An electric vehicle's battery is resilient but not immune to damage. A new study from Geotab, which analyzed over 22,700 EVs across 21 models using real-world telematics data, reveals that the average annual degradation rate is about 2.3%. While the typical high-use EV battery retains nearly 82% of its storage capacity after eight years, several factors can accelerate this decline.
Among the main culprits is DC fast charging (DCFC). Drivers who used fast charging for 12% or more of their sessions experienced an annual degradation rate of 2.5%, compared to 1.5% for those who used it less frequently. High charging power also plays a role — cars charged more frequently at higher power (over 100 kW) saw a 3% annual degradation rate versus 2.2% for high-frequency, low-power users.
Temperature is another key factor. EVs in hotter climates, where more than 35% of days reach 77°F or above, degrade about 0.4% faster than those in milder conditions. Although battery management systems help regulate internal temperatures, heat increases chemical activity and stress within the cell.
Geotab emphasizes that while battery degradation is inevitable, being mindful of charging habits and environmental conditions can help extend battery life and preserve driving range, performance, and resale value.
Source: Engadget · Summarized by HeadlinesBriefing