Concerns about rapid battery degradation in electric vehicles are largely unfounded, according to a new Swedish study, which found that most used EVs and plug-in hybrids retain significant capacity years into ownership. The analysis, conducted by used car company Kvdbil, examined data from over 1,300 vehicles, revealing robust battery health across a wide range of models.
Eight out of ten of the 1,366 electric and plug-in hybrid vehicles studied maintained 90% or more of their original battery capacity. This finding directly challenges a common fear among potential EV buyers regarding costly battery replacements.
Surprisingly, the Kia EV6 led all models tested for minimal battery degradation, demonstrating superior longevity. Martin Reinholdsson, a test manager at Kvdbil, expressed astonishment at the positive results.
“We were a bit surprised that so many were so good,” Reinholdsson told the Sweden Herald, emphasizing that battery health is more closely tied to general usage and environmental factors than the specific vehicle manufacturer. Key influencers on degradation include the vehicle’s age, local climate, an owner’s driving style, and their charging habits.
The study identified several practical steps owners can take to extend battery life. These include consistently avoiding charging past 80%, limiting the use of fast chargers, steering clear of extreme weather conditions when possible, and not leaving the vehicle fully charged for extended periods.
Beyond the Kia EV6, other popular models like the Kia e-Niro and Tesla Model Y also featured prominently among the top performers for electric vehicle battery health. For plug-in hybrids, Kia Sportage and Kia Optima models led in battery preservation. The findings offer a positive outlook for the long-term viability and ownership costs of electric and hybrid vehicles.