If you’re shopping for an electric car, you’ve probably seen the phrase “8‑year/100,000‑mile EV battery warranty” over and over. It sounds reassuring, but what does that EV warranty really cover? Does it protect you from battery degradation, or just outright failure? And what happens if you’re buying a used EV that’s already a few years into its warranty clock?
Key takeaway
Every new EV sold in the U.S. today includes a separate high‑voltage battery warranty, typically at least 8 years/100,000 miles – but the details on capacity loss, transferability, and exclusions vary widely by brand.
How EV warranties work in 2025
Modern EVs carry multiple overlapping warranties, and it’s easy to mix them up. At a high level, you’ll see three buckets of coverage on a new electric vehicle:
- Bumper‑to‑bumper warranty – covers most non‑wear items (electronics, interior, many mechanical parts) for around 3–4 years or 36,000–50,000 miles.
- Powertrain or electric drive unit warranty – covers the motor(s), gearbox, and related drivetrain components. On EVs this often matches the battery term, but not always.
- High‑voltage battery warranty – covers the traction battery pack and usually the battery management and thermal systems for at least 8 years/100,000 miles, sometimes longer.
EV warranty landscape at a glance (2025)
When you see a headline like “10‑year/100,000‑mile EV warranty,” you need to ask two questions: Which components are covered for that long? and what’s the capacity guarantee? A generous term with a weak degradation clause can be much less valuable than a shorter term with a clear promise.
Watch the clocks
Each EV warranty has its own start date. The battery warranty usually starts when the vehicle is first put into service, not when you buy it used. A 2021 car bought in 2025 could already be four years into an 8‑year battery warranty.
What an EV battery warranty actually covers
The high‑voltage battery warranty is the star of the EV warranty show, because a replacement pack can cost five figures. In 2025, most automakers structure battery coverage around three ideas:
The three pillars of EV battery warranty coverage
Understanding these helps you know when you actually have a claim
Defects & failures
Covers manufacturing defects in the battery pack and related components. If the pack fails outright (won’t hold a charge, throws persistent fault codes), that’s usually covered during the warranty term.
Thermal & control systems
Many EV warranties include cooling systems, contactors, wiring, and the battery management system (BMS). If a failed coolant pump damages the pack, the resulting repair may be covered.
Capacity retention
Most brands now promise the battery will retain at least around 70% of its original usable capacity during the warranty period. Drop below that threshold and you may be eligible for repair or replacement.
What’s usually covered is abnormal loss of capacity or outright failure that can be traced to defects or internal issues. What’s usually not covered: normal wear, damage from crashes, or abuse like repeated overheating. We’ll dig into exclusions in a moment.
How claims are handled
Automakers rarely swap an entire pack at the first sign of degradation. They may replace individual modules or install a remanufactured pack that meets your vehicle’s original capacity within the promised threshold.
Capacity guarantees and battery degradation
All lithium‑ion batteries lose capacity over time. Automakers know this, which is why nearly all modern EV battery warranties now include an explicit capacity retention guarantee, typically promising that the pack will maintain at least 70% of its original capacity for the duration of the warranty.
- Typical EV warranties allow for some degradation. Losing a few percent in the first year or two is normal and not grounds for a claim by itself.
- Manufacturers usually set a clear floor, often 70% of original usable capacity. If your pack drops below that while still in‑term, you can open a warranty case.
- Capacity is measured using the car’s diagnostics and sometimes a standardized test procedure, not just what a third‑party app reports.
California is raising the bar
Beginning with certain 2026 model‑year vehicles in California, regulators are requiring EV batteries to retain at least 70% of range for 10 years/150,000 miles, with future rules targeting 80%. Other CARB‑aligned states are likely to follow over time.
For most drivers, the real‑world story is encouraging. Large data sets from fleet operators and analytics firms show that many modern EVs lose roughly 2–3% capacity per year on average in normal use, and sometimes less with mild climates and careful charging habits. That means you may never need to use the capacity floor in your warranty, but it’s valuable protection if you do.
How leading brands structure EV battery warranties
While federal rules set a minimum, brands compete on how generous, and how clear, their EV and battery warranties are. Here’s a simplified snapshot of how some major players approach battery coverage for U.S. models in 2025 (always verify details for your specific model and year):
Typical EV battery warranty terms by brand (2025, U.S.)
These are representative examples. Specific models and trims may differ, and terms can change.
| Brand | Example models | Years / miles | Capacity guarantee | Notable points |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Tesla | Model 3, Model Y, Model S, Model X | 8 yrs / 100k–150k mi | ~70% | Coverage varies by model; higher‑end models get higher mileage limits. |
| Hyundai / Kia / Genesis | IONIQ 5/6, EV6, EV9, GV60, etc. | 10 yrs / 100k mi | ~70% | Among the longest battery warranties in the market; often covers motor and EV powertrain as well. |
| Ford | Mustang Mach‑E, F‑150 Lightning | 8 yrs / 100k mi | ~70% | Battery and electric drivetrain covered together; capacity floor similar to Tesla. |
| GM brands | Chevrolet Bolt EUV, Cadillac Lyriq | 8 yrs / 100k mi | ~70% | Coverage generally includes defects and excessive degradation in high‑voltage components. |
| Nissan | Leaf, Ariya | 8 yrs / 100k mi | ~70% | One of the earliest brands to spell out capacity‑loss coverage specifically. |
| Rivian | R1T, R1S | 8 yrs / 175k mi | ~70% | Standout mileage coverage for both battery and drive unit on adventure‑oriented trucks and SUVs. |
| Mercedes‑Benz, BMW, others | EQS, i4, iX, etc. | 8–10 yrs / 100k–155k mi | ~70% | Premium brands sometimes stretch years or miles; details vary by model. |
Always confirm warranty wording in the official owners manual or warranty booklet for the exact vehicle you’re buying.
Don’t assume every EV from a brand has the same warranty
Automakers can change terms mid‑cycle, and plug‑in hybrids often have different battery warranties than full battery‑electric vehicles. Always check the VIN‑specific warranty booklet, especially on a used car.
Used EV warranty transfer and CPO coverage
Used EV shoppers enjoy a major advantage over buyers of older gasoline cars: in many cases, there’s still factory EV battery coverage left. But you need to know whether that coverage transfers and how much term is remaining.
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Does the EV battery warranty transfer?
For most mainstream brands, yes. Tesla, Ford, GM, Hyundai, Kia, Nissan, and many others make the high‑voltage battery warranty transferable to subsequent owners for the remaining time and mileage.
A few brands offer enhanced terms only for the first owner or add conditions for transfer. Always read the "limitations" section in the warranty booklet for phrases like "original owner" or "subsequent owners."
How to verify remaining coverage on a used EV
- Ask the seller for a copy of the original warranty booklet and in‑service date.
- Use the VIN at an authorized dealer to confirm the warranty start date and open campaigns.
- Check the odometer and compare against the mileage limit on the battery warranty.
If you’re buying through Recharged, the Recharged Score Report shows verified battery health and in‑service dates so you can see, at a glance, how much factory coverage is still on the table.
CPO and marketplace advantages
Manufacturer CPO programs and specialist marketplaces like Recharged can layer additional coverage on top of the factory EV warranty, and they often pre‑screen vehicles for battery health, saving you from nasty surprises.
Federal rules, California standards, and future changes
In the U.S., you’re not relying purely on goodwill. There are baseline legal requirements that shape how automakers structure EV and battery warranties, plus stricter rules coming from California and other clean‑air states.
- At the federal level, manufacturers must cover EV and hybrid propulsion batteries for at least 8 years/100,000 miles. That’s why almost every new EV you see meets or exceeds that number.
- California’s Air Resources Board (CARB) is phasing in tougher standards. Certain 2026‑and‑newer EVs sold there will need batteries that retain at least 70% of range for 10 years/150,000 miles, and future rules ratchet that up further.
- Many states adopt CARB rules. If you live in a CARB state, your EV may carry a more favorable battery warranty or emissions‑related coverage than the same car sold in a non‑CARB state.
Why this matters for a used EV
A 2027 EV originally sold in California could have stronger battery warranty protections than an identical vehicle sold new in a non‑CARB state. When you’re comparing used EVs, it’s worth asking where the car was first sold and titled.
What’s not covered in an EV warranty
EV warranties are generous on paper, but they’re not blank checks. Nearly every warranty booklet carves out a familiar set of exclusions that you should understand before you assume a future repair will be free.
Common EV battery warranty exclusions
These are the areas where most owners get tripped up
Accidents & external damage
Damage to the pack from a collision, flooding, road debris, or improper lifting is typically not covered under the EV warranty. That’s an insurance claim, not a warranty claim.
Improper charging or modifications
Using unapproved chargers, frequently charging outside recommended limits, aftermarket battery mods, or tampering with wiring can give the manufacturer grounds to deny coverage.
Abuse & extreme conditions
Frequent operation or storage in very high or low temperatures outside the vehicle’s design envelope may fall under “abuse." Routine hot or cold weather use is fine, but intentionally pushing limits isn’t.
Normal wear & tear
All batteries lose some capacity with time. Mild range loss that keeps you above the warranty’s capacity threshold is almost always considered normal wear, not a defect.
Be wary of “resettable” or renewable warranties
A growing number of products use renewable 1‑year battery warranties marketed as “8‑year” coverage, but only if you visit a dealer every year or meet other strict conditions. Read the fine print; if renewal requires extra hoops, treat it more like a service plan than true 8‑year coverage.
Extended EV warranties and service contracts
Because EV batteries are expensive, third‑party and manufacturer‑backed vehicle service contracts are becoming more popular. Done right, they can smooth out ownership costs. Done poorly, they duplicate coverage or exclude the very components you care about.
When an extended plan can make sense
- You plan to keep the EV well beyond the factory warranty window.
- The contract clearly names the high‑voltage battery and major EV components, with minimal exclusions.
- The provider has a solid track record paying claims on EVs, not just gas cars.
Look for exclusionary contracts (they list what’s not covered) rather than vague inclusionary lists that may skip key EV parts.
Red flags to avoid
- Contracts that exclude the high‑voltage battery entirely.
- Fine print that allows the provider to deny claims based on “normal degradation” even below the factory warranty capacity floor.
- “Lifetime” EV warranties tied to strict service requirements, single‑dealer servicing, or high deductibles.
If you’re buying a used EV through a marketplace like Recharged, ask how any optional service contract interacts with the remaining factory battery warranty so you’re not paying twice for the same coverage.
How Recharged helps you make sense of EV warranties
EV warranties are powerful consumer protections, but only if you understand them well enough to use them. That’s where a specialist platform like Recharged can tilt the playing field back in your favor, especially when you’re shopping used.
What Recharged brings to the table
Support that goes beyond a basic vehicle history report
Recharged Score Report
Every vehicle listed with Recharged includes a Recharged Score Report with verified battery health. That gives you an objective view of current capacity, crucial context alongside remaining warranty term.
EV specialist guidance
Recharged’s EV‑specialist team can help you interpret warranty booklets, in‑service dates, and degradation data so you know what coverage you still have and how to preserve it.
End‑to‑end buying experience
From online shopping to financing, trade‑in, and nationwide delivery, Recharged is built to make EV ownership simple and transparent, without the usual dealership pressure.
Pre-purchase EV warranty checklist
EV warranty due diligence before you sign
1. Identify every warranty on the car
List the bumper‑to‑bumper, powertrain/drive‑unit, and high‑voltage battery warranties separately, with their time and mileage limits.
2. Confirm the in‑service date
Ask for documentation or have a dealer run the VIN so you know exactly when the warranty clocks started.
3. Calculate remaining coverage
Subtract the vehicle’s age and mileage from the warranty limits for each coverage type. Focus on what’s left, not the original headline numbers.
4. Read the capacity guarantee
Find the specific clause that mentions minimum battery capacity (often 70%). Note how the automaker measures it and what triggers a claim.
5. Scan exclusions and owner obligations
Look for language around abuse, extreme temperatures, required software updates, and service intervals that might affect coverage.
6. Check for state‑specific enhancements
If the car was sold in a CARB state like California, see whether it carries longer or stronger battery protections than the national baseline.
7. Align any service contract with factory coverage
If you buy an extended plan, make sure it complements the remaining factory battery warranty instead of duplicating it.
EV warranty FAQ
Frequently asked questions about EV warranties
Bottom line: Use the EV warranty, don’t fear it
EV warranties in 2025 are, frankly, better than many shoppers realize. Federal rules set a strong floor, leading brands go well beyond it, and most modern EVs are holding up well in the real world. The catch is that you only benefit if you understand what’s covered, what’s excluded, and how much time is left on the clock, especially when you’re buying used.
If you take the time to decode the battery warranty, confirm the in‑service date, and review the capacity guarantee, you turn that legal document into a powerful safety net instead of an afterthought. And if you’d rather not do all that homework alone, shopping through Recharged means you get transparent battery health data, expert EV guidance, and fair pricing in one place, so you can focus on enjoying the car, not worrying about the fine print.
