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Electric Cars Now Outlast Gas Vehicles, Landmark Study Shows

In a finding that challenges conventional wisdom about electric vehicle reliability, British researchers have discovered that modern battery-powered cars not only match but can surpass traditional vehicles in longevity. The comprehensive study, analyzing nearly 300 million vehicle inspections, reveals that the latest electric vehicles achieve an average lifespan of 18.4 years and can travel up to 124,000 miles—exceeding the durability of conventional petrol cars.

The research, published today in Nature Energy, draws from an unprecedented dataset of UK Ministry of Transport (MOT) test records between 2005 and 2022, providing the most detailed analysis yet of vehicle survival rates across different power types.

While early electric vehicles showed lower reliability than their gasoline counterparts, rapid technological progress has transformed their durability. The study found that each new generation of battery electric vehicles (BEVs) shows a 12% improvement in reliability compared to modest gains of 6.7% for petrol and 1.9% for diesel vehicles.

Dr. Viet Nguyen-Tien from the London School of Economics, co-author of the study, noted: “Our findings provide critical insights into the lifespan and environmental impact of electric vehicles. No longer just a niche option, BEVs are a viable and sustainable alternative to traditional vehicles – a significant step towards achieving a net-zero carbon future.”

The analysis revealed significant variations in longevity across manufacturers. Tesla emerged as the leader among electric vehicles, while Skoda and Audi topped the rankings for diesel and petrol vehicles, respectively.

The environmental implications are particularly significant. The production of electric vehicles requires six times more critical minerals than conventional cars and generates 50% higher environmental impact during manufacturing. However, this initial environmental cost is increasingly offset by longer vehicle lifespans combined with zero tailpipe emissions.

Professor Robert Elliott from the University of Birmingham, another co-author, emphasized: “BEVs offer significant environmental benefits, especially as Europe switches to a more renewable energy mix. Despite higher initial emissions from production, a long-lasting electric vehicle can quickly offset its carbon footprint, contributing to the fight against climate change – making them a more sustainable long-term option.”

The research team, representing institutions from Britain, Switzerland, and the United States, found that electric vehicles are proving particularly resilient under intensive use. While traditional vehicles show increased failure rates with higher mileage, electric vehicles demonstrate only a 2.5% increase in failure risk per additional daily mile driven, compared to 8.4% for petrol vehicles.

However, the study acknowledges potential challenges ahead. Battery replacement costs, which currently range from $4,000 to over $10,000, could affect long-term ownership decisions. The researchers also note the importance of developing a robust battery recycling infrastructure to fully realize the environmental benefits of extended EV lifespans.

These findings come at a crucial time as governments worldwide push for increased electric vehicle adoption. The demonstrated durability of modern electric vehicles not only validates these policy directions but also provides valuable data for fleet managers and consumers making long-term vehicle investments.

The study’s unprecedented scope—examining about 30 million vehicles through nearly 300 million inspection records—provides the most statistically robust evidence to date of electric vehicles’ improving reliability. This data could prove instrumental in updating life-cycle assessments and total cost of ownership calculations that inform both policy decisions and consumer choices.

As electric vehicle technology continues to mature, the researchers suggest that future models may demonstrate even greater longevity advantages, particularly as battery technology advances and manufacturers refine their designs. The study provides a new framework for evaluating vehicle lifespan that could be applied to emerging technologies in the automotive sector.


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