How Long Do Batteries Last?

One of the most prominent questions when a buyer is considering an electrified vehicle is how long the battery lasts. Electric vehicles, hybrids, and plug-in hybrids have large batteries and electric motors, which, for hybrids and PHEVs, support their gas engines. While the batteries do eventually lose capacity, which can drastically reduce range, the good news is that the degradation doesn’t usually happen until at least eight years or 100,000 miles have passed.

In the U.S., automakers are required to offer a battery warranty of at least that length, and some offer extended coverage. Owners of electrified vehicles in California also have a 10-year/150,000-mile warranty, depending on the vehicle type. 

Those are long warranties, and they stretch well beyond the length of ownership for many people. Additionally, while battery life is affected by a range of factors, most people report no issues with battery failures or even premature degradation. Beyond that, EVs and PHEVs can require less routine maintenance, lessening the financial impact of longer-term ownership. 

What Affects Battery Life?

Though they’re not as fragile as many think, the battery packs in electrified vehicles are impacted by environmental factors and normal wear and tear. Repeatedly driving until the battery is almost entirely empty can accelerate wear. On the flip side, excessive use of fast chargers has been shown to contribute to premature wear. Temperature can impact battery life, as extreme heat or cold changes how its internal chemistry can perform its job. 

That said, batteries tend to degrade over time, regardless of use. Batteries can slowly lose capacity just by sitting. However, they are designed to last the life of the vehicle, so there’s no reason to worry if you start to notice a slight change in battery performance over a long period of time.

There are a few things you can do if you want to extend the life of your battery as long as possible. Ensure you follow the manufacturer’s planned maintenance schedule, and don’t ignore issues as they arise. If you own a PHEV or EV, make sure you maintain a battery charge and don’t dip too far before stopping at a charger. Like any car, aggressive driving can significantly shorten the life of your battery and other components, so it’s a good idea to be as cautious as possible.

When you’re ready to learn more about electrified cars, including hybrids, PHEVs, and EVs, Hyundai of Mankato has you covered. We’ve got several new electrified Hyundai models and would be excited to show you around their features and technologies.