03:42 02-11-2025

Six EV battery myths, busted by Austrian researchers

Experts from Vienna and Leoben debunk six EV battery myths, revealing longevity, safety, second-life uses, growing recycling and lower lifecycle emissions.

Even as electric car sales surge, old myths about their batteries refuse to die. Experts from the Vienna University of Technology and the University of Leoben break down six of the most popular misconceptions and show that modern packs have far more upside than many expect.

Myth one: a battery dies after a few years

In real-world use, a well-treated battery lasts about 10 to 15 years. According to Professor Manfred Schrödl, his 2016 electric car with 260,000 kilometers on the clock still retains 90 percent of its capacity. For a technology often accused of rapid fade, that is a telling data point.

Myth two: old batteries are useless

After their stint in a car, batteries can serve as home energy storage. Recycling and second-life applications are already gaining traction in Europe. It is a sensible way to extend the value of the hardware before materials head back into the loop.

Myth three: recycling batteries is not worthwhile

Today the process is expensive, but EU rules make manufacturers responsible for end-of-life handling. As the electric vehicle fleet grows, recycling will scale up and become profitable. With volume and policy pulling in the same direction, the economics tend to shift.

Myth four: there is no plan for end-of-life batteries

Modern battery systems are being engineered for easier disassembly and recovery, and plants are already operating in Austria and Germany. Designing with the end in mind usually pays off across the product lifecycle.

Myth five: batteries easily catch fire

In practice, fires involving electric cars are less common than with gasoline models. The move toward solid-state batteries should push safety even further. The trend line is moving the right way.

Myth six: electric cars pollute more

After just a few thousand kilometers, an electric car’s carbon footprint drops below that of a combustion vehicle, especially in countries with greener power generation. The crossover comes sooner than many assume.