How long do EV batteries last in cars, and how often do you need to replace them? Well, on average, electric car batteries are designed to last between 8 to 15 years, depending on usage, climate, and care. That means most EV batteries will comfortably outlive a standard car loan or novated lease term. With proper care, many will keep running long after their warranty period ends.
At Vehicle Solutions Australia, we make it easy to lease electric vehicles with confidence. Backed by over 40 years of combined experience in automotive and finance, our team simplifies novated leasing for government and private sector employees across the country. We work with over 400 employers nationwide and offer 100% tax-free EV novated leasing under the Government’s latest green incentives. So naturally, our customers often ask us: “Will the battery last as long as the lease?” Let’s break it down.
Understanding How Long EV Batteries Last
Most EV batteries today are built using rechargeable lithium-ion batteries. These are the same battery types used in laptops and mobile phones, but scaled for higher energy output and thermal protection. And just like phones, battery performance does degrade, but the rate is much slower.
Most electric car battery life is expected to last at least 10 years and considerably more (sometimes up to 20 years) or 160,000-320,000 miles before significant degradation affects performance.
By the way, manufacturers typically warrant their EV battery packs for 8 years or 160,000 km – whichever comes first.
Battery degradation is real, but manageable
EV battery degradation refers to the gradual reduction in storage capacity. But most drivers will never notice a major drop unless they’re doing 300+ km daily.
A 2022 study by Geotab found that most EV batteries degrade at a rate of only 2.3% per year. That means after 5 years, your battery will still hold over 88% of its original range.
Factors that affect battery longevity include:
- Fast charging too frequently (like using DC fast charging daily)
- Exposure to extreme temperatures
- Letting the battery drop below 10% or overcharging beyond 90%
- High-speed driving and aggressive acceleration
How Long Do EV Car Batteries Last on a Full Charge?
You’re looking at a range of 200-500 kilometres, depending on your vehicle make.
Let’s use a typical scenario. If you’ve just had a Tesla Model Y electric vehicle, you have a range of 460 km to work with, without fuel costs. Even better, you can obtain one via a novated lease for $213 per week at Vehicle Solutions, through our partner, Motorbuys Australia.
Let’s say you drive about 80 km per day…
- After one year, you’ve done ~29,200 km.
- After five years, you’ve clocked ~146,000 km.
Because the Tesla Model Y has a range of 466 km per full charge, you’d need to recharge about every 4 days, roughly 1.7 times a week. Over the course of a year, that’s around 89 full charges. And across five years, you’d be looking at about 442 full charge cycles based on your driving habits.
Tesla also has data showing that its EV battery packs retain around 90% capacity even after 320,000 km. And their batteries aren’t even being replaced regularly; instead, they’re just managed well.
How to Extend EV Battery Life
There’s no quick trick, but you can absolutely extend EV battery life with better habits. Here are some simple strategies:
1. Avoid excessive fast charging
DC fast charging is convenient, but it can heat up your battery pack, potentially causing micro damage over time. Use it only when necessary, like long road trips. Stick to Level 1 or Level 2 EV charging for daily needs.
2. Watch the temperature
Extreme heat or cold can impact battery health. If possible, park your car in a garage or shaded area, especially during summer. Some electric cars use thermal management systems to regulate battery temperature; look out for this feature when choosing a vehicle.
3. Maintain ideal charge levels
Keep your charge between 20% and 80% as often as possible. It reduces stress on the battery and slows down EV battery degradation.
4. Drive mindfully
Smooth acceleration, regenerative braking, and avoiding high-speed driving all help conserve energy and promote battery longevity.
How EV Battery Life Compares to ICE Vehicles
Internal combustion engine (ICE) vehicles have hundreds of moving parts. That means more wear and tear, more servicing, and more points of failure. EV batteries, in contrast, have very few moving parts and require minimal maintenance.
According to the Australian Electric Vehicle Association (AEVA), the average maintenance cost for an electric vehicle is around 43% lower than that of a petrol or diesel car.
Sure, you’ll eventually replace the battery pack, but the savings from lower fuel and servicing costs often offset that in the long run.
What Happens When the EV Battery Fades?
Even when an EV battery drops below 70% capacity, it doesn’t just die. It simply offers a shorter range. Most carmakers give customers the option to replace the battery pack, or in some cases, refurbish it.
Some batteries get a second life as home energy storage, i.e. for solar storage. Others are recycled for rare earth materials, which are then reused in newer lithium-ion batteries.
Australia is investing heavily in EV battery recycling, with companies like Envirostream leading the charge. By 2030, the national battery recycling market is projected to reach $3 billion, according to Renew Economy.
Frequently Asked Questions
How much does it cost to replace a battery in an electric car?
In Australia, replacing an EV battery pack can cost anywhere from $7,000 to $20,000, depending on make and model. However, most are covered under 8-year warranties, and prices are expected to drop as technology matures.
What happens to EV batteries after 8 years?
Many still retain 70–80% of their range, making them suitable for short commutes or secondary uses. Some are repurposed for energy storage, while others enter the recycling chain.
How many years does an EV battery last?
On average, electric car batteries last 10 to 20 years with the right usage and charging practice. Proper use, moderate climate, and responsible charging methods can push that lifespan further.
How much does it cost to replace a Tesla battery in Australia?
Tesla battery replacement in Australia can cost between $14,000 and $22,000, depending on the model and battery size. Most Tesla batteries last well beyond 10 years, though.
Can I extend my EV battery’s life?
Yes. Avoid overcharging, limit fast charging, store in cool environments, and drive conservatively to maintain battery health over time.
Still wondering if an EV lease is worth it? With Vehicle Solutions Australia, you get a seamless way to drive new electric cars using novated leasing, with tax savings, fixed monthly costs, and no fuss at all.
Compare vehicles in stock at Motorbuys or send us a message for more enquiries on how to get started on your tax-free EV journey today.
