Used batteries in electric cars are lasting far longer than critics and consumers expected, according to new data from Recurrent Auto. This data shatters the misconceptions and concerns many people have about electric car batteries.
Recurrent Auto surveyed more than 15,000 electric vehicle owners to collect the most detailed battery health data ever, and the results show that electric vehicle batteries are lasting much longer than thought. Of this large group of owners, only 1.5 percent had their batteries replaced without a recall or expired warranty, most of which were older Nissan LEAFs lacking liquid-cooled battery temperature control systems.
Recurrent Auto’s survey covered 13 models, including the Tesla Model S, Model 3 and Model Y; the Chevrolet Bolt, Bolt EUV and Volt; the Hyundai Kona; the BMW i3; the Audi e-tron; the Nissan LEAF; the Hyundai Kona and IONIQ 5; and the Ford Mustang Mach -E.
In addition to the few owners who were forced to replace their batteries, Recurrent Auto found that battery degradation was not linear. From each survey group, while electric vehicle range peaks in the 10,000 to 20,000 mile range, the battery decays quickly and then plateaus as the range approaches 100,000 miles.
Recurrent Auto attributes this to two key technologies: battery management systems and battery temperature control systems, both of which have dramatically improved battery life. These systems not only allow owners to limit the amount of battery charge, thereby reducing damage to battery health, but also ensure that the battery is always operating at a safe and “healthy” temperature.
Perhaps the most favorable target of Recurrent Auto’s data is the used electric vehicle market, which many consider to be a risky market. But Recurrent Auto’s data shows that people don’t have to worry about the battery health of the used electric vehicles they want to buy.
