Do Electric Vehicles Last as Long as Gasoline Cars?

Just as gasoline and diesel engines were once considered new technology and derided by the horse-driven public, modern battery electric vehicles (EV) face the same criticism. Will electric vehicles last as long as gasoline and diesel vehicles? Yes, and automakers are already doing so.

Myth: Neither EVs nor gasoline cars are invincible.

Car and truck lifespan has increased since the first automobile went from production to daily driver to a cube in the junkyard. Despite a few outliers, such as Irv Gordon's 3.2-million-mile 1966 Volvo P1800S and Matt Farah's million-mile 1996 Lexus LS400, the average car's increasing life is encouraging. The average American car was only 5.5 years old in 1977. By 1995, the average was 8.4 years, and by 2020, it had risen to 11.9 years.
That reveals a lot about today's typical driver expectations and the technological advances used to meet them: People want long-lasting automobiles. They expect any car they buy today, whether electric or gasoline-powered, to be safe, efficient, and reliable for years to come.
Regardless of how well a vehicle is built, where and how it is driven and maintained has a significant impact on its lifespan. Harsh driving, overloading, corrosion, and neglect will destroy any vehicle before it reaches its prime, but well-maintained vehicles are not considered worn-out until they have traveled at least 150,000 miles.
No vehicle is perfect, but there are some factors that give EVs a better chance of lasting longer.

Life Expectancy of EV Key Components

When deciding whether to buy an electric vehicle or a conventional vehicle, there are several shared components to consider in the lifespan comparison. The following characteristics are shared by both types:
Depending on environmental factors, modern vehicle frames and body construction can last the life of the vehicle.
Electrical systems like the radio, navigation system, headlights, taillights, and power windows have a lifespan of up to ten years
Steering and suspension components typically have a lifespan of 6 to 10 years.
Tires typically have a lifespan of 4 to 5 years, depending on driving habits and alignment maintenance.
Wipers and cabin filters should be replaced every 6 to 12 months, depending on the environment.
The 12-volt battery is also the same, lasting 5 to 7 years under normal driving conditions.
Brake hydraulics and calipers are the same and should be serviced every other year.
However, there are significant differences between conventional and electric vehicles. While modern conventional powertrains have been proven to last with proper maintenance, electric vehicle batteries and motors aren't often given a fair shake, owing to the high cost of critical components like batteries.
Nonetheless, major electric vehicle components outperform their gasoline-powered counterparts.
Close-up of an electric motor in an electric car's engine bay
An electric motor in close-up. Getty Images/iStock/monkeybusinessimages Plus
In contrast to an engine, which has hundreds of moving parts, an electric motor typically has only one. Coolant changes are required every 100,000 miles for electric motors. In addition to coolant, engines require regular oil changes, air filters, and possibly spark plugs at that time. Both motors and engines have been proven to last for up to 20 years.

Transmission

A close-up of a transmission repair with the No symbol overlaid on top.
Getty Images/da-kuk
Because electric vehicles typically do not have a transmission, only a single gear reduction, they are the clear winner in the transmission lifespan comparison. Manual and automatic transmissions in modern conventional vehicles typically last up to 15 years, with fluid services required at least every 100,000 miles.

Battery

Tesla S Model battery modules are interconnected to form a Tesla S Model battery.
Tesla S Model battery modules are interconnected to form a Tesla S Model battery. Tesla
Lithium-ion battery packs are costly, but they have a long lifespan. So far, an EV battery has been proven to last approximately 200,000 miles, or nearly 20 years. Tesla is rumored to be working on an EV battery that will last 1,000,000 miles, far exceeding the average vehicle's current lifespan of 11.9 years. In the last decade, major EV manufacturers have reported few battery replacements.

Brakes

Brake services provide an intriguing comparison. Because electric vehicles use regenerative braking to slow down, the hydraulic brake system is rarely used. While conventional vehicle brakes have a lifespan of 25,000 to 65,000 miles, depending on vehicle type and driver habits, hybrid and electric vehicle pads and rotors are known to last much longer. Some hybrid and electric vehicle owners report brakes lasting 100,000 miles or more.

EV Maintenance Is Critical!

The simpler powertrains of electric vehicles necessitate less service, which actually makes required services more critical. How you drive, charge, and maintain your electric vehicle, just like a gasoline-powered vehicle, will have a big impact on how long it lasts. There are two key areas to consider.

Checks on the Cooling System

It is critical to maintain your cooling system. For maximum lifespan, a combination of active and passive heating and cooling keeps the battery pack at 70 °F. Take special care with cooling system maintenance, such as coolant or air filter replacement.

Practices for Charging Batteries

Charging procedures are crucial. While the battery management system (BMS) regulates charge rates to protect the battery, you can help by charging primarily with Level 2 chargers. Level 3 charging stations can be used on trips, but consistent use of these high-power chargers will reduce battery life.

EV life expectancy is at least equal to that of gasoline vehicles.

Given the advances in technology in both conventional and electric vehicles over the last decade, neither appears to have longevity issues. Both should last at least a decade, if not much longer, with responsible driving and maintenance habits.
Government and automaker optimism appears to reflect a desire, if not a reality, for EV longevity. To boost consumer confidence in EVs, federal regulations now require automakers to cover major components, such as the battery and electric motor, for eight years or 100,000 miles, while California increases this to ten years or 150,000 miles. Some EV automakers even provide a lifetime warranty, which is virtually unheard of in traditional vehicle warranties.
If you're in the market for a new vehicle, it's comforting to know that you can select any vehicle that best suits your needs. As pricing and availability become more competitive, not purchasing an electric vehicle will appear to be a risky bet.