Which? survey reveals how rapidly EV batteries degrade

A brand new survey by shopper watchdog Which? has make clear how rapidly an EV’s battery life declines over time, suggesting that whereas battery degradation is inevitable, it will not be as extreme as many concern.

Which? surveyed 3,595 EV homeowners who bought their autos throughout the previous seven years to evaluate battery efficiency over time.

The outcomes revealed that homeowners of EVs purchased round 2017 or 2018 noticed their battery capability drop to roughly 93% of its authentic state. Those that bought EVs in 2019 or 2020 reported a median 96% battery capability remaining. Autos bought between 2021 and 2023 maintained about 97% of their battery life.

To place this into perspective, Which? defined: “In case your automobile’s vary when new was 180 miles (across the common for all EVs we have examined), you can count on this to drop to 167 miles after seven years.”

The common annual mileage for respondents was 6,001 miles, which means those that drive much less may see even higher battery retention.

A number of elements affect battery lifespan, together with charging frequency, climate situations, and charger power. Chilly climate, particularly, can considerably influence efficiency. Which? famous that some EVs could lose “as a lot as 40% of their vary” in freezing temperatures, and charging speeds may also decelerate within the chilly.

Whereas all batteries degrade over time, Which? suggests {that a} 30% drop in capability is a major threshold. At this level, vary loss may disrupt long-distance journeys, requiring extra frequent charging stops.

Nevertheless, the examine reassures potential EV consumers: “Whereas battery degradation in EVs is a matter, it isn’t as unhealthy as you may assume within the first few years of possession.”