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How-to guide · Michigan City Ford · Michigan City, IN
How Long Do EV Batteries Last?
The battery is the heart of an electric vehicle, so how long it lasts matters. Here is what the U.S. Department of Energy says about EV battery life, warranties, the batteries used in hybrids and plug-ins, and what happens at the end of a battery's life.
12 to 15 yearspossible EV battery life in moderate climates, per a DOE study
8 to 12 yearspossible EV battery life in severe climates
8 yr / 100k miEV battery warranty many manufacturers offer
70%+of initial capacity an undamaged EV battery could have left at end of life
The short answer
EV batteries are designed for extended life. Fueleconomy.gov says a DOE study suggests they may last 12 to 15 years in moderate climates and 8 to 12 years in severe climates, and the AFDC says many manufacturers offer 8-year/100,000-mile warranties for their EV batteries. They do wear out eventually; studies cited by the AFDC show a battery that has not failed or been damaged could still have at least 70% of its initial capacity at the end of its life.
How long EV batteries last
Designed for extended life. Fueleconomy.gov says batteries for EVs are designed for extended life, and a DOE study suggests these batteries may last 12 to 15 years in moderate climates and 8 to 12 years in severe climates.
They do wear out. The AFDC says the advanced batteries in electric vehicles, like the engines in conventional vehicles, are designed for extended life but will wear out eventually. They have a limited number of charging cycles (the number of times the battery can be charged and discharged, also called cycle life).
Still a young market. Electric vehicles are relatively new to the U.S. auto market, so only a small number of them have approached the end of their useful lives, and comprehensive data on EV battery failures is not available.
From fueleconomy.gov, All-Electric Vehicles, AFDC, Maintenance and Safety of Electric Vehicles and AFDC, Batteries for Electric Vehicles, read November 8, 2026.
Battery types in EVs, plug-ins and hybrids
The AFDC describes these energy storage systems used in all-electric vehicles, plug-in hybrids and hybrids:
| Battery type | Where it is used | What the AFDC says |
|---|---|---|
| Lithium-ion | Most of today's all-electric vehicles and plug-in hybrids | High energy for its weight and size, high efficiency, good high-temperature performance, long life and low self-discharge |
| Nickel-metal hydride | Widely used in hybrids | Much longer life cycle than lead-acid; safe and abuse-tolerant; challenges include cost, self-discharge and heat at high temperatures |
| Lead-acid | Ancillary loads in electric vehicles; stop-start systems in internal combustion engine vehicles | Inexpensive, safe, recyclable and reliable, but short calendar and cycle life and poor cold-temperature performance |
From AFDC, Batteries for Electric Vehicles, read November 8, 2026. The AFDC also describes ultracapacitors, which can add power during acceleration and hill climbing and help recover braking energy.
Warranty and replacement
Common warranty. Many manufacturers offer 8-year/100,000-mile warranties for their EV batteries, according to the AFDC. Check the warranty that applies to your specific vehicle, and consider the manufacturer's battery recycling policy.
Replacement. Manufacturers typically do not publish pricing for replacement batteries. If a battery needs to be replaced outside the warranty, it is expected to be a significant expense, though battery prices are expected to decline as technology improves and production volumes increase.
From AFDC, Maintenance and Safety of Electric Vehicles, read November 8, 2026.
Battery care
Little routine maintenance. The AFDC says the battery, motor and associated electronics in an all-electric vehicle require little to no regular maintenance.
Cooling systems. Some automotive battery systems use liquid coolant to maintain safe operating temperatures, and these systems may require regular checks. Ask your dealer or refer to your owner's manual for more information.
From AFDC, Maintenance and Safety of Electric Vehicles, read November 8, 2026.
End of life and recycling
Capacity left over. Studies have shown that an EV battery could have at least 70% of its initial capacity left at the end of its life if it has not failed or been damaged. The AFDC says that remaining capacity can be more than sufficient for most energy storage applications, and the battery can continue to work for another 10 years or more.
