New analysis from EV data company Recurrent reports that modern electric-vehicle batteries degrade more slowly than many buyers expect. Across the data set reviewed, vehicles retain about 97% of their original rated range after three years. After five years, the average remaining range is about 95% of the original figure. The reports describe these outcomes as lasting longer than initially expected, suggesting that battery performance remains relatively stable over early ownership periods.
One example cited uses a hypothetical 2026 model rated for 325 miles. Applying the reported five-year retention rate of 95% implies the vehicle would still have roughly 309 miles of rated range remaining after half a decade. While the sources focus on battery durability, one outlet also notes that US electric-vehicle sales are declining, framing the durability findings alongside broader market trends.
Overall, the articles converge on the same core battery-retention numbers and present them as evidence of improved real-world longevity in today’s EV batteries.
