Electric Vehicles Match Gasoline Cars in Lifespan, Research Shows
Netherlands, Friday, 24 January 2025.
A study finds electric vehicles can last up to 18 years, matching gasoline cars, promoting their adoption for sustainability and emissions reduction.
Groundbreaking Research on EV Longevity
A comprehensive study published in Nature Energy on January 24, 2025, analyzing nearly 300 million UK MOT test records from 2005 to 2022, reveals that battery electric vehicles (BEVs) have achieved comparable lifespans to traditional internal combustion engines [1][2]. The research, conducted by scientists from the Universities of Birmingham, Bern, San Diego, and the London School of Economics, demonstrates that BEVs can last an average of 18.4 years and travel up to 124,000 miles [1][2].
Technological Improvements Drive Reliability
The study highlights remarkable progress in EV technology, with newer models showing a 12% lower likelihood of failure per production year, significantly outpacing the improvement rates of 6.7% for petrol and 1.9% for diesel vehicles [1][2][4]. This advancement directly addresses previous concerns about EV reliability, with current data showing that BEVs maintain their performance even under intensive use [1]. Modern electric vehicles demonstrate impressive battery health, with an average degradation rate of just 1.8% per year as of 2024 [3].
Leading Manufacturers in Longevity
Tesla and Hyundai emerge as the top performers in the BEV category [1]. Tesla vehicles demonstrate particularly impressive durability, achieving up to 204,179 kilometers of operation [1]. For traditional vehicles, Audi leads in petrol vehicles while Skoda shows the best performance in diesel vehicles [1][2]. Dr. Viet Nguyen-Tien from LSE emphasizes that these findings confirm BEVs are no longer just a niche option but a viable and sustainable alternative to traditional vehicles [2][5].
Environmental and Economic Implications
Professor Robert Elliott from the University of Birmingham points out that these findings have significant environmental implications [5]. Despite higher initial production emissions, the extended lifespan of electric vehicles allows them to quickly offset their carbon footprint [2][5]. The research also reveals economic benefits, with estimates showing that an EV can save approximately $15,900 over its lifespan [3]. This combination of longevity, reliability, and cost-effectiveness strengthens the case for widespread EV adoption in the pursuit of sustainable transportation [2].