A major real-world study by Ford reveals that its electric SUVs, such as the Mustang Mach-E, retain over 91 per cent of battery capacity even after travelling 100,000 miles (160,934 km), offering encouraging news for prospective EV buyers worried about battery degradation.
Battery life remains one of the biggest concerns among potential electric vehicle (EV) buyers.
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| Ford is testing EV batteries that remain robust even after long distance travel. |
While EVs promise lower running costs and reduced emissions, questions about battery degradation and expensive replacements continue to make some customers hesitant.
However, new real-world data released by Ford suggests that modern EV batteries can last far longer than many people expect.
The American automaker analysed battery-health data from 36,000 Ford Mustang Mach-E electric SUVs sold in the US and Canada.
The study covered 2021 model-year vehicles and examined how their battery packs performed after several years of regular use.
The findings are encouraging, with the vehicles retaining an average of 92 per cent of their original usable capacity after travelling around 55,000 miles (88,513 km) over an average period of 5.2 years.
Ford Mustang Mach-E’s impressive battery health after 100,000 miles
One of the most interesting findings was that vehicles covering significantly higher distances did not experience a dramatic drop in battery health.
According to Ford, more than 2,000 Mustang Mach-E SUVs in the study had crossed the 100,000-mile mark.
Despite the extensive usage, these vehicles retained more than 91 per cent of their original battery capacity.
Even vehicles driven much harder showed promising results.
Ford's dataset included more than 30 Mustang Mach-E SUVs that had covered over 200,000 miles (321,868 km).
These vehicles still recorded an average battery health of 88 per cent.
The overall distribution was also encouraging. Ford said 95 per cent of the 36,000 vehicles recorded battery health figures between 87 per cent and 97 per cent.
For perspective, a 2021 Mustang Mach-E variant offering an US Environment Protection Agency (EPA)-estimated range of 305 miles (490 km) would theoretically deliver around 280 miles (450 km) with 92 per cent of its original battery capacity remaining.
All vehicles included in the study used nickel-cobalt-manganese (NCM) battery chemistry.
Ford introduced lithium-iron-phosphate (LFP) battery packs in the Mach-E lineup from the 2023 model year.
Why real-world battery testing matters
Automakers conduct extensive laboratory testing and use computer simulations to estimate how batteries will perform over their lifetime.
However, actual driving conditions provide a more reliable picture of long-term durability.
Ford's technical leader of high-voltage battery cells and systems, said the company receives information about battery performance gradually as vehicles accumulate mileage.
He described the latest findings as a five-year report card for Ford’s battery technology, adding that the results were encouraging.
The findings also align with other industry research. A battery-monitoring company estimates that EVs retain around 97 per cent of their observed range after three years and 95 per cent after five years.
Separately, a battery-health company analysed 500,000 EV battery tests.
Its findings showed that most models retained between 90 and 94 per cent battery health after covering about 93,000 miles (150,000 km).
The Ford Mustang Mach-E recorded around 92.5 per cent battery health in Aviloo's assessment.
The Tesla Model 3 and Model Y recorded 88.9 per cent and 90.3 per cent, respectively.
How EV owners can reduce battery degradation
Although modern EV batteries are proving more durable, their lifespan still depends on driving habits, charging practices and environmental conditions.
Extreme temperatures, particularly prolonged exposure to heat, can accelerate battery degradation.
Similarly, frequently charging to 100 per cent and allowing the battery to drop close to empty can contribute to faster wear.
Ford recommends parking vehicles in shaded areas during extremely hot weather and preconditioning the cabin while the vehicle is plugged in.
For everyday use, the company also recommends Level 2 AC charging rather than frequently relying on Level 3 DC fast charging.
E-Vroooom’s views
For prospective EV buyers, the message is encouraging: Battery degradation is a genuine consideration, but modern electric vehicles appear capable of retaining most of their usable battery capacity even after covering substantial distances.
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