How long will an electric car’s battery last? It’s a key question for buyers of new EVs and an even more pressing issue when buying used: will the battery need replacing before the car? 28 March 2021 • 7:31pm Lithium-ion battery packs await shipping from a factory in China. Despite manufacturer warranties, few people have a realistic idea of their service life Credit: STR / AFP Ask any electric car maker how long the main drive battery will last and the loudest sound you’ll hear is the shuffling of feet. No one wants to answer the question, yet it’s crucial data for consumers, for the EV market as a whole, for the Government’s electrification strategy and for the environment.