EV batteries are aging better than you might think
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Illustration: Annelise Capossela/Axios
One of the biggest worries about electric vehicles — that their batteries won't last — may be less of a concern than many consumers fear, new research from Ford Motor suggests.
Why it matters: Evidence that EV batteries can last for years with relatively little degradation could boost consumer confidence in EVs — and help strengthen their resale value.
Driving the news: Ford says the batteries in its original 2021 Mustang Mach-E electric SUVs have retained an average of 92% of their usable capacity after more than five years on the road.
- The findings are based on data from more than 36,000 vehicles in the U.S. and Canada that have collectively traveled about 2 billion miles.
- About 95% of the vehicles retained between 87% and 97% of their original battery capacity.
Zoom in: Ford's findings suggest its batteries are holding up even under heavy use.
- More than 2,000 Mach-E owners have driven over 100,000 miles on their original batteries, which retained an average of more than 91% capacity.
- Among more than 30 vehicles exceeding 200,000 miles, average battery health was 88%.
The big picture: Ford's findings are consistent with independent research from Recurrent, which analyzes battery performance to help car dealers assess used EV values.
- After tracking more than 1 billion miles of driving and charging data from over 50,000 EVs, Recurrent concluded that most batteries are retaining their range longer than consumers expect.
- The firm estimates that just 0.3% of modern EVs have required battery replacement.
What's next: Ford says the data is helping engineers improve battery management and charging recommendations for future EVs, including its upcoming Fathom electric pickup.
The bottom line: Five years of driving has taken a relatively modest toll on the batteries in Ford's earliest Mach-Es, offering reassurance to buyers considering both new and used EVs.
