How reliable (and robust) is an electric car battery?

Is an electric car battery relaible and robust?

The question about the long-term health of our electric cars is often one posed by the anti-EV campaigners. More importantly, the used-EV sector in the UK is absolutely crucial to the new car industry, with this ultimately setting the standards for residual values and popularity of battery vehicles in the long-term.

While many new EVs are covered by a 3, 4 or 5 year warranty, the same comfort does not apply to the used electric car sector. There are some naysayers and protagonists for the combustion sector who are voicing concerns about lithium-ion as a robust form of fuel.

Indeed, there has been suggestions that a battery will not last long enough, or remain efficient, beyond a certain amount of time. In the UK, a car or van manufacturer must provide a battery warranty with their vehicles to provide comfort on what is the most essential, and often most expensive, facet.

In all cases, you will find that the standard battery warranty on an EV is 8 years, although some manufacturers do diverge slightly when it comes to the mileage limits. For example, VW will offer a 100,000 mile limit on their electric vehicles whereas Tesla offer a 120,000 mile warranty on their Long Range products. To be clear, the battery warranty will cover you (or the business) against repairs or replacements which are necessary to correct the defects in the battery so this will cover elements like the electric motor / gear drive unit / battery packs / on board charger.

In addition, this may also review cases where the battery capacity is reduced such as the Kia warranty, which provides a 70% threshold on battery capacity for up to 8 years from the sale or purchase / date of registration. This means that if the vehicle operates less than 70% of the capacity within the 8 years, then the brand will offer repairs or replacements to resolve this.

Are EV’s really a long-term solution in the UK?

However, for many people, 8 years may not seem enough, bearing in mind that many ex-lease cars are often 3 - 5 years old when they are sold at auction. Used-EV customers, who may be purchasing or leasing the vehicle, may indeed keep the vehicle for at least 3 - 5 years after this point.

This means that they will driving a vehicle which will be coming to the end of its warranty, or may already be outside of warranty if the mileage exceeds the manufacturers limits. However, in some positive news, there is research to suggest that EV batteries are standing the test of time and should be in good working order well in excess of these warranty periods. As reported this week in  thisismoney.co.uk  the company Geotab, who work in fleet and telematics, are suggesting that EV batteries are currently degrading much more slowly than anticipated (around 1.8% per year).

Indeed, there is further suggestion that EV batteries are declining even more slowly than a comparable combustion. Their VP for the UK has made the crucial point that EVs are often lamented as being less reliable and robust than a petrol or diesel, when it is instead the opposite in reality.

Confidence is key for the future of new and used EVs, with many media and outreach companies seemingly intent on besmirching the reputation for this energy source. With greater awareness on the battery degradation and reliability, this will ensure those customers buying or leasing a used-EV are in good hands. For those who like to keep their vehicles 5 - 10 years+ they are in good hands.

One of the most-popular all-electric SUVs at the moment, the VW ID5, is seemingly a reliable long-term solution. Having launched in the UK in early 2022, this supplement to the ID4 has proved to be well received by both personal and business customers alike.

In fact, the brand recently revised the existing battery and specification as part of improving customer experience. As at September 2024, you can now choose between two different specs including:

•  Match - from £45,860 this includes 19” alloys, rear view camera, keyless entry, Matic LED headlights, electrically-operated tailgate, navigation, electrically folding and heated door mirrors, rear tinted glass, Infotainment package, front assist, auto-dimming mirror, keyless entry, adaptive cruise control, lane assist and climatronic system; and
•  GTX - from £55,705 this includes 20” alloys, sports seats, panoramic glass sunroof, augmented HUD, parking assistance with front and rear sensors, Harmon Kardon Sound system and dynamic road sign display.

Key colours include the Grenadilla black, Kings Red, Moonstone Grey, Costa Azul, White and Blue Dusk. Add key options to your new ID5 like the energy efficient heat pump, Assistance Package Plus (area view camera, lane change system, memory features, park assist pro and travel assist), swivelling towbar and Comfort Package Plus (luggage net, net partition and variable boot floor).

•  ID.5 Pro -  the 77 kWh lithium-ion battery will offer 0 – 62 times of 6.7 seconds, 112 mph top speeds and 210 kW (or 282hp). This model is a RWD option. Expect a combined winter range of 235 miles with warmer weather allowing for 325 miles - 285 miles combined. On charging, the 11 kW AC max will allow 8 hour and 15 minute 0 – 100% charging times with the 135 kW DC maximum allowing 28 minute 10 – 80% times. This has a cargo volume of 549L and vehicle fuel equivalent of 150 mpg. This model can tow 1000 kg braked and 750 kg unbraked. A heat pump is available but not standard. No bidirectional charging has been confirmed; or

•  ID.5 GTX-  the 77 kWh lithium-ion battery will offer 0 – 62 times of 5.5 seconds, 112 mph top speeds and 250 kW (or 335hp). This model is a AWD option. Expect a combined winter range of 225 miles with warmer weather allowing for 305 miles - 265 miles combined. On charging, the 11 kW AC max will allow 8 hour and 15 minute 0 – 100% charging times with the 175 kW DC maximum allowing 28 minute 10 – 80% times. This has a cargo volume of 549L and vehicle fuel equivalent of 139 mpg. This model can tow 1200 kg braked and 750 kg unbraked. A heat pump is available but not standard. No bidirectional charging has been confirmed.

In terms of the car shown, the Volkswagen ID.5 COUPE 150kW Style Pro Performance 77kWh 5dr Auto Pure Electric Vehicle, this is based on the following configuration:

•  Moonstone grey  Solid paint
•  Art velours microfleece cloth - Soul black/Platinum grey
•  19" Hamar black diamond turned alloy wheels
•  Mode 3 / Type 2 Charging Cable (Public Charging & home wallbox charger – Fast charging)

For the best VW ID.5 deals head to our special offer page  or build your ideal car on the VW manufacturer website and send this to our expert e-car lease team.

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