How much does an electric car cost in the US?
Just like traditional cars, electric and plug-in hybrid vehicles come in a wide range of price tags—from $30,000 up to $100,000, and more for luxury models. As of January 2025, the average transaction price of a new electric vehicle was $55,614. How Long Do EV Batteries Last? According to the National Renewable Energy Laboratory, EV owners can expect today’s batteries to last 12 to 15 years in moderate climates – longer than most people own their vehicles.EVs are more expensive to buy—costing $2,800 more than gas-powered vehicles on average. With proper battery care and maintenance, you can help balance that major cost. EV prices have also been declining in recent years and are on track to match the prices of gas-powered cars as early as 2026.The out-of-pocket cost to replace an electric car battery varies significantly based on different factors, like your vehicle make and model, and whether the EV battery is still under warranty. In general, the price to replace an EV battery no longer under warranty can run anywhere from $5,000 to about $20,000.Manufacturers are so confident of the battery’s road use that most electric cars come with an extended warranty of eight years, or 100,000 miles. Today, most EV batteries have a life expectancy of 15 to 20 years within the car – and a second life beyond.
What is cheaper, gas or electric cars?
Electric vehicles generally cost more upfront than gasoline-powered cars. But EVs may cost less over their lifetimes relative to traditional cars due largely to lower prices for refueling and maintenance. Which is cheaper over the long term depends on geography and other factors. Lower running costs Historically, battery electric vehicles have been cheaper to charge than petrol or diesel cars (those with combustion engines). Or, at the very least, matched. So, financially, electric cars are worth buying – purely for the savings.In this handy guide, we’ll take a closer look at the disadvantages of electric cars, including: Limited battery range. Battery lifespan concerns. Charging infrastructure worries.You can’t drive as far in an electric car The best electric cars now have ranges of well over 350 miles between charges. But many have a range of just 150 miles or less between charges, which means they are much more suited for use in cities and on short, local journeys, rather than for long-distance travel.
Are electric vehicles expensive to maintain?
According to the U. S. Department of Energy, scheduled EV maintenance costs average just $0. Electric car batteries typically last 10–20 years, depending on climate, driving habits, and charging practices. Most automakers guarantee at least 70% capacity for 8–10 years or 100,000 miles under warranty (opens in a new tab) . California extends that warranty to 10 years or 150,000 miles.Based on what we’re seeing with Tesla batteries, they can be expected to last up to 20 years – roughly the same amount of time that the vehicle will be in operation. However, a Tesla battery lifespan is influenced by usage, charging behaviors, temperature, and battery configuration of the vehicle.Most EV battery packs retain a high capacity for 100,000 to 200,000 miles, meaning the average battery can easily serve 10-20 years of driving. This lifespan is comparable to – or even longer than – many gasoline engines.
Do electric cars depreciate quickly?
Yes, EVs tend to depreciate more quickly than ICE vehicles, but this gap is closing, and is set to match their depreciation level over time. There are several factors which contribute to this depreciation which will be outlined throughout this guide. Lifespan of battery electric vehicles (BEVs) Modern EVs are designed to last 15-20 years, comparable to or even longer than traditional internal combustion engine (ICE) vehicles. The key factor in their longevity is the battery.Yes, EVs tend to depreciate more quickly than ICE vehicles, but this gap is closing, and is set to match their depreciation level over time. There are several factors which contribute to this depreciation which will be outlined throughout this guide.
What is the lifespan of an electric car?
Big picture. Most modern electric cars are engineered so their batteries last roughly 12–15 years in moderate climates, which usually works out to around 200,000 miles or more for typical U. S. The rest of the car, motors, body, chassis, can often go beyond that, much like a well‑maintained gas car. A 2022 study by Geotab found that most EV batteries degrade at a rate of only 2. That means after 5 years, your battery will still hold over 88% of its original range.