US EV batteries retain most range after high mileage

An analysis of more than 600 electric vehicles, including models from Tesla and BYD, found that battery capacity declines gradually rather than abruptly. Capacity remained around 95% under 50,000 miles, fell to about 92% between 50,000 and 100,000 miles, and stayed near 90% after 100,000 miles, dropping to roughly 85% beyond 200,000 miles. A 2021 Tesla Model 3 with 274,000 miles still delivered 290‑300 miles of range, only 40‑50 miles less than when new.

Data from the EV data platform Recurrent shows the typical US EV keeps 97% of its original range after three years and about 95% after five years, with an average degradation of 2.3% per year and a replacement‑rate of just 0.3% for models from 2022 onward. Despite these improvements, battery‑related concerns continue to affect consumer decisions, contributing to a 28% year‑over‑year decline in new EV sales in June.