If you own or are considering buying an electric or hybrid vehicle, you may be wondering how long the battery will last.
Much like your mobile phone battery, electric and hybrid car batteries naturally degrade over time, gradually losing some capacity and shortening the distance you can travel on a single charge.
However, modern EV and hybrid batteries are built to last, and improvements in battery technology mean they’re now more durable, reliable, and efficient than ever. Plus, when they reach the end of their life, they can be recycled to recover valuable materials and reduce environmental impact.
In this guide, we’ll look at how long EV and hybrid batteries typically last, what affects their lifespan, and how you can keep your battery healthier for longer.
Most electric vehicles use lithium-ion batteries, which slowly wear down after repeated charging and discharging.
Most manufacturers offer an 8-year or 100,000-mile warranty on electric vehicle batteries, although some still fall into the 5–8-year range.
In reality, many EV batteries last far longer. Current data suggests that most electric car battery lifespans are between 10–15 years, and many vehicles have exceeded 150,000–200,000 miles with only a small, noticeable drop in range.
There are various factors that affect EV battery life.
Many EVs include features like regenerative braking and auto stop/start, both of which protect the battery and extend lifespan, but there are some additional suggestions to help maximise the lifespan of your electric car battery:
Hybrid battery warranties typically last approximately 8 years or 100,000 miles. However, depending on the vehicle and driving conditions, the typical life of a hybrid car battery can be between 8 to 10 years, or approximately 125,000 to 160,000 kilometres. With good maintenance, the battery life of hybrid cars can last even longer.
Lifespan can also depend on the type of hybrid system you use. Full hybrids rely mainly on regenerative braking, while plug-in hybrids (PHEVs) have larger batteries that undergo more frequent charging, which can affect longevity.
To prolong the life of a hybrid car battery for as long as possible:
There are some common warning signs to look out for when your EV or hybrid battery needs replacing:
If you notice any of these symptoms, get your vehicle inspected by a professional as soon as possible.
Yes - cold weather can drain hybrid and EV batteries faster. Low temperatures cause the battery’s electrolyte to thicken, slowing the movement of lithium ions and reducing power output.
This affects efficiency, range, and charging speed.
EVs can lose 15–20% of their range in winter, depending on model and driving habits. Hybrids may also use the petrol engine more often to heat the cabin, reducing fuel economy.
A simple solution to ensuring your EV battery isn’t affected by the cold weather is to precondition your vehicle – see below for more details.
Preconditioning warms (or cools) a vehicle’s cabin and battery before driving, usually via an app or timer. This is handled by the vehicle’s automatic thermal management systems (TMS).
Not only does preconditioning help maintain long-term battery health, it also provides other benefits, including:
Most EV and hybrid batteries can be recycled.
They can be stripped for valuable materials such as lithium salts and cobalt, reducing the need to mine new raw materials. Many manufacturers now operate closed-loop recycling systems, reusing recovered materials to produce new batteries.
Batteries can also be repurposed for energy storage - powering homes, businesses, or even the factories that build new vehicles.
The cost of replacement batteries depends on the make, model and battery size. The cost of replacing electric car batteries can typically range from £5,000 to £15,000+, whilst the cost of replacing a hybrid car battery is approximately £1,000 to £6,000+.
Replacing an EV or hybrid battery is a complex procedure and should always be carried out by a certified technician.
Foray Motor Group has a fantastic range of Ford Hybrid and EV vehicles, from the All-Electric Ford Explorer SUV to the award-winning Hybrid Puma.
Visit one of our dealerships today to view our range, speak to our expert team, and take an EV or hybrid for a test drive!
Whatever your question or feedback we are here to help
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