A new study of over 250 used electric vehicles (EVs) by an automotive auction house in Australia has revealed that EV battery packs last much longer than many people think. The research shows that even after extensive use, the batteries maintain good health, helping boost confidence in electric cars.
The study’s findings are expected to encourage more people to consider EVs as a practical alternative to petrol and diesel cars. This shift is crucial as countries aim to cut emissions and move toward cleaner transportation. With many nations setting deadlines to end the sale of internal combustion engine vehicles, EVs are becoming a key part of the solution.
Despite the growing popularity of electric vehicles, some buyers remain hesitant. In the past, concerns about limited driving range and long charging times kept people from making the switch. While these issues are gradually improving, worries about battery health — the most expensive part of an EV — have also played a role in slowing adoption.
Manufacturers have worked hard to address these concerns, and now, this independent study provides solid evidence that EV batteries hold up better than expected over time.
The study found that EVs with more than 75,000 miles (120,000 km) on the road still had, on average, 90.1% of their battery capacity. This is ten times the distance the average car in Australia covers each year.
For vehicles that had traveled between 25,000 miles (40,000 km) and 50,000 miles (80,000 km), the battery retention was even better at 94.6%. Cars with lower mileage — around 12,500 miles (20,000 km) or less — retained 98.2% of their battery capacity.
Brendon Green, General Manager at Pickles Automotive Solutions, highlighted the significance of these findings. “The batteries aren’t degrading quite as fast as what consumers had first thought,” he said, emphasizing the study’s positive outlook on EV battery health.
The study included various EV models from different price ranges and countries. Interestingly, newer players like Hyundai and BYD outperformed Tesla in battery retention. Hyundai EVs showed an impressive 99.31% battery health, with an average age of 39 months and a travel distance of around 18,000 miles (29,237 km). BYD followed closely, achieving 98.62% battery health at 17 months old and 9,000 miles (15,619 km) traveled.
In comparison, Tesla EVs had a lower battery retention rate of 93.3%, with an average age of 27 months and 26,000 miles (42,263 km) traveled. While still a solid figure, it was notably lower than Hyundai and BYD.
The study primarily aimed to help buyers of used EVs make informed decisions, but it also sends a reassuring message to those considering new electric cars. With EV sales rising steadily in Australia, this data adds confidence for both resale and first-time buyers.
According to Pickles, the results show that concerns about battery degradation are largely unfounded. Most used EVs retain excellent battery health even after years of use, making them a reliable choice for those switching to electric transportation.
The study also ties into Australia’s broader energy goals. As electric vehicles grow in popularity, they are expected to play a bigger role in the country’s energy transition. A recent National Roadmap for Bidirectional EV Charging highlights how EV batteries could even help power homes and reduce electricity costs.
According to the Australian Renewable Energy Agency (ARENA), bidirectional charging — where EV batteries store and return energy to the grid — could be a game-changer. By 2030, the battery capacity of Australia’s EV fleet could surpass all other forms of energy storage in the National Electricity Market.
Darren Miller, CEO of ARENA, explained that with an estimated 1.5 million EVs on Australian roads by 2030, even if just 10% adopt vehicle-to-grid (V2G) technology, it could meet 37% of the nation’s energy storage needs.
The shift to electric vehicles is already underway. In 2024, Australia set a new record, selling 91,292 EVs — a 4.7% increase from the previous year. Nearly one in ten new cars sold in the country is now electric.
This growth reflects the public’s increasing trust in EV technology, further strengthened by studies like the one conducted by Pickles. With better battery performance and new charging innovations, electric vehicles are quickly becoming the future of transportation.
It’s clear that EVs are not only good for the environment but also a smart investment for the long term. With strong battery health and growing infrastructure, the road ahead for electric vehicles looks brighter than ever.
