How do I look after an EV battery, and how long will it last?

Charge percentage tells you how full the battery is now. The range estimate predicts how far that charge might take you. Battery health describes its condition or capacity compared with a reference. A battery-health report can add evidence, but ask which test was used and what its limits are. An MOT does not measure the battery’s remaining driving capacity.

Rapid charging is a feature intended for use on cars that support it. Follow the manufacturer’s recommendations about regular charging and temperature. Some manufacturers favour slower charging for everyday use. You do not need to treat an occasional motorway charge as proof of damage, or assume every battery reacts in the same way.

Check the actual warranty for the model, registration date and mileage. Look at the time and mileage limit, any minimum-capacity promise, exclusions and whether the cover transfers to a new owner. A battery warranty is separate from the rest of the car’s warranty. The number of years alone does not tell you everything that is covered.

Follow the handbook’s storage instructions, including the suggested charge level and whether to leave it plugged in. Cars can use energy while parked. Avoid leaving the battery very low for a long period. The small auxiliary battery can also cause starting or unlocking problems, so do not assume every electrical fault means the main battery has failed.

Ask a suitably qualified workshop about warning messages, charging faults or a persistent unexplained change in range. Describe the conditions and recent journeys. Ask what tests and report the quote includes. Do not open the battery or investigate high-voltage parts yourself. A test result should explain what was measured before anyone jumps to a replacement recommendation.