Data compiled by the Swedish used car marketplace Carla indicates that electric vehicle (EV) battery degradation is less severe than many consumers anticipate. An analysis of 9,954 battery health tests conducted between 2022 and 2026 shows that models from Kia and Hyundai lead the market in capacity retention, with top-performing vehicles maintaining over 97 percent of their original battery health after 62,000 miles.
Top-Performing EV Models for Battery Health
According to the Carla study, the Kia e-Niro (64kWh) and the Hyundai Kona (64kWh) set the industry benchmark, retaining 97.25 percent and 97.18 percent of their battery capacity, respectively, after 62,000 miles. The Kia EV6 (77.4kWh) rounded out the top three with a 95.95 percent retention rate.
Notable performers include the Volvo XC40 Recharge (94.70 percent) and the BMW i3 (94.77 percent). Tesla models, including the Model 3 and Model X, also appear throughout the rankings, with even the lowest-performing vehicle in the study—the Volkswagen ID3 (58kWh)—retaining 91.7 percent of its capacity.
Did you know?
A separate Swedish study found that eight out of 10 used electric cars retain more than 90 percent of their original battery capacity, further challenging the narrative that EV batteries lose significant range within the first few years of ownership.
Industry Trends in Battery Longevity
The Carla findings align with broader industry research, such as studies tracking battery performance over 1.25 million miles, which consistently suggest that modern lithium-ion packs are designed to outlast many other major mechanical components.
The Carla dataset highlights the performance of the Tesla Model 3 (CATL-LFP), which showed 93.34 percent capacity retention, suggesting that chemistry choices are becoming as important to consumers as vehicle range or charging speed.
Frequently Asked Questions
Does EV battery degradation make a car unreliable after 60,000 miles?
No. Based on the 9,954 tests analyzed by Carla, even the lowest-performing model retained 91.7 percent of its battery capacity at 62,000 miles, suggesting that significant range loss is rare for vehicles in this mileage bracket.
Which brands have the best battery retention?
The study found that Kia and Hyundai models currently hold the highest capacity retention, with the Kia e-Niro and Hyundai Kona both exceeding 97 percent capacity after 62,000 miles.
Is there a difference between battery types?
Yes. The study tracks various battery configurations, including different chemical compositions like LG Chem and CATL. Data shows that while all analyzed models performed well, specific pairings of vehicle and battery chemistry can influence long-term health metrics.
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