How Much is a Battery Replacement?

EV batteries go through a 'discharge' cycle when driving and a 'charge' cycle when the car is plugged in. The repetition of the process over time has an impact on the quantity of charge the battery can hold. Despite this, an electric car battery is expected to last between 10 and 20 years before needing to be changed.

The connection between a battery and an electric motor in a car is surprisingly straightforward: the battery connects to one or more electric motors that drive the wheels. When you push the accelerator, the automobile sends electricity to the motor, which progressively depletes the battery's energy.

When you take your foot off the accelerator, the automobile begins to slow down by turning its forward momentum back into electricity – this can happen more forcefully if you press the brakes. Regenerative braking recovers energy that would otherwise be wasted, recharging the battery and extending the range of the vehicle.

The price of an EV battery is determined by its capacity in kWh, which dictates the range and power level of the motor it supplies. However, the economies of scale and improvements to technology mean that EV battery prices are falling. In 2010, the average cost of an EV battery was around £900 per kWh. By 2018 this had dropped to £140 per kWh.

On top of that, many manufacturers are offering better warranties on EV batteries to improve consumer confidence. Most now cover the battery for 80% of its life for at least five years.