The biggest myth about electric cars has been busted – batteries last more than 10 years, according to a study (2 photos)

Most car owners are still considering switching from internal combustion engine vehicles to electric cars, and many questions remain about the feasibility of this move. In particular, they are interested in the expected service life of an electric vehicle. According to Geotab research, the battery—one of the key components of an electric vehicle—can last more than a decade.





Canadian company Geotab, a developer of fleet management software for logistics companies, government agencies, and smart cities, has been analyzing the degradation of light-duty electric vehicle batteries since 2020. As part of its 2025 study, Geotab examined aggregated real-world battery health data from more than 22,700 electric vehicles across 21 brands and models.

According to the study, the average battery degradation rate is 2.3% per year, which, according to the company, corresponds to a battery life of 13 years or more. This means that after more than ten years of use, an electric vehicle battery will retain nearly 75% of its capacity. A 2024 study by insurance company The Zebra found that the average vehicle ownership period for the longest-serving owners in the United States is approximately eight years. Based on this, Geotab concludes that electric vehicles are a viable option for both fleets and individual owners.

Geotab noted that battery degradation rates vary depending on the model, charging habits, climate, and vehicle usage. Using direct current (DC) fast charging typically increases the rate of battery degradation compared to slower Level 2 AC charging.

Notably, the 2024 study found a lower average degradation rate of 1.8% per year. Geotab attributed this to the increased number of vehicles in the latest study, as well as the increased use of fast charging.

It should also be added that the advent of semi-solid-state batteries promises even longer battery life for electric vehicles.