Battery Degradation Estimator
Estimate how much battery capacity your EV has lost based on age, driving habits, climate, and charging behavior.
Data last updated: March 2026
EV batteries lose capacity gradually over time. Most lose about 2-3% per year under normal conditions, but factors like extreme heat, frequent fast charging, and regularly charging to 100% can speed up the process. This calculator estimates your battery's current health and projects future capacity based on your specific usage patterns.
60 kWh battery | 272 mi EPA range
Degradation Estimates
Year-by-Year Capacity Projection
| Year | Capacity | Est. Range | Range Lost |
|---|---|---|---|
| New | 100.0% | 272 mi | - |
| Year 1 | 97.7% | 266 mi | 6 mi |
| Year 2 | 95.5% | 260 mi | 12 mi |
| Year 3(you) | 93.3% | 254 mi | 18 mi |
| Year 4 | 91.1% | 248 mi | 24 mi |
| Year 5 | 89.0% | 242 mi | 30 mi |
| Year 6 | 87.0% | 237 mi | 35 mi |
| Year 7 | 85.0% | 231 mi | 41 mi |
| Year 8 | 83.0% | 226 mi | 46 mi |
| Year 9 | 81.1% | 221 mi | 51 mi |
| Year 10 | 79.2% | 216 mi | 56 mi |
| Year 11 | 77.4% | 211 mi | 61 mi |
| Year 12 | 75.6% | 206 mi | 66 mi |
| Year 13 | 73.9% | 201 mi | 71 mi |
| Year 14 | 72.2% | 196 mi | 76 mi |
| Year 15 | 70.5% | 192 mi | 80 mi |
How to Maximize Your EV Battery's Lifespan
EV battery degradation is inevitable, but the rate at which it happens is largely within your control. Here are the most impactful steps you can take to keep your battery healthy for as long as possible.
Charge to 80% for Daily Driving
Lithium-ion batteries experience the most stress at very high and very low states of charge. Keeping your daily charge limit at 80% (or whatever your manufacturer recommends) reduces stress on the cells and can add years of usable life. Save the 100% charge for road trips when you actually need the extra range.
Minimize DC Fast Charging
DC fast charging is convenient but generates significantly more heat than Level 2 charging. Heat is the number one enemy of battery longevity. If you can charge at home on Level 2 for your regular needs, your battery will thank you. Using DCFC occasionally for road trips is perfectly fine.
Avoid Extreme Heat Exposure
Parking in the shade, using a garage, and pre-conditioning the battery while plugged in are simple ways to reduce thermal stress. Vehicles parked in consistently hot climates (like Phoenix or Houston) tend to show faster degradation than those in mild regions.
Drive Regularly
Batteries do better when they cycle regularly than when they sit at a fixed state of charge for weeks. If you store your EV for extended periods, keep the charge level around 50% and check it periodically.
Frequently Asked Questions
Most modern EV batteries lose about 2-3% of their capacity per year under normal conditions. After 10 years, a well-maintained battery typically retains 75-85% of its original capacity. Factors like extreme heat, frequent DC fast charging, and regularly charging to 100% can accelerate degradation.
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