A multi-decade lengthy query lingering over hybrids and absolutely electrical autos is how lengthy the batteries final and the way a lot they price to switch. Many inner combustion engine car drivers like to brag about how their automotive has over 200,000 miles with “simply common oil adjustments.” EV drivers have much less to fret about now in response to a brand new examine, however they could possibly be doing higher in the event that they modified their charging habits.
EVs closely utilizing North America DC “fast-charging” public charging stations endure from virtually twice the extent of battery degradation than the same autos charging at lower than 100 kW, in response to a examine by Geotab, launched this month. Geotab, which displays battery life in EVs, mentioned its annual survey confirmed a 2.3% annual loss in preliminary capability amongst 21 fashions. These utilizing fast-charging stations greater than 12% per cycle confirmed a median 2.5% annual loss, twice as excessive as EVs utilizing DC charging lower than 12% of the time.
Which may appear apparent to those that know the upper the charging pace the tougher it’s on an EV battery (similar normally goes for digital units), however Geotab’s 2025 examine confirmed the speed of battery degradation elevated from two years prior when it was simply 1.8% yearly. Whereas the agency admits it exams a bigger and growing older pool, it throws accountability at a rise in DC quick charging use among the many rising EV inhabitants.
Nonetheless, it’s not all dangerous information. Geotab concludes that EV batteries are lasting properly past preliminary expectations and certain past the standard lifetime of a car on U.S. roads, which was practically 13 years as of final 12 months, in response to S&P Global.
“Our newest information reveals that batteries are nonetheless lasting properly past the substitute cycles most fleets plan for,” mentioned Charlotte Argue, Geotab’s Senior Supervisor of Sustainable Mobility. “What has modified is that charging conduct now performs a a lot larger position in how shortly batteries age, giving operators a possibility to handle long-term threat by sensible charging methods.”
What this examine reinforces is that public fast-charging stations are perfect for lengthy freeway journeys the place charging from 10% to 80% comparatively shortly to get again on the highway. That’s why many are constructed or deliberate the place fuel stations can be or hooked up to comfort shops just like the partnership Mercedes-Benz and Buc-ee’s created in 2023.
And DC fast-charging stations are significantly costlier than Stage 2 ones, not to mention charging at dwelling for some folks. In line with Stable.Auto, the nationwide common worth at a Stage 2 public charging station between July 2024 and July 2025 was 25 cents per kWh versus 47 cents for DC quick charging. House charging averaged simply 18 cents per kWh.
Research comparable to Geotab’s present Stage 2 charging nonetheless serves a helpful position in new public charging stations — malls, workplace parks, road parking come to thoughts — the place drivers away from dwelling and in want of some juice can energy up normally extra inexpensively and extend battery life.
