Quick answer
Key takeaways
- The typical EV battery warranty is 8 years / 100,000 miles, whichever is first.
- It guarantees a minimum capacity (often ~70%), not zero degradation.
- Battery cover is usually longer than the standard car warranty.
- It transfers to you, but check exactly how many miles and months are left.
How EV battery warranties work
Carmakers warrant the traction battery separately from the rest of the car, and for longer. The cover has two limits, a number of years and a mileage cap, and it runs out when you hit either. Crucially, it doesn't promise the battery won't degrade at all; it promises the pack will stay above a set minimum capacity for the warranty period. If it falls below that threshold within the time and mileage, the manufacturer repairs or replaces it.
The typical 8-year / 100,000-mile promise
Terms vary by brand, but most sit around 8 years / 100,000 miles to about 70% capacity. A few examples of representative cover:
| Maker | Typical battery warranty |
|---|---|
| Most makers (VW, Nissan, Tesla, Vauxhall, Peugeot, BMW…) | 8 years / 100,000 miles to ~70% |
| Kia | 7 years / 100,000 miles |
| Hyundai | 8 years / 100,000 miles (battery) |
| MG | 7 years / 80,000 miles |
| Tesla (Long Range / Performance) | 8 years / 120,000 miles to 70% |
Always confirm the exact terms for the specific model and year, the model guides linked below list the warranty for each car.
What actually triggers a claim
A warranty claim is triggered by capacity falling below the stated threshold (commonly 70%) within the time and mileage limits, not by normal, gradual range loss. On some cars, such as the Nissan Leaf, the threshold is expressed in dashboard capacity bars rather than a percentage. Outright failures are rare and are what the warranty is really there for.
Does the warranty transfer to me?
For almost all mainstream EVs, the battery warranty is tied to the car, not the original owner, so it transfers to you automatically when you buy, subject to the remaining years and mileage. The one big exception to check is a battery lease: some early Renault Zoes were sold with the battery rented on a monthly contract, which changes both the cost and the cover.
How to check the warranty left on a used EV
The Used EV Check shows the remaining battery warranty in both miles and months for the specific car, alongside its estimated battery health and expected range now. It tells you at a glance whether you're buying years of cover or taking on a car that's about to run out. Range and battery data are powered by ClearWatt.
Range and battery-health figures are estimates modelled from real-world data and are shown for the specific vehicle in the Used EV Check. Range data is powered by ClearWatt. A battery-health grade is shown where a manufacturer test record exists, it is a comparative grade, not a measured state-of-health percentage.
Check a used EV before you buy
Enter a registration to see a used EV's battery health, real-world range now vs when new and remaining battery warranty, an instant report for £9.99.
Frequently asked questions
How long is an EV battery warranty?+
Does an EV battery warranty transfer to the new owner?+
What does an EV battery warranty actually cover?+
How do I check how much battery warranty is left?+
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