Electric Vehicle (EV) Warranties: Everything You Need to Know

An electric vehicle warranty is a type of coverage specific to an EV and its unique powertrain components, such as the battery, drive motor(s), computer modules, regenerative braking, cooling, and more. The EV’s warranty can also cover other parts shared with non-electric cars, too, which may include steering, suspension, brakes, safety components, lighting, and electronics.

An EV’s warranty typically covers its:

• Electric drivetrain, including the motor, inverter, and direct-drive or transmission module
• Battery pack, in case of defects, premature degradation, or failure
• Charging system, such as its regulator, connections, and computers
• Traditional vehicle components such as steering, suspension, climate control, and infotainment systems

The most commonly claimed repairs on EVs are battery control modules and power distribution boxes. Critical to charging the battery and converting that electricity to motion, these are also some of the most expensive components to replace. While those components are unique to EVs, others are not. Shock absorbers, and suspension arms also make the list. Given EVs are typically heavier and torquier, premature wear on shocks and suspension makes sense.

Let’s focus in on the biggest component of an electric car, its battery. Really, the large battery pack under the floor is made up of hundreds or thousands of small cells. These are strung together to create a big bank of stored power and intelligently managed to:

• Balance charge and discharge among cells
• Ensure proper operating temperature
• Charge quickly and efficiently
• Provide power and range

EV batteries tend to have separate warranties, at least 8 years or 160,000 kilometers, since they may need replacement or service at different intervals than the rest of the car. They also might be built by different companies, as automakers partner with specialized companies to supply them. EV batteries often differ in their construction and composition, using various minerals and technologies to store electricity.

The same model of EV may have slightly different batteries between different years or trim levels, so the warranty must differ, too. What’s sold and driven one year may be drastically different underneath than last year’s model — even if the exterior styling, price, and driving experience are similar.

Batteries are also not always serviceable in the traditional sense, although they very rarely need attention or replacement. If problematic, the entire battery may just be plucked out and replaced with a fresh one. If it can be repaired, that will likely happen at a different facility and be sold as a refurbished unit for use in another car.

How Long Do EV Batteries Last?

This question is hard to answer, given how new EVs are to the market and how rapidly their technology changes. The common answer is that EV batteries last at least 10 years. If the battery fails or drops below 70% capacity in that timeframe, the automaker is likely to replace it.

Initial concern about battery longevity has waned in the decade-plus since EVs hit the mainstream market. Research finds that EV batteries can be good for more than 15 years

A hybrid vehicle needs a warranty that covers both its EV and ICE propulsion systems. While the electric system is used much less in a hybrid than in a full EV, it still benefits from specific coverage. If the electric half of the hybrid goes out, the car will usually be completely sidelined — it’s not as if you can choose to only use the ICE portion since the systems are so carefully intertwined to work together.

When researching hybrid car warranties, be sure the coverage doesn’t omit any critical items from either method of power delivery. The warranty should have specific language about coverage for the ICE systems and the hybrid’s electric system including the battery.

The warranty claim process for an EV is the same as with an ICE car, depending on the manufacturer, except the repair network may be smaller. It may be harder to find a qualified shop, though, and to actually wait your turn in line.

EVs may also require special, more expensive, or harder-to-acquire parts, which can complicate the timeline and increase costs beyond coverage limits. While EVs contain fewer moving parts, the ones they do have are substantial and high-tech. That’s a strong reason to consider coverage details carefully.

The specific things to look out for when shopping EV warranties include:

• EV-specific powertrain coverage
• Battery coverage (and degradation limits)
• Service center location and availability
• Specifics on what may void the warranty, such as improper charging or servicing

If you drive, service, and maintain your EV according to the manufacturer’s guidelines, that warranty provides not only peace of mind but financial security in the face of unexpected breakdowns.

When shopping for an EV, warranty coverage can be a large component of your decision. Certain automakers’ warranties offer additional value and appeal to the car itself. For instance, Mitsubishi’s industry-leading warranty covers its PHEV with a 10-year, 160,000km limited warranty, plus the same coverage on the lithium-ion battery. It can also cover most other components, plus provide roadside assistance, with a No-Charge Extended Warranty.