Quanto durano in media le batterie delle auto elettriche?

I dati più recenti indicano un degrado lento e progressivo: circa l'1% ogni 25.000 km secondo l'analisi Arval, con uno SoH superiore all'85% dopo 8–9 anni. In condizioni ottimali, la batteria può superare i 200.000 km senza necessità di sostituzione.

Cosa si intende per SoH (State of Health)?

Il SoH misura la salute della batteria in percentuale rispetto alla capacità originale. Un SoH del 90% significa che la batteria eroga ancora il 90% dell'energia iniziale. È il parametro più rilevante per valutare una batteria, in particolare in caso di acquisto usato.

La ricarica rapida danneggia la batteria?

Un uso occasionale non è problematico, ma un ricorso frequente alla ricarica ultra-rapida in DC può accelerare il degrado a causa delle alte temperature generate. Per l'uso quotidiano è preferibile la ricarica lenta in corrente alternata tramite wallbox domestica.

Quali garanzie coprono la batteria di un'auto elettrica?

La maggior parte dei produttori offre una garanzia di 8 anni o 160.000 km, con soglia di intervento tra il 70% e l'80% di SoH a seconda del costruttore. A seguito degli impegni presi con l'AGCM nel 2025, alcuni marchi hanno alzato questa soglia a vantaggio degli acquirenti.

Cosa succede alla batteria a fine vita?

Le batterie non più adatte alla trazione possono essere riutilizzate come sistemi di accumulo stazionario, ad esempio per impianti fotovoltaici domestici. Solo successivamente vengono avviate al riciclo, con recupero di litio, cobalto e nichel.

Come posso preservare al meglio la batteria della mia auto elettrica?

Le abitudini più efficaci sono: ricaricare preferibilmente tra il 20% e l’80%, evitare esposizioni prolungate a temperature estreme, limitare la ricarica ultra-rapida all’occorrenza e utilizzare una wallbox per la ricarica notturna a casa.

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Electric mobility

Electric car batteries: lifespan, warranties and practical tips

Real data, current legislation and charging habits for those who own an electric car or are considering making the switch.

The lifespan of batteries is still one of the main questions about electric cars. However, data collected on thousands of vehicles on the road provides concrete answers: modern batteries degrade slowly and, with the right charging habits, can accompany the car throughout its entire life cycle.

How long does a lithium-ion battery really last?

Electric vehicle batteries are made up of lithium-ion cells organized into modules. Their management is entrusted to the BMS, Battery Management System, an electronic system that regulates charge and discharge cycles, preventing thermal stress and preserving the integrity of the battery pack over time.

The available data on wear is positive. An analysis by Arval, BNP Paribas Group, of 8,300 vehicles from 30 brands in 8 European countries found that, on average, electric cars retain 93% of their initial capacity after around 70,000 km, with degradation of around 1% every 25,000 km. The State of Health of the battery, SoH, remains above 90% even after 6 years and 160,000 km.

These results are confirmed by other independent studies. The British start-up Generational analysed over 8,000 vehicles from 36 brands in the United Kingdom, including models up to 12 years old and with 260,000 km driven, finding an average SoH of 95.15% compared to the original capacity. Models that are 8–9 years old still retain 85% of their capacity, with residual range fully compatible with everyday use.

The factors that influence battery longevity

Degradation largely depends on usage and charging habits. The main factors to keep under control are:

Fast charging accelerates deterioration due to high temperatures and higher voltage. It is useful when travelling, but should not be the main charging method.

Keeping the battery between 40% and 80% extends its life. Most manufacturers recommend charging between 20% and 80% in everyday use, avoiding keeping it constantly at 100% or discharging it completely.

Intense heat and cold accelerate internal chemical processes and reduce the efficiency of the battery pack.

Sudden acceleration and aggressive braking stress the battery more than smooth and steady driving.

The BMS adopted by car manufacturers actively intervenes to limit these effects, avoiding complete charge and discharge cycles and extending the useful life of individual cells.

Home charging with a wallbox is the most suitable solution for everyday use: alternating current, AC, is gentler on the battery than ultra-fast DC charging. Enel’s Waybox is an intelligent and connected solution, designed to optimize every overnight charging session.

Warranty and legislation: what the law says

In terms of protection, the regulatory framework is structured. Most manufacturers guarantee batteries for 8 years or 160,000 km, with the intervention threshold generally set when the SoH falls below 70–80%, depending on the brand.

At European level, EU Regulation 2023/1542, applicable from February 2024, introduces binding requirements on transparency and durability. From 2027, data relating to the health of each battery will be accessible through a digital passport readable via QR Code, which will accompany each unit throughout its entire life cycle.

The AGCM, the Italian Antitrust Authority, intervened in December 2025, requiring the main manufacturers to explicitly indicate how and to what extent charging capacity decreases with normal use, and to clearly specify the conditions of the conventional warranty. Following these commitments, some brands have raised the minimum SoH threshold covered by the warranty.

Batteries last longer than people think

With such limited average degradation, electric vehicle batteries are expected to last well beyond the average age of the European car fleet, estimated at around 12–13 years of average life on the road, according to ACEA 2024. Many units could exceed 20 years of useful life in the vehicle. At the end of their traction cycle, batteries no longer suitable for road use can be redirected to a second life as stationary storage systems, for example combined with domestic Photovoltaic systems, before being sent for recycling with recovery of lithium, cobalt and nickel.

The key is to adopt correct charging habits from the very first use. Enel’s electric mobility section offers solutions designed to support every phase of the journey, from choosing the wallbox to charging while travelling.

Frequently asked questions

The most recent data indicates slow and progressive degradation: around 1% every 25,000 km according to the Arval analysis, with SoH above 85% after 8–9 years. Under optimal conditions, the battery can exceed 200,000 km without needing replacement.

SoH measures the health of the battery as a percentage compared to its original capacity. An SoH of 90% means that the battery still delivers 90% of its initial Energy. It is the most relevant parameter for assessing a battery, especially when buying used.

Occasional use is not problematic, but frequent use of ultra-fast DC charging can accelerate degradation due to the high temperatures generated. For everyday use, slow alternating current charging through a home wallbox is preferable.

Most manufacturers offer a warranty of 8 years or 160,000 km, with an intervention threshold between 70% and 80% SoH depending on the manufacturer. Following the commitments made with the AGCM in 2025, some brands have raised this threshold to the benefit of buyers.

Batteries no longer suitable for traction can be reused as stationary storage systems, for example for domestic Photovoltaic systems. Only afterwards are they sent for recycling, with recovery of lithium, cobalt and nickel.

The most effective habits are: preferably charging between 20% and 80%, avoiding prolonged exposure to extreme temperatures, limiting ultra-fast charging to when it is needed and using a wallbox for overnight charging at home.