Study Shows EV Batteries Retain 95% Range After 5 Years

WHO:

TechRadar - Richard Symons, a UK-based used EV dealer.

Digital Trends - Jessica Caldwell, head of insights at Edmunds.

WHAT:

TechRadar - Modern electric vehicle (EV) batteries retain 95% of their original range after five years.

Digital Trends - Battery analytics company Recurrent estimates that the average EV retains up to 95% of its original driving range after five years of ownership.

Digital Trends - Approximately one in 12 electric vehicles built between 2011 and 2016 required battery replacements, while for EVs produced from 2022 onward, that figure has dropped to just 0.3%.

Digital Trends - Battery replacement costs range from $5,000 to $16,000 outside warranty depending on the manufacturer.

WHERE:

Digital Trends - The findings are based on real-world data from electric vehicles in various locations, including the UK.

WHEN:

Digital Trends - A survey by AutoPacific was conducted in 2025.

Digital Trends - Consulting firm AlixPartners forecasts that EVs will account for 11% of new US vehicle sales by 2030.

WHY:

Digital Trends - Consumer perception has not fully caught up with the reality of battery longevity, with fears over expensive battery replacement being a leading reason many prospective buyers avoid electric vehicles.

HOW:

Digital Trends - Advances in battery chemistry, thermal management systems, and sophisticated battery-management software contribute to the improved durability of modern EV batteries.

Digital Trends - Frequent high-power DC fast charging accelerates battery degradation compared to slower charging methods, with data showing that batteries charged at high power retain about 89.7% of their original capacity after several years.

(UPDATED July 6, 2026 16:08 UTC)

Recent findings reveal that modern electric vehicle batteries retain an impressive 95% of their original range after five years, according to insights from Jessica Caldwell at Edmunds and Richard Symons, a UK-based used EV dealer. Notably, the need for battery replacements has significantly decreased, dropping from approximately one in twelve for vehicles built between 2011 and 2016 to just 0.3% for those produced from 2022 onward, although replacement costs can still range from $5,000 to $16,000 outside warranty. Despite these advancements in battery technology and management, consumer perception lags behind, with many potential buyers still concerned about the costs associated with battery replacement.