- On average, EVs retain 95% of their original range after five years.
- Some models show no range degradation.
- Used EVs can present significant cost savings for buyers.
Battery longevity and replacement costs are among the top concerns for skeptical electric vehicle (EV) buyers, but there is a growing mountain of data suggesting that batteries last longer than many people expect. Electric vehicle research firm Recurrent recently published its 2026 EV Market & Trends Report, which found that the average EV retains 97% of its range after three years and 95% after five years.
Recurrent reported that 68% of 2023 model-year vehicles still exceed their EPA range estimates today. Looking at the 5-year/95% retention estimate, a 2026 model with 325 miles of advertised range would still deliver 309 miles in 2031. The number of lightly used EVs on the market is growing, and prices are surprisingly reasonable, presenting a great opportunity for buyers as gas prices rise.
While the average shows some range degradation over time, EVs from five brands showed no apparent range loss after five years, according to the report:
- Cadillac
- Ford
- Hyundai
- Mercedes
- Rivian
Improved thermal management technologies and other advancements have made it easier to own an EV in cold weather, too. Recurrent noted that 30 popular models retained an average of 85% of their range at 32 degrees Fahrenheit and 70% at 20 degrees. The best vehicle in the cold-weather study, the Tesla Cybertruck, still offered 88% at the freezing point, thanks to the automaker’s significant investments in heat pumps and other upgrades.
The data is a great optimism booster for potential buyers. Recurrent found that real-world range estimates are up 11% from 2025, and charging times have improved, with the fastest-charging vehicles adding 100 miles of range in under 10 minutes.
That said, new EVs remain more expensive than their gas-powered counterparts, and owning one without a home charger or a readily accessible charging station can be a hassle. There are some great deals to be had for people who can manage those issues, however, especially on the used side.
