Data shows EVs can now last 18 years—just like petrol and diesel cars.
Electric vehicles are proving they have real staying power, with a major study showing that modern EVs now last just as long as petrol and diesel cars. The research, which analyzed nearly 300 million UK vehicle inspection records from 2005 to 2022, found that today’s EVs have an average lifespan of 18.4 years, nearly matching petrol cars at 18.7 years and outlasting diesel vehicles, which typically last 16.8 years.
One of the biggest takeaways from the study is that EVs are improving at a much faster rate than their gas-powered counterparts. Researchers found that with each new EV model year, the likelihood of failure dropped by 12%, a huge jump compared to the 6.7% improvement for petrol cars and the 1.9% improvement for diesels. In other words, newer EVs are becoming far more reliable, and that trend is expected to continue.
The research also looked at how far these vehicles travel over their lifetimes. On average, EVs are driven 200,000 km (124,000 miles) before being retired, surpassing petrol cars, which average 187,000 km (116,000 miles). Diesel cars, known for their longevity in commercial fleets, still lead with 257,000 km (160,000 miles) before they are taken off the road.
One of the key factors driving EV adoption is their lower maintenance costs. In the US, data shows that EVs cost about $0.06 per mile in maintenance, while petrol and diesel cars cost around $0.10 per mile. With fewer moving parts, no oil changes, and regenerative braking reducing wear and tear, EVs are proving to be cheaper to maintain over time.
However, experts caution that while EVs have made impressive progress, they are not a perfect solution to transportation challenges. Rachel Aldred, a researcher at the University of Westminster, points out that while EVs help reduce carbon emissions and improve air quality, they still contribute to congestion, road injuries, and pollution from tire and brake wear. She argues that a true long-term solution requires more focus on public transport, cycling, and walking.
Another big takeaway from the study is that some EV brands are proving more reliable than others. According to the data, Tesla, Nissan, Volkswagen, Kia, and BMW topped the list of the most dependable EVs. For petrol and diesel cars, Audi and Skoda were found to have the longest lifespans, while Toyota dominated the hybrid and plug-in hybrid category, followed by Honda, Hyundai, Kia, and Lexus.
While there are still unanswered questions about how modern EVs will hold up over 20 to 30 years, this study is a big step toward debunking the myth that EVs wear out faster than gas-powered cars. In fact, with rapid improvements in battery technology and vehicle reliability, new EVs could soon outlast their petrol and diesel rivals altogether.
