10:19 02-02-2026

Real-world EV battery degradation is lower than you think

New report on EV battery life: modern electric vehicles retain 91% of range after 240,000 km, with minimal need for battery replacement. Learn the facts.

One of the biggest fears for potential electric vehicle owners revolves around the battery. How long will it last, how much will the range drop, and will it need replacing after a few years of use? A new report from Recurrent, which analyzed data from thousands of high-mileage EVs, shows that real-world battery degradation is significantly lower than commonly assumed.

How battery degradation was studied

The research is based on telematics data from over 50,000 electric vehicles worldwide, with a combined mileage exceeding one billion kilometers. A separate sample included nearly a thousand cars that had covered more than 150,000 miles, roughly equivalent to 240,000–241,000 kilometers. Crucially, the study looked at real-world range in everyday use rather than EPA ratings, making the findings particularly revealing.

How much range an EV loses after 240,000 km

The key factor is the vehicle's model year. The more modern the EV, the lower the battery degradation at the same mileage. Advances in battery chemistry, effective thermal management systems, and smarter charging algorithms have played a decisive role.

First-generation EVs, like the 2012 Nissan Leaf, retain about 81% of their original range on average. Models from the mid-2010s show results closer to 84%. Second-generation EVs, released between 2017 and 2021, typically maintain 85–88% of their initial autonomy. The latest models perform best, keeping around 91% of their range even after 240,000 kilometers.

Why newer EVs age more slowly

The difference stems from several factors. Modern batteries are better protected from overheating and deep discharge cycles, and their capacity has grown significantly. Over the past decade, average battery size has increased by about 167%, allowing even with natural wear to retain acceptable range. Additionally, drivers have become more knowledgeable about EV operation, which also reduces strain on the battery.

How often EVs need battery replacements

The study separately examined battery replacements—another common concern in the used market. According to Recurrent, for the latest generation of EVs, the need for battery replacement is extremely rare, occurring in about 0.3% of cases. For 2017–2021 models, this figure is around 2%, while for first-generation EVs it reached 8.5%.

Importantly, most replacements are linked not to wear but to manufacturing defects, which are typically covered under warranty. Modern manufacturers offer 7–8 years of battery protection, significantly reducing risks for owners.

Conclusion

Real-world data shows that fears about rapid battery degradation are largely outdated. A modern EV, even after 240,000 kilometers, retains most of its range and does not require costly battery replacement. This is especially true for recent models, where technology has taken a qualitative leap.

For the used market, this means one simple thing: mileage alone is no longer a death sentence for an EV. The model year, battery type, and overall vehicle condition matter far more than the numbers on the odometer.