Second use. Many studies have concluded that end-of-life EV batteries are technically feasible for second-use applications such as stationary grid and backup power, though the economics are still evolving.
Recycling. Most components of lithium-ion batteries can be recycled, but the cost of material recovery remains a challenge. The three major recycling technologies are smelting (pyrometallurgy), chemical leaching (hydrometallurgy) and direct recycling, which recovers cathodes while keeping their structure.
From AFDC, Batteries for Electric Vehicles, read November 8, 2026.
Service at Michigan City Ford
The Works® at Michigan City Ford includes a synthetic blend oil change, tire rotation and pressure check, brake inspection, Multi-Point Inspection, fluid top-off, battery test, and a filter, belts and hoses check. For a hybrid, plug-in hybrid or EV, ask our service team about any battery checks your owner's manual lists.
Schedule service online and see our service specials first. Michigan City Ford is at 3930 Franklin St. in Michigan City. Get directions.
Michigan City Ford service hours
| Days | Hours |
|---|---|
| Mon-Fri | 7:30 a.m.-5:30 p.m. |
| Sat | 8 a.m.-3 p.m. |
| Sun | closed |
From Michigan City Ford's website, November 8, 2026. Holiday hours can differ.
EV battery life FAQ
How long do electric car batteries last?
Fueleconomy.gov says EV batteries are designed for extended life, and a DOE study suggests they may last 12 to 15 years in moderate climates and 8 to 12 years in severe climates.
What warranty comes with an EV battery?
The AFDC says comprehensive data on EV battery failures is not available, but many manufacturers offer 8-year/100,000-mile warranties for their EV batteries. Check the warranty for your specific vehicle.
What kind of battery does a hybrid use?
The AFDC says nickel-metal hydride batteries have been widely used in hybrids, while most of today's all-electric vehicles and plug-in hybrids use lithium-ion batteries.
What happens to an EV battery at the end of its life?
Studies cited by the AFDC show an EV battery could have at least 70% of its initial capacity left at the end of its life if it has not failed or been damaged, enough for most energy storage applications, and the battery can continue to work for another 10 years or more. Studies have concluded that end-of-life EV batteries are technically feasible for second-use applications such as stationary grid and backup power, though the economics are still evolving.
Can EV batteries be recycled?
Yes. The AFDC says most components of lithium-ion batteries can be recycled, though the cost of material recovery remains a challenge. The three main recycling technologies are smelting (pyrometallurgy), chemical leaching (hydrometallurgy) and direct recycling.
Is replacing an EV battery expensive?
The AFDC says manufacturers typically do not publish pricing for replacement batteries, but replacing one outside the warranty is expected to be a significant expense. Battery prices are expected to decline as technology improves and production volumes increase.
What does The Works at Michigan City Ford include?
The Works® at Michigan City Ford includes a synthetic blend oil change, tire rotation and pressure check, brake inspection, Multi-Point Inspection, fluid top-off, battery test, and a filter, belts and hoses check.
Questions about an EV or hybrid?
Talk with the Michigan City Ford team, or check the battery warranty for your vehicle.
Sources
The DOE battery-life estimate is from fueleconomy.gov (U.S. Department of Energy and EPA), read November 8, 2026. Battery types, warranty, replacement, care, end-of-life and recycling details are from the U.S. Department of Energy's Alternative Fuels Data Center, read the same day. Service details, address and hours are from Michigan City Ford's own website.
- fueleconomy.gov, All-Electric Vehicles, fueleconomy.gov (U.S. DOE/EPA), read November 8, 2026
- AFDC, Maintenance and Safety of Electric Vehicles, Alternative Fuels Data Center (U.S. DOE), read November 8, 2026
- AFDC, Batteries for Electric Vehicles, Alternative Fuels Data Center (U.S. DOE), read November 8, 2026
- General service: The Works, Michigan City Ford, November 8, 2026
- Address and service hours (structured data), Michigan City Ford, November 8, 2026