EV Longevity: A Common Question
When buyers consider switching to an electric vehicle, one question dominates: how many miles will it last? For many, battery degradation and long-term reliability still feel uncertain. Yet real-world owners are starting to provide some answers—and the results are encouraging.
Real-World Experiences Tell the Story
Tesla Model 3 and Model S drivers are already proving EVs can push 200,000 miles or more with minimal battery loss. One 2018 Model 3 owner with over 125,000 miles reports the car feels nearly new, with only a small drop in range. Another Model S has crossed 220,000 miles while still delivering nearly 190 miles on a full charge, down just 20% from its original capacity after 12 years.
Chevy Bolt owners echo similar durability. Several report surpassing 150,000 miles with little more than routine brake and tire replacements. One driver expects to hit 400,000 km with no major issues.
Nissan Leaf owners—long criticized for early battery degradation—say newer packs last much longer. With replacement programs, some expect their Leafs to run another 10 to 15 years.
Beyond the Battery: Wear and Tear Still Matters
While EV batteries are proving resilient, drivers note that suspension parts, bushings, bearings, and electronics eventually wear down—just like in gas cars. For many, this will be the deciding factor in replacing their vehicle, not the battery itself. Owners in colder, salt-heavy climates also point out that rust could kill the car long before the drivetrain fails.
The Consensus: Hundreds of Thousands of Miles
Across brands, owners commonly expect their EVs to last 300,000 to 500,000 miles, especially with newer battery chemistries like LFP. Some even believe million-mile cars are within reach. More than anything, drivers stress that EVs require less routine maintenance and face fewer catastrophic failures than traditional cars.
In the end, the bigger challenge may not be whether an EV can last—it’s whether owners will keep them that long, or simply get tempted by the next wave of technology.
