Study shows EV batteries degrade more slowly than widely assumed
An Austria-based analysis of over 500,000 battery tests across 20 popular EV models found that most vehicles retain 87-94 percent of capacity after 150,000 km, exceeding manufacturer warranty thresholds.
What happened
Aviloo, an Austrian battery analysis firm, published findings based on more than 500,000 tests conducted between 2022 and 2026 on 20 popular EV models including Tesla's Model Y and Volkswagen's ID.4. The study found median state of health (battery capacity retention) of 91-97 percent after 50,000 km, 88-95 percent after 100,000 km, and 87-94 percent after 150,000 km. These results contrast with long-standing driver concerns about battery durability, which has been cited as a key barrier to EV adoption. The study did not include Chinese EV models due to insufficient data.
Context
Battery longevity concerns have persistently discouraged consumers from switching from combustion engines to electric vehicles despite rising fuel prices driving EV sales growth. Typical EV battery warranties cover eight years or 100,000 miles (160,000 km), with manufacturers obligated to replace batteries that fall below 70 percent capacity. Aviloo's findings suggest most vehicles substantially exceed this warranty floor and retain sufficient capacity well beyond the warranty period. However, the study also found that battery degradation rates vary significantly within the same model depending on climate, battery size, and driver habits such as parking practices, meaning identical vehicles with the same age and mileage may have different remaining capacity.