Do Electric Cars Last Longer Than Gas Cars?

Everyone is excited about the potential of EVs to provide more efficient and environmentally friendly transportation. So, what is the prospective longevity of EVs, and will they last longer than a gas vehicle?

Will an EV Last Longer than an ICE Vehicle?

Current longevity projections

When it comes strictly down to numbers of miles and years, an EV will likely outlast an internal combustion engine (ICE) vehicle. With regular use, the average lifespan of a gas vehicle is 150,000 miles or eight years, and EVs can last up to 200,000 miles, or about 12 years.

What contributes to EV longevity?

How can you keep your EV running well for the longest amount of time? There are a variety of factors that can foster an EV outlasting a gas engine, and most of them revolve around how well the battery pack is maintained. Here are a few things that EV owners should do to get the most out of the battery:

Mind the temperature – Extreme temps on either end, hot or cold, can negatively affect battery performance, and even cause accelerated capacity drain. Be sure to park in the shade or sheltered space on warm days, or better yet in a garage for both scorching and freezing temps.

Avoid fast charging – Fast charging, which can get the battery up to 80% full in about 30 minutes, is incredibly convenient. It can also be hard on the system. Only use fast charging when necessary, such as on longer trips or when no other option is available.

Stay in the middle – When driving and powering an EV, keep an eye on the charge level. Most manufacturers recommend never letting the charge be completely depleted or full. Ideally, you’ll want to keep the vehicle somewhere between 20%-80% charged for best performance and to extend the battery life.

Fewer moving parts

There are some differences in maintaining an EV vs. a gas engine that can also lead to a longer lifespan. EVs have far fewer moving parts, as the engine is replaced with a battery pack. So, oil changes that are required to keep all ICE components lubricated and reduce wear are not necessary. There also is no exhaust system to maintain. This can contribute to longevity as there are fewer components to potentially wear out or need repair.

Ease of charging

As more people adopt the EV, more will be using the power grid as opposed to hitting the pump. To make sure that EVs are driven for as long as possible and that owners get the longest use out of each purchase, we need to make powering them up easy. That means that for EVs to become the norm and for owners to keep them as long as possible, we need to increase the number of charging stations and bolster the power grid.

Extending the life of an EV

When you look at cars on the road, you might see many new vehicles, but you might also see much older vehicles, or even a classic. Those older vehicles are obviously gas and have perhaps been repaired or maintained to last longer than the normal use of the vehicle. With an EV, that isn’t possible—yet.

Replacement parts for gas vehicles within a certain age range are common, but once a battery pack dies, it can cost owners anywhere from $5,000 to $20,000 to replace. To give EV longevity even more momentum, there needs to be innovation in the battery pack vertical to make this repair more affordable and sustainable.

Some manufacturers, like Toyota, are looking for ways to reuse, repurpose and recycle battery packs after they can no longer charge a vehicle. Strategies in this area would push EV battery life even further, making them a truly sustainable option.

Longest Lasting Option

Most new EVs will last longer than most new gas vehicles. As developments and innovation take place, there will be even more promise in increasing the EV average lifespan.

Want to learn more EV longevity and maintenance?

Contact the any of our dealerships at Ontario Auto Center to learn more about available EVs, preventative maintenance requirements and how long your new vehicle is expected to last.