What Is the Lifespan of an EV Battery?

The lifespan of an electric vehicle (EV) battery depends on several factors such as the battery chemistry, usage patterns, temperature and charging habits. Generally, the lifespan of an EV battery is measured by the number of charging cycles it can go through before its capacity drops below a certain threshold.

It’s important to note that an EV battery can be affected by various factors such as fast charging, extreme temperatures, and frequent deep discharges. Therefore, it is recommended to follow the manufacturer’s guidelines for charging and maintenance to maximize its lifespan.

How Long Does an Electric Car Battery Last?

According to current industry expectations, EV batteries are projected to last between 100,000 and 200,000 miles, or about 15 to 20 years. Most EV batteries today are guaranteed to last at least 100,000 miles or 10 years, whichever comes first. Manufacturers offer warranties on their EV batteries that cover them for a specific number of years or miles. VinFast offers an extensive 10-year/125,000-mile warranty, is one of the best in the industry—and it even covers batteries.

How Does EV Longevity Compare With Internal Combustion Engine (ICE) Vehicles?

The lifespan of an EV should typically meet or exceed that of an internal combustion engine (ICE). ICE vehicles have a range of components that wear out over time, such as oil and air filters, belts, spark plugs, and pistons, which can require expensive repairs and replacements.  

In contrast, EVs have fewer moving parts. The battery makes the greatest difference on your EV lifespan.

While an ICE engine’s lifespan can vary widely depending on its quality and maintenance, a well-maintained engine can last for around 200,000 miles or more before requiring significant repairs. However, beyond that point, the likelihood of needing significant engine repairs or replacements significantly increases. The average life expectancy of a car is ~12 years. 

Because EVs have fewer moving parts, their maintenance costs tend to be lower than ICE vehicles over time. This includes things like oil changes, filter replacements, and spark plug replacements that are not necessary for EVs. While the initial cost of an EV may be higher than an ICE vehicle, the reduced maintenance and longer lifespan of the battery can make EVs more cost-effective in the long run.

How Do EV Batteries Degrade?

The energy contained in an EV’s battery is dependent on the chemistry of the battery and not on its size. As it ages, the chemical reactions inside the battery will change and begin to degrade, which decreases battery capacity.

How Charging Affects EV Battery Lifespan

The lifespan of the EV battery depends on its charging and discharging. The lower the voltage, the longer the battery will last. The best way to charge an EV is with a Level 2 charger or a DC fast charger (DCFC). These chargers allow you to charge your car at 240 volts and up to 80 amps. Meaning you can get your car fully charged in less time. However, if you use a Level 1 (trickle) charger, which charges at 120 volts, it will take much longer to charge. 

How to Extend the Battery Life of Your Electric Car

To extend your EV battery’s life, follow these simple tips.

1. Avoid Extreme Temperatures

Extreme temperatures can cause the battery to degrade faster. Park your car in a shaded area to avoid exposure to direct sunlight. If the temperature drops below freezing, consider preheating the car while it is still plugged in to reduce the strain on the battery.

2. Avoid Frequent Fast Charging

Your battery is designed to be charged in a gentle manner, not to withstand aggressive charging. Fast charging can damage the battery and shorten its useful life. For instance, if you forgot to charge your car before leaving in the morning, do not rush to charge it at a fast charging station during your lunch break. Instead, wait until you get home or use an AC wall charger that charges at a slow rate (2–3 kW). For long trips, plan to charge at night.

3. Use Regenerative Braking

The regenerative braking system uses the energy generated when slowing down or stopping your vehicle for recharging its batteries. While driving down a hill with a steep slope, decelerate gradually without using the brake pedal. Therefore, the batteries can recover some of the higher energy density while coasting downhill.

4. Avoid Deep Discharges

Try to avoid complete draining of your EV battery. Most EVs have two different modes of driving. One that uses all the power in the battery and another that limits how much power is used. You should always use the second mode when possible. It will help you get more mileage out of your battery. Keep the battery charge level between 20-80% to reduce the strain.

Monitor the Battery Health

Monitoring your battery status is crucial. With the VinFast App, you can view your charging session in real time and get ready to go. Set the VinFast App to notify you when target charge level is reached. The VinFast App lets you control the ownership and usage of your vehicle. You can plan your route, start charging, manage payments, set charging profiles, monitor energy usage plus more.

Conclusion

There is no ‘silver bullet’ for determining an EV battery’s lifespan since each battery has its own chemistry, and the determining factors are numerous. That said, most chemistries experience capacity fade due to three main forces: self-discharge, loss of active material from the electrodes and degradation of the electrolyte.

Battery lifespan is understandably one of the most significant considerations for prospective EV drivers, given the significant investment an EV battery pack entails. In practice, modern EV batteries are designed with longevity! Regardless, VinFast offers one of the best warranties in the industry—and it even covers battery degradation for up to 10 years will meet your needs and help you travel ‘green’ for the rest of your trips.

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