Electric van batteries proving far more durable than expected, study finds

• EV battery age far slower than feared
• Generational 2025 Battery Performance Index
• Average battery State of Health (SoH) was recorded at 95.15%
• Even older electric vans performed better than many buyers might expect
• Important implications for the used van market

Concerns about electric vehicle battery degradation may be overstated, according to one of the largest real-world studies of battery health conducted in the UK.

The Generational 2025 Battery Performance Index, based on more than 8,000 battery health assessments from UK vehicles, suggests that most EV batteries are ageing far more slowly than many buyers assume, even in high-mileage vehicles.

Across all vehicles analysed, the average battery State of Health (SoH) was recorded at 95.15%, challenging the perception that EV batteries deteriorate rapidly after only a few years on the road.

For van operators, the findings suggest that mileage alone is a poor indicator of battery condition. Vehicles with more than 100,000 miles frequently recorded battery health scores between 88% and 95%, undermining the assumption that high mileage means increased battery risk.

^{(Select Van Leasing writer Phil Huff behind the wheel of the electric Farizon Supervan)}

Older vehicles still performing strongly

Even older vehicles performed better than many buyers might expect. According to the study, vehicles between eight and nine years old retained a median battery capacity of around 85%, comfortably above the 70% threshold that typically triggers manufacturer warranty claims.

However, the report also found that battery performance becomes more varied as vehicles age. While four- to five-year-old vehicles maintained a strong median health of around 93.5%, some individual examples showed noticeably lower figures.

This suggests battery failure remains rare, but highlights the value of independent battery testing, particularly when buying a used electric vehicle.

^{(Phil Huff checks out the new electric Renault Trafic E-Tech)}

Implications for used electric vans

The findings have important implications for the used van market. If battery degradation proves less severe than feared, it may support stronger resale values for electric vans — particularly those used in high-mileage fleet operations — which, in turn, can lead to lower lease rates.

Instead of focusing purely on age or mileage, the report suggests that verified battery condition is becoming the most important factor when assessing the long-term value of an electric vehicle.

Manufacturer battery warranties typically cover eight years or 100,000 miles, guaranteeing at least 70% remaining capacity, and the data suggests most vehicles remain comfortably above that level. 

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