The longevity of electric vehicle batteries has long been a topic of debate among enthusiasts and potential buyers. While most manufacturers offer warranties covering up to 160,000 km or 8 years the actual performance can vary significantly between models. A recent study conducted by Carla a Swedish company specializing in used electric vehicles, sheds light on which models maintain their battery capacity best over time.
The study, which analyzed nearly 10,000 test s on vehicles in Sweden between 2026 and 2026, provides valuable insights for anyone considering the purchase of a used electric vehicle. The results highlight not only the best-performing models but also the factors that influence battery longevity, such as chemistry and manufacturer.
Top Performers: Models That Retain Battery Capacity
The study measured the State of Health (SoH) which indicates the remaining capacity of the battery as a percentage of its original capacity after 100,000 km. The top-performing models, as identified by Carla using Aviloo’s diagnostic software are as follows:
- Kia e-Niro (64 kWh) – 97.25%
- Hyundai Kona (64 kWh) – 97.18%
- Kia EV6 (77.4 kWh) – 95.95%
- Volvo XC40 Recharge (69 kWh, CATL) – 94.70%
- Polestar 2 (78 kWh, CATL) – 94.35%
- BMW i3 (120 Ah) – 93.77%
- Polestar 2 (78 kWh, LG Chem) – 93.53%
- Tesla Model 3 (60.5 kWh, CATL LFP) – 93.34%
- Audi e-tron 50 (71 kWh) – 93.02%
- Audi e-tron 55 (95 kWh) – 92.93%
All 20 models in the study maintained over 90% of their original battery capacity with several exceeding 95%. This data is particularly useful for consumers looking to purchase a used electric vehicle, as it provides a clear picture of which models are likely to offer the best long-term value.
The Role of Battery Chemistry and Manufacturers
The study also underscores the importance of battery chemistry and the manufacturer in determining longevity. For instance, a Tesla Model 3 equipped with a LFP battery from CATL retained 93.3% of its capacity after 100,000 km. In contrast, the same model with a LG Chem battery retained 91.5% and with a Panasonic battery it retained 89.8%.
This variation highlights that while the vehicle model is a significant factor, the specific components and their manufacturers play a crucial role in battery performance over time. Understanding these nuances can help consumers make more informed decisions when selecting a used electric vehicle.
Real-World Example: Tesla Model 3 with LFP Battery
A real-world example further illustrates the robustness of modern electric vehicle batteries. A four-year-old Tesla Model 3 with an LFP battery was tested after covering nearly 78,000 miles (125,088 km). Despite its unknown charging history, the battery retained 92% of its original capacity. This result is particularly reassuring for potential buyers, as it demonstrates that even without detailed charging records, electric vehicle batteries can maintain a high level of performance.
The test, conducted by Matt Goes Electric involved a Shanghai-built 2026 Tesla Model 3 rear-wheel drive. The vehicle’s built-in battery test, which requires the battery to be fully discharged and then recharged, confirmed the impressive result. This finding aligns with Carla’s study, which found that LFP-equipped Model 3s retained 93.3% of their original capacity after 62,000 miles (100,000 km).
While the exact usable capacity of the battery can vary due to factors like charging losses and thermal management, the official reading of 92% battery health after nearly 78,000 miles is a strong indicator of the battery’s longevity. This result provides peace of mind for those considering the purchase of a used electric vehicle, as it shows that batteries can remain highly functional even after extensive use.
By highlighting the top-performing models and the factors that influence battery health, it provides a comprehensive guide for consumers looking to invest in a used electric vehicle. The data underscores the reliability of modern electric vehicle batteries and dispels common myths about their limited lifespan.
