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It's common to notice some battery range loss in your EV after the first year, but the drop is usually much less dramatic than many worry about. According to our data, most EVs see a small dip in range (up to 2-3%, or 3 - 7 miles) in year one, with the rate of loss slowing after that.
Drivers sometimes express concern that this early loss means their EV is failing, but real-world data shows it's a predictable part of battery chemistry, not a sign your car is defective. Recurrent research has also found that most EVs actually exceed their EPA range when they are new, so this small initial change should not affect satisfaction or performance.
For example, Recurrent tracks thousands of EVs of all makes and models. They show that, after the initial adjustment, most EVs retain at least 90% of their original range capacity after 5 years. And, some manufacturers use software and reserve battery so preserve range availability over time, so drivers may see no change in their range.
Factors like frequent fast charging, extreme heat, or always charging to 100% may increase battery and range degradation. But for daily drivers, especially in moderate climates, the degradation is slow enough that it’s barely noticeable for the first many years.
Most Tesla, Chevy Bolt, and Nissan Leaf owners report seeing only minor range drops even after 100,000 miles.
If you notice a sudden, steep loss (like 10% in a few months), that's unusual and worth checking with your dealer. But some range loss is normal, and automakers offer battery warranties (often 8 years/100,000 miles) to protect you if the capacity drops excessively.
Check Recurrent's real-world data for your model, and compare your experience to the averages—they break it all down by make, model, and year.
Sources:
- https://www.recurrentauto.com/research/how-long-do-ev-batteries-last
- https://www.recurrentauto.com/research/lessons-in-electric-car-battery-health
How a lithium ion battery is expected to degrade:
