A new study reveals that battery-powered electric vehicles (BEVs) have closed the lifespan and reliability gap compared to traditional petrol and diesel models, marking a significant milestone for fleet operators and automotive manufacturers.
Researchers analysed nearly 300 million UK Ministry of Transport (MOT) test records from 2005 to 2022, providing a detailed assessment of vehicle longevity across different powertrains. The findings indicate that while early-generation BEVs lagged behind internal combustion engine vehicles (ICEVs) in reliability, technological advancements have significantly improved their durability, offering businesses a viable long-term alternative to fossil-fuel-powered fleets.
The study highlights that BEVs have demonstrated the most rapid gains in reliability, with a 12% year-over-year reduction in failure rates, compared to 6.7% for petrol and 1.9% for diesel models. Published in Nature Energy, the research, conducted by teams from the University of Birmingham, London School of Economics, University of California San Diego, and University of Bern finds that today’s BEVs now achieve an average lifespan of 18.4 years and 124,000 miles, surpassing petrol models in total mileage capacity.
For businesses evaluating vehicle longevity, brand performance is a key factor. The study identifies Tesla as the leader among BEVs, while Audi and Skoda rank highest for petrol and diesel vehicle durability, respectively.
These findings provide critical insights for fleet managers, automakers, and policymakers navigating the transition to electrification. With improved longevity and reduced maintenance concerns, BEVs now present a compelling case for businesses seeking cost-effective and sustainable vehicle solutions.
Co-author Robert Elliott, Professor of Economics at the University of Birmingham, commented:
“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.
Our findings offer consumers reliable data to make informed decisions about their vehicle purchases, whilst policymakers can use our insights to shape regulations and incentives that promote the adoption of durable and environmentally friendly vehicles and plan ahead their end-of-life treatment.”
Co-author Dr Viet Nguyen-Tien, from the LSE, commented:
“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 study highlights the importance of advances in technology in promoting the adoption of BEVs. It also provides valuable insights for fleet replacement strategies and planning how to effectively recycle electric vehicles at the end of their working life.
Source www.birmingham.ac.uk
