Since the 2010s, electric vehicles have grown in popularity in the automotive world. Although they haven’t totally replaced the conventional gasoline vehicles in many countries, except Norway, it has now become known that EVs offer many benefits that gasoline vehicles can’t. For example, green energy.
Given that electric cars are expensive, several buyers consider switching to used vehicles to bypass the high-cost hurdle. However, for an EV, should they consider the mileage? Definitely! When buying an EV, the mileage does matter. Although, it isn’t the only thing to worry about.
In combustion vehicles, seeing the odometer with over 100k mileage would spark worry. Since this type of vehicle is susceptible to wear and tear, you would think twice before buying, even if all the main components are intact. While EVs aren’t built the same way as combustion vehicles, as they use electric motors instead of combustion engines, you would be worried as well if the mileage reads 100k.
According to Consumer Reports, a typical EV delivers up to 200k mileage. Tesla delivers more, up to 500k mileage. Assuming you will drive about 14k miles in subsequent years, with an EV that already has 100k mileage, it means you can only use the car for seven years. It could be more if the battery is still in excellent shape and has a long lifespan.
Most times, the battery’s cycles translate to the mileage. With excellent battery life and fewer full charge cycles, you should get more mileage, whether it’s a pre-owned or second-hand EV.
What Is Considered High Mileage for an Electric Car?
Typically, the mileage for a brand new EV is around 200,000 while the mileage for Tesla EVs is between 300k – 500k. However, most of these vehicles can exceed the mileage depending on the state of the battery and the BMS. A battery that’s not constantly exposed to extreme heat and cold could power an EV past the manufacturer’s stated mileage.
Is 200000 Miles a Lot for an Electric Car?
200,000 miles is a lot for an electric vehicle. Based on the mileage, an EV is expected to last more than twelve years, depending on the BMS and how well managed the battery is. Leading electric vehicle manufacturer Tesla promises to make cars that would last up to 1m mileage.
What Is the Lifespan of Electric Cars?
To many buyers wanting to switch from a gasoline-powered vehicle to EVs, the lifespan of electric cars is what they are most concerned about. The lifespan of electric vehicles varies from manufacturer to manufacturer.
Most electric cars from Nissan, Toyota, BMW, and Tesla are guaranteed to last up to sixteen years under regular driving conditions. Without exposure to extreme heat and cold, they deliver up to 200,000 miles before changing the battery.
This is because an EV has fewer parts and is powered by electric motors compared to conventional gasoline-powered vehicles that have a combustion engine and several moving parts. EVs are not susceptible to as much wear and tear as petrol-powered vehicles. That makes them last longer.
What Is the Best Electric Car for Mileage?
These days, the range is the key factor when shopping for electric vehicles because of the few charging stations available. Car manufacturers have taken this advantage to manufacture cars that offer incredible range.
The distance an EV can go on a single charge is one of the things a potential buyer tries to investigate. Luckily, the latest electric cars available have sufficient range to meet daily use. These cars can go as far as 250 miles on a single charge. Below are some of the best electric cars for mileage.
| Brand | Range | Explanation |
| Tesla Model S | 405-mile range | Tesla Model S is the best electric car for mileage at the moment, featuring a whopping 405-mile range. A newer version of the vehicle could come before the end of 2022 with the promise of a higher mile range. |
| Ford Mustang Mach-E | 379-mile range | Ford is one of those EV brands that stands up to Tesla, not only in performance but range. The Ford Mustang Mach-E has a 379-mile range and features a single, powerful 68kWh or the larger 88kWh battery. This vehicle comes in three variants – the rear-wheel drive, the all-wheel drive, and the Mach-E GT. |
| Tesla Model 3 Long Range | 360-mile range | Undoubtedly, Tesla makes the best long-range electric vehicle in the world. With the Model 3 Long Range, you should expect a car that will give you real value for money. The vehicle has an amazing range of 360 miles. It clocks 60mph in 4.2 seconds and has a top speed of 145mph. |
| Tesla Model X | 360-mile range | The third Tesla vehicle on this list. Tesla Model X clocks up to 360 miles on a single charge. The long-range car clocks 60mph in 3.8 seconds and hits a top speed of 155mph. |
| Volkswagen ID.4 | 320-mile range | Volkswagen ID.4 is a mid-size SUV that has one of the best ranges in the market. Bigger than the ID.3, this electric car has two battery sizes that propel the vehicle to move about 320 miles on a single charge. |
Conclusion
Knowing the mileage is crucial when buying new or second-hand EVs, considering that most EVs have a maximum mileage of 200k. EVs are expensive, and you wouldn’t want to risk replacing the battery any time soon. Apart from considering the mileage, you should also examine the battery’s state – the energy density and lifespan, as they also affect the mileage.