A new study has revealed that battery-powered electric vehicles are now more reliable and can match the lifespans of traditional cars and vans with petrol and diesel engines β marking a pivotal moment in the drive towards sustainable transportation.
Researchers used nearly 300 million UK Ministry of Transport (MOT) test records charting the βhealthβ of every vehicle on the United Kingdomβs roads between 2005 and 2022 to estimate vehicle longevity and provide a comprehensive analysis of survival rates for different powertrains.
The international research team found that, although early battery-powered electric vehicles (BEVs) were less reliable than internal combustion engine vehicles (ICEVs), rapid advances in technology have enabled newer BEVs to achieve comparable lifespans, even under more intensive use.
Battery-powered electric vehicles are becoming more reliable
The research found that BEVs demonstrated the most rapid improvement in reliability, with a 12% lower likelihood of failure (hazard rate) for each successive year of production, compared to 6.7% for petrol and 1.9% for diesel vehicles.
On average, battery-powered electric vehicles now have a lifespan of 18.4 years and can travel up to 124,000 miles, surpassing traditional petrol cars in mileage.
The research also identified top-performing brands in terms of vehicle longevity. Tesla leads among BEVs. For petrol and diesel vehicles, Audi and Skoda are the best performers, respectively.
The role of electric vehicles in a low-carbon future
βOur findings provide critical insights into the lifespan and environmental impact of electric vehicles,β commented Dr Viet Nguyen-Tien, from the LSE, who co-authored the study.
βNo longer just a niche option, BEVs are a viable and sustainable alternative to traditional vehicles β a significant step towards achieving a net-zero carbon future.β
Co-author Robert Elliott, Professor of Economics at the University of Birmingham, added: βBattery-powered electric vehicles offer significant environmental benefits, especially as Europe switches to a more renewable energy mix.
βDespite higher initial emissions from production, a long-lasting electric vehicle can quickly offset its carbon footprint, contributing to the fight against climate change β making them a more sustainable long-term option.β
He concluded: βOur findings offer consumers reliable data to make informed decisions about their vehicle purchases, whilst policymakers can use our insights to shape regulations and incentives that promote the adoption of durable and environmentally friendly vehicles and plan ahead their end-of-life treatment.β
What do we do with end-of-life vehicles?
Overall, the study highlights the importance of advances in technology in promoting the adoption of battery-powered electric vehicles.
It also provides valuable insights for fleet replacement strategies and planning how to effectively recycle electric vehicles at the end of their working life.
End-of-life BEVs are recycled to minimise environmental impact and promote a circular economy.
This helps ensure that the materials in the batteries are used again rather than ending up in landfill.
Legislators and policymakers are currently developing new rules around the recycling of batteries from these vehicles; therefore, this new research could help influence future rules on what to do with end-of-life battery-powered electric vehicles.
