How long does an electric car battery last?
Longer than most people think. Here is what affects battery life, and how the warranty protects you.
· 2 min read
It is the question we are asked most often – and the answer is reassuring. A modern electric car battery is designed to last for many years, and the type we use is one of the longest-lasting of all.
Batteries are measured in charges, not years
Battery life is described in charge cycles – one full charge from empty to full. The LiFePO4 (lithium iron phosphate) batteries in our cars are typically rated for thousands of cycles before their capacity falls noticeably.
If you charge twice a week, that is a very long time.
What happens as a battery ages?
It does not suddenly stop working. It slowly holds a little less energy, so your range gradually reduces. A car that did 150 km when new might do a little less after many years – still more than most people drive in a day.
What affects battery life?
- Heat. Very high temperatures age batteries faster. LiFePO4 copes with heat better than most chemistries, but parking in the shade still helps.
- Sitting full or empty for weeks. If you are away for a long time, leave the battery around half full.
- How you charge. Slow charging at home, which is how most of our owners charge, is the gentlest way.
The warranty
Every Voltiva battery has its own warranty of 5 to 8 years, depending on the model – separate from, and longer than, the warranty on the rest of the car.
In short: for everyday driving in Mallorca, the battery will outlast most people's reasons for owning the car.
