GoKawiilGeotab study finds EV batteries lose 2.3% of health per year on average
Fleet company Geotab tracked over 22,700 EVs and found average annual battery degradation of 2.3 percent, rising to 3 percent for cars that frequently fast-charge above 100 kW versus 1.5 percent for those that rarely do. Hot climates added about 0.4 percentage points of extra yearly loss, while separate research from Recurrent on 30,000 US EVs found range drops to roughly 78 percent in freezing temperatures and 70 percent at -7°C.
GoKawiil's interpretation of the reporting above, not reported fact.
The data suggests EV batteries may degrade more slowly than once feared, potentially easing buyer concerns about long-term range and resale value. It also highlights that thermal management—keeping cells balanced within a few degrees of each other and protecting against both overheating from fast charging and lithium plating in cold weather—plays a central role in battery longevity and cold-weather performance.
- Average EV battery degradation measured at 2.3% per year, implying about 77% health after a decade.
- Frequent fast charging above 100 kW roughly doubles yearly degradation compared to rare fast charging.
- Cold weather cuts usable range significantly, with batteries at ~70% of ideal range at -7°C, partly due to cabin heating demands.
ChargePoint Home Flex EV Charger — Since fast DC charging generates the most battery-damaging heat, a well-regulated Level 2 home charger like this lets you charge overnight at a gentler rate that's easier on your battery's thermal management system. It's a smart way to minimize reliance on high-kW public fast chargers for daily charging, helping preserve long-term battery health as described in the article.
See ChargePoint Home Flex EV Charger on Amazon → Affiliate link — we may earn a commission on purchases, at no extra cost to you. Product picked by AI based on this article; it is not a tested recommendation.Source: engadget.com — Luke James, 2026-10-24
Published there as: “What kind of cooling system do EV batteries use and how does it work?”
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