Concerned about EV battery life? This new study may surprise you
A major new study analysing thousands of electric vehicles has delivered reassuring news for drivers considering a used EV: battery degradation is typically far lower than many people expect.
Data from the 2025 Battery Performance Index, produced by electric vehicle battery diagnostics specialist Generational, analysed more than 8,000 electric cars and vans across 36 manufacturers. The findings provide one of the most comprehensive pictures yet of how electric car and van batteries perform as vehicles age.
The results show that electric vehicle batteries remain remarkably healthy over time, helping strengthen confidence in the growing used electric vehicle market.
EV batteries remain healthy for years
Across the vehicles analysed, the average battery “state of health” was 95.15% of its original capacity, meaning most used EVs still retain the vast majority of their battery performance.
Even older electric cars showed strong results:
- 4–5 year old EVs: median battery health of around 93.5%
- 8–9 year old EVs: median capacity still around 85%
- High-mileage vehicles (100,000+ miles): often retained 88–95% battery health
For context, most manufacturers warranty EV batteries to retain at least 70% capacity for eight years or around 100,000 miles, meaning real-world results are typically well above warranty thresholds.
The findings challenge one of the most persistent myths about electric vehicles; that batteries degrade quickly and become unusable after a few years.
Mileage isn’t the biggest factor
Interestingly, the study also found that mileage alone isn’t a reliable indicator of battery condition.
In some cases, a newer high-mileage fleet vehicle could have a healthier battery than an older low-mileage car. Factors such as charging habits, thermal management and battery chemistry play a greater role in long-term performance.
This means used EV buyers shouldn’t automatically assume that higher mileage equals worse battery health.
Why this matters for used EV buyers
Concerns about battery longevity have often been cited as one of the main barriers to buying a second-hand electric car.
However, real-world data is increasingly showing that EV batteries degrade slowly and predictably, helping electric vehicles maintain their usability and value over time.
For drivers considering the switch to electric, this makes the used market an increasingly attractive option.
Used EVs: a more affordable way to go electric
A used electric vehicle can offer many of the benefits of a new EV including smooth, quiet driving and lower running costs, but at a lower monthly cost.
At DriveElectric, used EVs terms are available from 12 months - 5 years, offering drivers a more affordable route into electric driving while still benefiting from modern technology and with the peace of mind that your used EV will still have strong battery health.
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