EV Motor Lifespan: How Long Do Electric Car Motors Last?

Electric cars have a lot of advantages and are therefore becoming more and more popular these days. These cars are practical, eco-friendly, easy to maintain, and cost-effective. 

Many drivers are wondering: how long do EV car motors last? You can find the answer in this article. You will also learn what affects the EV lifespan and how you can extend it.

What Is the Average Electric Car Motor Life Expectancy?

In this section, we will take a closer look into electric vehicle lifespan. We will also look at the electric driving range, which indicates how long your vehicle can drive without recharging, and how it changes depending on the age and mileage of your vehicle.

When buying and using a new EV, it's important to understand its driving range. After all, if the car runs out of power in the middle of a long way, you will get into trouble. In the table below, we list the driving range of the newest cars according to the EPA estimation. This list was updated in May 2022.

Driving range can vary depending on how you drive, weather conditions, road quality, and the age of your vehicle. When it comes to your car's age, it's worth keeping in mind that battery capacity decreases over time. But it's hard to say how long your motor and battery will last. Each manufacturer guarantees a different rate of possible mileage. For example, the Tesla electric car motor life expectancy reaches 1 million miles, and its battery can last up to 500,000 miles without replacement. At the same time, manufacturers say that the battery capacity is reduced by 20% after only 200,000. It is also interesting that some electric car manufacturers are willing to cover battery packs when the battery capacity drops to 60-70%.

Electric cars were introduced to the market not long ago and are constantly improving. Every year, batteries become more powerful and long-term. Therefore, at this point, it is difficult to say exactly how long your electric car will last. The average electric car motor life expectancy is 15-20 years. But the performance of the motor is affected by various factors. You can read about these factors, as well as ways to avoid some problems and extend the life of the motor, in the next section. 

What Affects Electric Car Motor Lifespan

An electric motor has simpler construction than a diesel engine. Therefore, it is easier to maintain. But you should still take the maintenance of the electric motor very seriously. After all, proper maintenance can extend the life expectancy of electric car motors. If you want an electric car to work long without breaking down, pay attention to the following:

Driving style

Electric cars are equipped with regenerative braking. This allows you to drive without acceleration. Driving at a steady pace without significant speed changes reduces strain on the brakes and thus minimizes wear and tear.

Cleanliness

In an electric car, the battery pack is located at the bottom of the vehicle's body. Therefore, the battery is highly susceptible to various contaminants. Chemicals, dirt, dust, and particles of debris that get inside weaken the bearing balls and raceways. As a result, the motor wears out faster. There is also the problem of battery corrosion. Debris entering the cooling fan can block it. As a result, the thermoregulation of the motor is impaired, which may lead to overheating, efficiency reduction, and even failure.

All of these problems can be avoided by checking the battery and the underneath of the car regularly and removing any possible contamination.

Temperature

Electric cars have a good thermoregulation system to protect the battery from overheating. Still, extreme temperatures can negatively affect the electric motor's performance. If you frequently drive in cold or very hot weather, the motor's performance will decrease much faster. To prevent fast motor wear and tear due to temperature, it is recommended to avoid using the car in extreme weather conditions, park in the shade or in a place well protected from the cold.

Cooling system function

The optimal temperature for the battery pack is 70° F. This temperature ensures maximum electric car motor life expectancy. This temperature is achieved through a combination of active and passive heating and cooling. To keep it, we recommend regular maintenance of the cooling system and replacement of the coolant and air filter. The air filter should be changed every 2 years and the coolant after 15 years of the motor operation.

Low Resistance

Low resistance is very bad for the engine and can even lead to engine failure. Physical damage, overheating, and corrosion can lead to poor winding insulation. Insufficient winding insulation can result in short circuits, leaks, and motor failure. To avoid this problem, have your vehicle inspected regularly.

