Battery warranty
A separate manufacturer warranty on an EV's traction battery, which may promise a minimum retained capacity over a set period and distance.
The traction battery is the most expensive component in an electric car, and manufacturers often warrant it separately from the rest of the vehicle, with both a year limit and a distance limit. As of September 2026, the US Department of Energy says many manufacturers offer 8-year/100,000-mile battery warranties, and the Australian Government says warranties often cover around 8 years and/or 160,000 km.
Three numbers define such a warranty, and all three vary by manufacturer and market. The duration in years. The distance cap in kilometers or miles. And, most important and most often overlooked, the capacity threshold: the Australian Government says warranties may guarantee that the battery retains above a certain proportion of its original capacity, for example 70%. Such a warranty does not promise a battery that stays like new.
Read the specific terms for the car and market you are buying in, including what voids coverage and what happens if capacity falls below the threshold. The Australian Government notes that some manufacturers offer transferable warranties if scheduled servicing has been done.
Differs by market
Terms vary by manufacturer and market. The Australian Government says warranties often cover around 8 years and/or 160,000 km. The US Department of Energy says many manufacturers offer 8 years/100,000 miles.