Electric vehicles operate with different types of car batteries than gas engines. A main concern for people transitioning to electric vehicles is how long the battery will last and how much it would cost to replace the battery should it die. The degradation of car batteries is not always linear and can start at around 20,000 miles. This is subject to change considering EV technology is rapidly changing and it is recommended that EV drivers get a warranty on their vehicles in case of issues with the batteries. For somebody shopping for a used EV, it is recommended to get a report on battery health before making the purchase.

There are a few things drivers can do to help the health of their car batteries. First, not always using fast charging when fueling the vehicle. For everyday use and can put more stress and heat onto your car battery. Secondly, some experts say to keep car battery charge at mid-level because the battery is most stable when the charge is at around 50%. Also, use less of the battery capacity before recharging. That means charging your vehicle more frequently but for a shorter amount of time. It will also help to park your EV in the shade or garage to keep it cool, especially during hotter seasons.

Since a lot of EVs and their batteries are still relatively new, most vehicles don’t need their batteries changed yet. For older EVs, batteries can be found from used vehicles that have totaled and sometimes can experience a long wait time.

Click here to read the full article, originally published March 10, 2023, by Cars.com.