Charging the battery

The capacity of an electric vehicle's battery decreases gradually. Over time, you will need to charge the battery more often. But if you charge your battery properly, it will last longer. You can install a home charging station in your house and charge your car at night:

• It is not advisable to fully discharge the battery. If the battery is under 20%, it is a good idea to recharge it.
• Do not overload the battery. Charge it only when you need to.
• If you are not going to use the car for a while, keep the charge level between 25% and 75%.

EV vs. Gas Car Motor Expectancy

Choosing between a conventional gasoline car and an electric car? In this section, we compare the longevity of electric cars and gasoline cars. They have a lot in common, but there are also some differences in construction, maintenance, and the lifespan of certain parts.

We will start with what these types of cars have in common:

Vehicle frame and body construction

These are fairly durable and long-lasting auto parts. They may last more or less, depending on environmental factors. But, as a rule, they are not replaced throughout the lifetime of the car, whether it is a conventional or an electric one.

Electrical systems

The electrical systems of the vehicle include the radio, navigation, headlights, taillights, and power windows. These parts are the same for gas and electric vehicles. On average, they can last up to 10 years.

Steering and suspension components

Whether you drive an EV or a gasoline car, you're going to use these parts anyway. They are also the same for these two types of vehicles. The average lifespan of steering and suspension components varies from 6 to 10 years.

Tires

The longevity of the tires is affected by the driver's style as well as alignment maintenance. You can extend the life of your tires with timely maintenance. On average, you will need to replace this part for an electrical or conventional car once every 4-5 years.

Windshield wipers and cabin filters

They can last from 6 to 12 months, after which they should be replaced. Their life expectancy is generally affected by external factors.

The 12V battery

The 12V battery is used in both types of vehicles, and its lifespan depends on how you drive your car. It will normally last from 5 to 7 years.

Brake hydraulics and calipers

They are exactly the same for an electronic car and a conventional gas car. They require maintenance every 2 years.

But still, there are many differences between a conventional car that drives using gasoline and an electrical car. Below, we will take a look at the main parts of these cars to understand how they differ and how these differences affect the electric car longevity.

Motor

The engine of an electric car is very different from the engine of a gasoline car. An electric motor has only one moving part. Every 100,000 miles, the coolant needs to be changed. An engine is composed of many parts. It is much harder to care for. The coolant, oil, air filters, and probably spark plugs need to be changed. But despite the different designs and care, the average lifespan of an electric car and of an engine car both is quite long, up to 20 years.

Transmission

In a traditional car, transmission can last about 15 years. You should have the transmission serviced on average every 100,000 miles. An electrical car does not need transmission at all.

Battery

Lithium-ion battery packs are used for electric vehicles. Their average life is about 200,000 miles. On average, that's about 20 years, but there are also batteries that can last much longer, with the average life of a typical car being 11.9 years.

Brakes

Electric cars use regenerative braking. Because of this, the hydraulic brake system is not used very much. The braking mechanism of an EV lasts much longer than the braking mechanism of a conventional gasoline car. Electric car brakes can last up to 100,000 miles, while gasoline car brakes only last from 25,000 to 65,000 miles.

Regardless of the type of vehicle chosen, every driver wants their car to last as long as possible. Electric cars and conventional gasoline cars have their advantages and disadvantages. Because of the lithium-ion battery packs used for electric cars, they cost more but last longer and are easier to maintain.

If you want to know how cost-effective it is to buy an electric car, use the EV calculator on our website. This calculator can help estimate the expenses for gas vs. electric cars. But do not forget that, if you want your car to last, it must be properly maintained. With careful driving and timely maintenance, an electric car, just like a gasoline car, can go over the limit.

Consider Selling Your Car to JunkCarsUS

Buying a new car is always a great idea. And buying an electric car is not only a good investment – it is also good for the environment. But what do you do with your old car? You have several options. You can keep it, just in case. You can sell it to someone. Or, if it is damaged and cannot be used anymore, you can sell it to a junk car buyer.

JunkCarsUS accepts cars of all sizes and in any condition. We can even buy a totaled car from you. We offer high prices and same-day pickup. Fill out a form on our website, calculate the price of your car, and we will collect it within 24 hours.

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