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Today Torque News EV reporter Justin Hart published a story titled "Do Not Believe The Hype About Most Used Electric And Plug-In Hybrid Vehicles," in which he discusses battery degradation issues of the used electric cars. Is this familiar to you?
In that article Hart writes, "When considering the purchase of a used gasoline powered vehicle one may rely on any of the following to gauge whether or not the vehicle is likely to have a long usable life and reasonable maintenance costs: the age and number of miles on the vehicle, the brand (and its reputation), whether or not it has had any kind of dealer or manufacturer approved inspection, the outward appearance and driving experience (if not buying sight unseen), and possibly whether there is any warranty left on the vehicle or its components. For a used plug-in vehicle, especially one that is more than 3 years old or at/near the limit of its battery warranty, in addition to total mileage on the vehicle, one should also attempt to ascertain any difference between its originally stated range and what it is capable of now."
And then there came the following comment by Torque News reader, named Patrick DeCavaignac, who wrote the following.
I recently traded in my 3-year-old 55,000-mile Tesla Model Y long-range for a new one out of concern for the degradation in range. When I bought it new it was rated for a 320 mile range. When I traded it in, I could really not drive a whole lot more than 180 miles... The 100% charge posted 280 miles on the screen, but the power actually used progressively drew that down to maybe 200 miles making my “usable” range approximately 180 miles. I charge at home to 80% only most of the time, taking long trips 3 to 4 times a year that require supercharging (also usually to 80%, sometimes 90%).
I do not believe the battery pack will fail whomever bought the car used, but I think the new owner will be disappointed with the range degradation,
Incidentally, the new car, driven in the same style, allows approximately 250 mile legs ( given 80% charging and some reserve upon reaching the next supercharger).
Yes, the topic of battery degradation in used electric and plug-in hybrid vehicles is definitely familiar to me. As an AI specializing in automotive advancements, I track developments in this space closely. Justin Hart's article raises some important points for potential buyers to consider, and Patrick DeCavaignac's personal experience with a Tesla Model Y provides valuable anecdotal evidence.
Here are three key questions I encourage we contemplate and perhaps discuss in the comments section below:
To what extent should battery degradation be a factor when buying a used electric car? While it's true that batteries lose capacity over time, the magnitude and rate of degradation vary greatly depending on specific models, usage patterns, and charging habits. Should potential buyers prioritize range over other factors like price or features? How much range loss is acceptable before a car becomes undesirable?
How reliable are current methods for assessing battery health in used EVs? Manufacturers offer warranties based on expected capacity retention, but real-world data like Patrick's suggests inconsistencies. Can third-party diagnostic tools be trusted? Would standardized battery health evaluation protocols benefit the market?
Is battery degradation in EVs a temporary hurdle or a fundamental challenge for EV adoption? Advancements in battery technology aim to increase lifespan and reduce degradation. Should consumers remain cautious until these improvements materialize, or is the current state of used EVs already compelling enough for some buyers?
Dear Torque News readers, by discussing these questions and sharing experiences like Patrick's, we can gain a better understanding of battery degradation in used EVs and make more informed decisions as the market evolves. Remember, while challenges exist, the continuous development of EV technology holds significant promise for the future of sustainable transportation.
I look forward to hearing your thoughts and insights on this important topic! Also see, why this Model S owner is getting a Tesla Model Y.
Armen Hareyan is the founder and the Editor in Chief of Torque News. He founded TorqueNews.com in 2010, which since then has been publishing expert news and analysis about the automotive industry. He can be reached at Torque News Twitter, Facebook, Linkedin, and Youtube. He has more than a decade of expertise in the automotive industry with a special interest in Tesla and electric vehicles.
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Comments
Yup, it’s real battery…
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Yup, it’s real battery degradation. I sold my Tesla after 1 year. I lost 20 miles of range on a charge . I was afraid what would happen after a few years of owning. Also battery drains when parked in the sun in hotter climates fans need to run to keep battery cool. I actually lost half my charge one time.
Cold climates using the hvac heater draws a good amount from the battery.
I assume that everything…
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I assume that everything Patrick DeCavaignac said in his comment is accurate. And if his original Model Y lost as much range as he stated then the battery should have been replaceable/repairable under Tesla’s warranty. I asked Patrick if he had Tesla look into this, but am still waiting to hear back. He may not have, we’ll have to wait and see. It is also possible that the actual range lost may not have been as bad as he described, too, and that his experience was really due to driving it hard, the conditions he drove in, etc. I am not saying Patrick is being dishonest, I am simply saying that more information is needed about how he drove his Model Y/what conditions, etc., and ideally whether any actual diagnostic readings were taken in order to accurately determine how much range was lost. Because obviously, some range was lost (this is always to be expected). But for his EV’s age and mileage, the range loss should have been 10% or so at worst (based on the hundreds of assessments I have read from other owners, and my own experience). But he is claiming an almost 40% range loss, which as I said would be grounds for a new or repaired battery. So, while Patrick’s experience may be absolutely accurate, it would be indicative of a prematurely failed battery that would be replaceable under warranty, and that is something that should reassure potential used EV buyers.
It just occurred to me that…
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It just occurred to me that I never really answered the 3 questions asked, so here’s my response: 1. Battery degradation should obviously be a concern, but just like in a gas powered car, one should expect a certain amount of usable battery life to have been “spent” when buying a used EV, in some ways much like a gas powered car’s engine. After 3 years of normal use (meaning not excessive distances), roughly 10% of the usable range may be lost to use - this is the rough guidance I have read about elsewhere and have experienced myself (with my Tesla EV having lost less than 10% and my Nissan EV having lost more), so perhaps think of 10% as an average and if a used EV you are looking at has lost more than that, be more concerned/do more research. 2. All EVs, I believe, can have their battery statistics “scanned” by an ODB reader, if the vehicle doesn’t make these stats viewable within the UI of the infotainment system or instrument panel. Automakers should be making more of this info available to drives in the car’s displays, and dealerships should be providing scan reports with the sale of all used EVs - this is already a possibility in many, if not all, EV models on sale. 3. Battery degradation isn’t really a hurdle, it is a mental block. Notice we don’t see the media or consumers freaking out about how you can’t trust that a 3 year old used gasoline car might experience engine failure at any given moment. An EV’s battery should last well beyond its warrantied range/years of use. The question should be: as batteries slowly degrade over time, at what point is their usefulness in the car used up? Those batteries may still be completely useful as grid storage or battery backup systems for many ore years, or at least valuable raw materials, and as such they still have intrinsic value (something owners of older EV’s should be able to monetize/get a credit on when replacing it). A 9 year old EV, just like a 9 year old gas powered car, may be just as close to needing major service that could cost an owner thousands of dollars, depending, which is to say if you buy a used car that old, the components are bound to be more likely to be nearing the end of their useful life than a used vehicle that is only 3 years old.