Stanford researchers find real-world driving may extend EV battery life

Researchers at the SLAC-Stanford Battery Center have discovered that real-world driving conditions may extend the lifespan of electric vehicle (EV) lithium-ion batteries significantly more than previously estimated. A study suggests that battery longevity could be up to 38 percent higher than industry projections based on standard laboratory testing.

Lead author Simona Onori noted that traditional testing methods, which rely on constant discharge and recharge rates, do not accurately reflect actual usage. In contrast, real-world driving—characterized by frequent acceleration, braking, short stops, and periods of rest—appears to benefit battery health. This finding suggests that EV owners may not need to replace expensive batteries or purchase new vehicles as frequently as experts had anticipated.