How long do EV batteries last?
EV batteries are lasting longer than most people expect. A 2025 study of more than 8,000 EVs found typical battery health of about 90% after 7–8 years and about 85% after 8–12 years, a loss of roughly 1–1.5% a year. Most brands sold in Australia cover the battery for 8 years or 160,000 km, and some for longer.
How much range do you lose?
Median battery health by age, from Generational's 2025 Battery Performance Index (UK data, more than 8,000 cars across 36 brands).
| Car age | Typical battery health |
|---|---|
| 0–2 years | 100% |
| 2–3 years | about 97% |
| 7–8 years | about 90% |
| 8–12 years | about 85% |
In practice, a car with 510 km of claimed range when new would have roughly 459 km after eight years. That's rarely enough to change how you use it day to day.
Battery warranties in Australia
Most EVs sold here have a separate battery warranty of 8 years or 160,000 km, whichever comes first, and some brands offer more. The warranty usually promises the battery will keep at least 70% of its capacity, so normal slow fading isn't a claim; a faulty cell or a sudden drop is. Each car page lists the car's main warranty, and the brand's website has the battery terms.
How to make your battery last
- For daily driving, charge to around 80% unless the manufacturer says 100% is fine (some LFP batteries, common in BYD, MG and base Tesla models, are meant to be charged to 100% regularly).
- Avoid leaving the car at 100% or near empty for days at a time.
- Use fast chargers for trips rather than every day, especially in hot weather.
- Park in the shade or a garage in summer when you can. Heat is the main enemy of battery life.
- Keep the car's software up to date; battery management often improves with updates.
Does battery wear change running costs?
Hardly at all. An older battery holds less energy, so you get fewer kilometres per full charge, but the car uses about the same energy per kilometre, so the cost per week to charge stays close to new. Losing 10% of range after eight years means charging a little more often, not paying more per kilometre.
Where battery age does matter is resale value: buyers pay less for an older EV with lower battery health or little warranty left. Our cost-to-own figures leave out resale value because it varies too much by brand and car to estimate fairly. If you plan to keep a car for 10 years or more, a longer battery warranty is worth weighing up when you compare cars.
Buying a used EV
Ask for a battery health (state of health) report, which many dealers and EV specialists can produce. Check how much of the battery warranty is left and whether it transfers to you. A healthy battery at 90%+ is normal for a car a few years old.
What if it does need replacing?
Full replacements outside warranty are uncommon. Faults are often fixed by replacing a single module rather than the whole pack, and battery prices keep falling. When a battery does reach the end of its life in a car, it can be reused for home storage or recycled.
Common questions
How long do EV batteries last?
Usually well beyond the warranty. A large 2025 study found typical battery health of about 90% after 7–8 years and 85% after 8–12 years, so most batteries outlast the car's first decade.
What is the battery warranty on an EV in Australia?
Typically 8 years or 160,000 km, whichever comes first, with some brands offering longer. Most warranties guarantee at least 70% of the original capacity.
Should I charge my EV to 100%?
It depends on the battery. Many manufacturers recommend about 80% for daily use, but cars with LFP batteries are often designed to be charged to 100% regularly. Follow the advice in your car's manual or app.
Does fast charging damage the battery?
Occasional fast charging is fine. Using it every day, especially in hot weather, can wear the battery a little faster, so charge at home where you can and use fast chargers for trips.
More guides
More in Living with an EV
You might also like
How we work it out, and our sources
Weekly cost = the car's energy use × 250 km × your electricity or fuel price, with 90% of charging at home. Prices are list prices at October 2026; check with the dealer.
- Electricity: 2026–27 default rates (AER, Victorian Default Offer, state retailers). Public charging: Sydney network prices, July 2026.
- Petrol and diesel: ACCC capital-city averages, 21 October 2026.
- Cars: maker figures via CarExpert, Drive, CarsGuide and EV Central. Plug-in electric range is taken as 80% of the claim.
- Servicing: published capped prices; marked as an estimate where not yet published (CarExpert comparison).
- Tyres: an EV set lasts about 35,000 km, a petrol or hybrid set 50,000 km (RACV); prices from Gridly.
- Home charger: about $2,000 installed ($1,000–$3,000). Novated leases: PwC summary.
Printed from EV Pick · evpick.com.au. Prices and costs are estimates; check with the dealer. © 2026 EV Pick (T. Crouch). For personal use only; not to be copied, republished or sold without permission.