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How to Maximize the Lifespan of Your EV Battery: Insights and Tips from 10,000 Vehicles

Writer's picture: Betty RafalloBetty Rafallo

As electric vehicles (EVs) become more popular, one of the most common questions remains: How long do electric car batteries last? Thanks to data from 10,000 EVs analyzed by Geotab, we now have clearer insights into EV battery longevity, factors influencing it, and how to extend the life of your EV’s battery with simple maintenance practices.


An electric car charging from an electrical outlet.

How Long Do Electric Car Batteries Last? Insights from 10,000 EVs and How to Extend Your Battery Life

As electric vehicles (EVs) become more popular, one of the most common questions remains: How long do electric car batteries last? Thanks to data from 10,000 EVs analyzed by Geotab, we now have clearer insights into EV battery longevity, factors influencing it, and how to extend the life of your EV’s battery with simple maintenance practices.


EV Battery Lifespan: What We Know

On average, most EV batteries last between 15-20 years. New research from Geotab shows that EV batteries now degrade at a slower rate of 1.8% per year—a significant improvement from earlier data, which indicated a rate of 2.3% annually. This reduction in degradation rate suggests that with continued advancements in technology, EV batteries could last 20+ years.

What Causes EV Batteries to Lose Power Over Time?

EV battery degradation occurs naturally as they age, which impacts their ability to store and deliver power. A few factors contribute to the speed at which batteries degrade:

  1. Age: Batteries naturally degrade over time, losing their ability to hold charge.

  2. Temperature: Extreme heat or cold can accelerate degradation, especially in regions with extreme climates.

  3. Charging Habits: Frequent use of DC fast charging accelerates battery wear compared to slower AC Level 2 charging.

  4. State of Charge: Keeping your battery between 20%-80% helps reduce strain and prolong battery life.

  5. Battery Chemistry & Thermal Management: Advanced thermal systems, such as liquid cooling, protect batteries better than passive air cooling systems, which helps reduce degradation.


Does Frequent Use Impact Battery Life?

Interestingly, high-use EVs don’t experience significantly more degradation than those with lighter use. This is good news for fleet managers and EV owners who put their vehicles to work regularly. However, it’s essential to keep an eye on charging methods and temperature conditions, as frequent use of DC fast charging in hot climates can lead to faster degradation.



How Charging Affects Battery Health

The type of charging you use plays a significant role in how quickly your battery degrades. Here’s a breakdown of the most common charging methods:

  • Level 1 (120 volts): Standard home outlet charging—relatively slow and gentle on the battery.

  • Level 2 (240 volts): Common for home or fleet charging—faster and still relatively safe for the battery.

  • DC Fast Charging: While convenient, this method uses high currents and results in higher temperatures, which can stress the battery and cause faster degradation.

Geotab’s research shows that DC fast charging significantly impacts battery health, especially in hot climates. Therefore, it’s best to limit its use when possible and rely more on Level 2 charging for day-to-day use.


The Role of Temperature in Battery Health

One of the most significant factors influencing battery degradation is temperature. Extreme heat is particularly damaging, leading to faster degradation of the battery cells. EVs operating in hot climates (e.g., Arizona) tend to lose battery health more quickly than those in temperate climates (e.g., Norway).

To maximize battery life, thermal management systems (like liquid cooling) help regulate temperature, ensuring the battery doesn’t overheat. For fleet managers, this means carefully considering climate when planning EV adoption.


Best Practices to Extend EV Battery Life

Maintaining good battery health is key to extending the lifespan of your EV. Here are some simple strategies to follow:

  • Keep Battery Charge Between 20%-80%: This minimizes strain and reduces the chances of degradation.

  • Limit DC Fast Charging: Use it only when necessary, and rely on Level 2 chargers for regular use.

  • Keep Vehicles in Moderate Temperature Conditions: Avoid parking in direct sunlight or extreme cold to reduce temperature-related wear.

  • Maximize Vehicle Use: Regularly driving your EV helps keep its battery in optimal health, as long periods of inactivity can lead to inefficiency.

  • Monitor Battery Health: Use telematics data to track battery performance and degradation trends to make data-driven decisions.


Close up of an electric car charging.

How Can Can-Am Telematics Help You Monitor Battery Health?

At Can-Am Telematics, we provide powerful solutions for monitoring the health of your EV batteries. Our advanced telematics systems offer real-time insights into battery performance, degradation rates, and overall vehicle efficiency. With our data-driven approach, fleet managers can make informed decisions, track battery health, and implement proactive strategies to ensure the longevity of their electric vehicles, maximizing both performance and cost-effectiveness. Whether you're managing a single vehicle or a fleet, Can-Am Telematics helps optimize EV battery health to extend lifespan and reduce operational costs.

Geotab’s EV Battery Degradation Tool allows fleet managers to compare degradation rates across various EV models and track their performance over time. This data helps in choosing the right models for fleet operations, ensuring longevity and sustainability.


Summary: EV Battery Longevity and Maintenance

With average degradation rates of just 1.8% per year, EV batteries are proving to be long-lasting and efficient, with the potential to last 20+ years if properly maintained. Key factors impacting battery life include charging habits, temperature, vehicle use, and battery cooling systems. By following best practices like avoiding frequent DC fast charging and keeping the battery’s state of charge between 20% and 80%, you can maximize your EV's lifespan.

At Can-Am Telematics, we understand the importance of data-driven insights to optimize fleet operations. By incorporating smart monitoring and maintenance strategies, fleet managers can ensure their EVs perform at their best for many years to come.

For more information on EV battery health and optimization, check out the full article from Geotab: EV Battery Health – Geotab.

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