can extend the range if necessary. However, charging over 80 percent of the maximum capacity puts additional strain on the battery.
2. Do not over-discharge the battery: Particularly heavy discharging of the batteries should be avoided, as should fully charging them. Otherwise, the battery can be damaged, especially in the case of deep discharging, i.e. almost complete discharge. The manufacturer’s warranty does not cover this.
3. Have the vehicle serviced: Like all cars, electric vehicles require regular maintenance. When the electric car is inspected, the batteries and charging system are checked, among other things. This enables early repair and prevents expensive consequential damage.
4. Avoid fast charging: Charging the battery at a fast charging facility minimizes the duration of the charging process. Although this is practical for intermediate charging on long journeys, it puts a strain on the battery. Charging at high power in a short time should therefore be avoided.
5. Reduce charging cycles: The number of charges has a direct influence on the service life of the battery in the electric car. The more charges a battery undergoes, the more the component wears out. To extend the period until replacement, the number of charging cycles should be reduced.

What warranty do manufacturers give on the battery?

Manufacturers of electric cars often advertise guarantees on the service life of the battery. However, the terms of the warranty can vary depending on the vehicle and car brand. Many manufacturers grant the battery warranty depending on a certain warranty period and a certain mileage. For most manufacturers of electric vehicles, the warranty period for the installed batteries is 8 years. This applies to brands such as Audi, BMW, Ford, Opel and VW. Some car manufacturers, such as Mercedes-Benz, also offer a 10-year warranty on certain models. The maximum mileage until the end of the warranty varies depending on the vehicle brand and model.

Observe individual rules for the warranty

Buyers of electric cars are often obliged to take advantage of recalls or software updates from the manufacturer. If the software is not kept up to date as intended, the warranty on the battery will expire. It is therefore essential to pay attention to every message from the car manufacturer regarding the battery.