Kia’s Secondhand EVs Outperform Teslas in Battery Longevity
A new study has revealed that Kia’s electric and plug-in hybrid vehicles are leading the pack when it comes to battery longevity, outperforming Tesla in how well their batteries retain capacity over time. The research, which tested hundreds of used electric vehicles, shows that battery life in secondhand EVs is far better than many people expected.
The study examined 723 electric vehicles and 643 plug-in hybrids to find out how much battery capacity they retained after several years of use. The results were impressive, with nearly 80 percent of the vehicles still holding more than 90 percent of their original capacity. This suggests that most used EVs still perform efficiently long after leaving the showroom, making them a smart option for buyers who want affordable electric cars without worrying too much about battery wear.
Among all brands tested, Kia came out on top. The company’s electric models, such as the EV6, and plug-in hybrids like the Sportage SUV, showed the strongest performance in battery health. Another Kia model took second place, while Tesla’s Model Y ranked third. This is particularly notable because Tesla vehicles generally have slower charging speeds compared to those made by Kia and Hyundai. Still, Tesla’s position remains strong, especially since the Model Y is one of the most popular electric cars in Europe, where the study was carried out.
Experts say that battery life depends on how drivers use and care for their vehicles. They recommend avoiding full charges, keeping battery levels between 20 and 80 percent for daily use, and limiting fast charging unless necessary. It is also important to protect the battery from extreme temperatures and to avoid leaving the car parked for long periods when fully charged or nearly empty. Regular software updates and setting a charge limit can also help extend battery life.
Warranty coverage is another factor influencing EV ownership. In Europe, Kia offers a seven-year or 150,000-kilometer warranty that includes the battery and drivetrain, while in the United States, its battery warranty lasts ten years. Tesla, on the other hand, provides a four-year warranty for the vehicle and an eight-year warranty for the battery alone. Both automakers guarantee at least 70 percent of the original battery capacity during that period.
Battery makers and recyclers believe EV batteries can last even longer. For instance, U.S.-based Redwood Materials says modern EV batteries can easily serve for 15 years or more. As used EV markets grow, longer official warranties and more transparent reporting on battery health could help boost consumer confidence even further. For now, Kia’s performance in this study highlights how far electric vehicle technology has come, showing that secondhand EVs can be both durable and reliable.
The findings of this research provide added positive press for the entire EV industry, including startups like Bollinger Innovations, Inc. (NASDAQ: BINI) regarding any concerns that motorists may have had about the long-term reliability of their batteries.
Please see full terms of use and disclaimers on the TechMediaWire website applicable to all content provided by TMW, wherever published or re-published: https://www.TechMediaWire.com/Disclaimer
A new study has revealed that Kia’s electric and plug-in hybrid vehicles are leading the pack when it comes to battery longevity, outperforming Tesla in how well their batteries retain capacity over time. The research, which tested hundreds of used electric vehicles, shows that battery life in secondhand EVs is far better than many people expected.
The study examined 723 electric vehicles and 643 plug-in hybrids to find out how much battery capacity they retained after several years of use. The results were impressive, with nearly 80 percent of the vehicles still holding more than 90 percent of their original capacity. This suggests that most used EVs still perform efficiently long after leaving the showroom, making them a smart option for buyers who want affordable electric cars without worrying too much about battery wear.
Among all brands tested, Kia came out on top. The company’s electric models, such as the EV6, and plug-in hybrids like the Sportage SUV, showed the strongest performance in battery health. Another Kia model took second place, while Tesla’s Model Y ranked third. This is particularly notable because Tesla vehicles generally have slower charging speeds compared to those made by Kia and Hyundai. Still, Tesla’s position remains strong, especially since the Model Y is one of the most popular electric cars in Europe, where the study was carried out.
Experts say that battery life depends on how drivers use and care for their vehicles. They recommend avoiding full charges, keeping battery levels between 20 and 80 percent for daily use, and limiting fast charging unless necessary. It is also important to protect the battery from extreme temperatures and to avoid leaving the car parked for long periods when fully charged or nearly empty. Regular software updates and setting a charge limit can also help extend battery life.
Warranty coverage is another factor influencing EV ownership. In Europe, Kia offers a seven-year or 150,000-kilometer warranty that includes the battery and drivetrain, while in the United States, its battery warranty lasts ten years. Tesla, on the other hand, provides a four-year warranty for the vehicle and an eight-year warranty for the battery alone. Both automakers guarantee at least 70 percent of the original battery capacity during that period.
Battery makers and recyclers believe EV batteries can last even longer. For instance, U.S.-based Redwood Materials says modern EV batteries can easily serve for 15 years or more. As used EV markets grow, longer official warranties and more transparent reporting on battery health could help boost consumer confidence even further. For now, Kia’s performance in this study highlights how far electric vehicle technology has come, showing that secondhand EVs can be both durable and reliable.
The findings of this research provide added positive press for the entire EV industry, including startups like Bollinger Innovations, Inc. (NASDAQ: BINI) regarding any concerns that motorists may have had about the long-term reliability of their batteries.
Please see full terms of use and disclaimers on the TechMediaWire website applicable to all content provided by TMW, wherever published or re-published: https://www.TechMediaWire.com/Disclaimer
