Battery Degradation Myths: What Really Impacts Range Over Time
You ever sit in your EV thinking
“Am I killing my battery by charging it overnight”
“Will it be useless in five years”
“Should I even buy an electric car if the battery wears out this fast”
Yeah
Been there
Fell for a few myths myself
Paid the price in worry and bad advice
So here’s the real deal on battery degradation myths: what really impacts range over time
So you stop stressing
And start enjoying your car
I’m Myriam
Makeup artist
EV driver
And part–time battery myth–buster
Why People Worry About Battery Degradation
Because batteries feel mysterious
✅ You can’t see them wearing out
✅ Everyone seems to have a scary story
✅ And they’re the most expensive part of the car
But most of what you’ve heard is nonsense
So let’s fix that
Battery Degradation Myths Busted
Myth 1: “Your battery will be dead in five years”
Nope
✅ Most EVs still have 80%+ capacity after 8–10 years
✅ Many come with 8–year warranties for the battery
✅ Degradation happens slowly — you’ll hardly notice in the first few years
Myth 2: “Fast charging ruins your battery”
Not really
✅ Using rapid chargers occasionally is fine
✅ Constant fast charging all the time can add wear — but not enough to panic about
✅ Balance it with slower home charging when you can
Myth 3: “You have to drain it to 0% and charge to 100% every time”
Please don’t
✅ Lithium–ion batteries hate being fully drained or constantly kept at 100%
✅ Best to keep it between 20%–80% for daily use
✅ Save full charges for long trips
Myth 4: “Heat doesn’t matter”
Oh it does
✅ High temperatures are the biggest killer of battery health
✅ Park in the shade
✅ Don’t leave it baking at 100% charge in the sun
✅ Many EVs have thermal management to protect against this — but you can help too
Myth 5: “Cold weather kills the battery”
Not permanently
✅ Cold can reduce range temporarily because the battery is less efficient
✅ Once it warms up — full capacity returns
✅ Use pre–conditioning if your car has it
What Actually Impacts Your Battery Over Time
Here’s what really matters — based on real experience and science
✅ Temperature — keep it cool when you can
✅ Charging habits — don’t always fast charge, don’t sit at 100%
✅ Mileage — more miles = more cycles = more wear, but slowly
✅ Time — all batteries age a little no matter what
My Own Battery Story
When I got my Leaf
I ignored everything
Left it parked at 100% in the sun all summer
Lost about 10% range faster than I should have
Next car — kept it at 80%
Parked smart
Barely noticed any drop after two years
Lesson: small habits make a big difference
Quick Tips To Keep Your Battery Healthy
☑ Aim for 20%–80% charge for daily driving
☑ Use fast chargers only when needed
☑ Avoid leaving it full in hot weather
☑ Park in shade or garage when possible
☑ Drive it — batteries like being used rather than sitting too long
FAQs About Battery Degradation Myths: What Really Impacts Range Over Time
Will my battery completely die after 10 years?
No — it’ll still work, just with slightly less range.
Is it expensive to replace an EV battery?
It can be — but most batteries last longer than you’ll keep the car.
Does every EV degrade the same?
No — depends on the car, how you treat it, and the climate you live in.
Can I check my battery health?
Yes — many EVs let you see it on the screen or at a dealer.
Should I avoid buying a used EV?
Not at all — just check the battery condition before you buy.
Final Word On Battery Degradation Myths: What Really Impacts Range Over Time
If you follow these tips on battery degradation myths: what really impacts range over time
You’ll save yourself worry
Extend your battery’s life
And enjoy your EV without all the internet horror stories
Look after it
Drive it
And stop overthinking it
