Will electric vehicles be on the road as long as gasoline cars and diesel vehicles?
Absolutely, and automakers are already delivering.
In 1977, the average American car was just 5.5 years old.
Close up of electric motor.monkeybusinessimages/iStock/Getty Images Plus
By 1995, it was 8.4 years, and in 2020, the average reached 11.9 years.
Even so, major electric vehicle components are at least as good as their gasoline-chugging counterparts.
Electric motor maintenance is limited to coolant changes every 100,000 miles.
da-kuk/Getty images
Both motors and engines are proven to last upwards of 20 years.
Battery
Tesla
Lithium-ion battery packsareexpensive, but they last a long time.
So far, the typical EV battery has been proven to last about 200,000 miles, nearly 20 years.
Tesla S Model battery modules linked together to form a Tesla S Model battery.Tesla
Major EV makers report few battery replacements in the last decade.
Brakes
Brake services offer an interesting comparison.
Because electric vehicles use regenerative braking to slow the vehicle, the hydraulic brake system isnt used as much.
Some hybrid and EV owners report their brakes lasting over 100,000 miles.
EV Maintenance Matters!
Electric vehicles simpler powertrains require less service, which actually makes required services more critical.
There are two key areas to pay attention to.
Cooling System Checks
Cooling system maintenance is important.
A combination of active and passive heating and cooling keep the battery pack around 70 F for best lifespan.
Pay close attention to cooling system maintenance, such as coolant or air filter replacement.
Battery Charging Practices
Charging practices are critical.
With responsible driving and maintenance habits, both should last at least a decade, if not much longer.
Government and automaker confidence seems to reflect the desire, if not the reality, of EV longevity.
Some EV automakers even offer a lifetime guarantee, something practically unheard of in conventional vehicle warranties.
