The electric vehicle (EV) transition is well underway, and with each passing year, advancements in battery technology, range optimisation, and overall reliability are reshaping the automotive landscape. Gone are the days when EVs were considered a niche product with limited range and uncertain longevity. Today, electric cars are not only matching their petrol and diesel counterparts in durability but are on the brink of surpassing them in efficiency and affordability.

One of the most significant developments in EV technology is their increasing lifespan. Recent data from UK roadworthiness tests reveal that the average EV now lasts 18.4 years, outpacing the average diesel vehicle at 16.8 years and almost matching the 18.7-year lifespan of petrol cars. This certainly seems to address any doubts about EV durability, showing that these vehicles are built to last.

Besides this, the average EV now covers around 124,500 miles in its lifetime, more than the 116,000 mile average of petrol cars, though still less than diesel’s 160,000 miles. Crucially, EV longevity is improving at a much faster rate than internal combustion engine (ICE) vehicles, with reliability increasing twice as fast as petrol models and six times as fast as diesel cars.

While maintenance costs for petrol and diesel cars remain relatively high, EVs benefit from fewer moving parts and lower wear and tear, making them significantly cheaper to maintain. Studies indicate that EVs cost approximately £0.05 per mile in maintenance, compared to £0.08 per mile for petrol or diesel models. This long-term cost advantage makes EV ownership increasingly attractive.

At the centre of the EV transition is the rapid evolution of battery technology. Historically, high costs and range anxiety have hindered mass adoption, but recent innovations are transforming the market.

EV battery prices are falling faster than expected, driven by two key factors – technological advancements and declining raw material costs. The global average battery price dropped from £120 per kilowatt-hour (kWh) in 2022 to £117 in 2023 and is projected to reach £87/kWh by the end of 2024. By 2026, this figure could fall as low as £63/kWh – a nearly 50% drop from 2023 levels.

And much of this price reduction comes from improvements in battery structure. Manufacturers are moving away from complex multi-module battery packs to simpler cell-to-pack designs, which maximise energy density while reducing costs. At the same time, the cost of lithium and cobalt – two of the most expensive battery materials – has been decreasing, further driving down prices.

Although lithium-ion currently batteries dominate the market, alternative versions are emerging. Lithium ferrophosphate (LFP) batteries are gaining traction due to their affordability and durability, and they now account for nearly 40% of the EV battery market. Meanwhile, sodium-ion batteries, which eliminate the need for lithium altogether, are showing promise as a low-cost alternative, though they are not yet scaled for mass production.

Looking ahead, solid-state batteries could be the next major breakthrough. These batteries offer significantly higher energy density as well as improving safety by eliminating flammable liquid electrolytes. While initial projections suggested they would enter the market by 2025, technical challenges have delayed their widespread adoption, but they are still likely to be available before 2030.

One of the biggest challenges with EV batteries is degradation. On average, an EV battery loses 10% of its capacity after 6.5 years of use, with overcharging and deep discharges accelerating the decline. However, AI-powered battery management systems (BMS) are being developed to monitor real-time battery performance, predict degradation patterns, and optimise charging cycles to extend battery life. Using Machine Learning algorithms, these systems can analyse charging behaviour, environmental conditions, and usage patterns to recommend the best charging strategy. This results in batteries that not only last longer but also perform more efficiently over time.

As ever, range anxiety remains one of the biggest barriers to adoption. Traditional range estimations often overstate battery life, leading to unexpected shortfalls which inevitably undermines consumer confidence.

However, AI-driven range prediction models are now making estimations far more accurate. A new hybrid machine learning model combining Long Short-Term Memory (LSTM) networks and Deep Neural Networks (DNNs) has achieved range prediction accuracy within 2-3 km over a 40-minute journey. These models incorporate real-time data such as road conditions, temperature, and driving style to adjust range estimates, giving drivers a far more reliable picture of their remaining charge.

With battery prices falling and technology advancing, EV adoption is expected to speed up significantly over the next few years. By 2026, battery electric vehicles (BEVs) are projected to reach price parity with petrol cars in terms of total ownership costs which means that EVs will cost the same or less than ICE vehicles over their lifetime, without government subsidies.

However, short-term adoption still depends on government policies and incentives. Many consumers are holding off on purchasing an EV, anticipating further price reductions in the next few years. This means that while EV demand continues to grow steadily, the real surge in mass-market adoption is expected around 2026, when lower costs and improved technology align to make EVs the clear choice for most drivers.

Electric vehicle technology means that with batteries lasting longer, charging infrastructure expanding, and AI-driven improvements making EVs more reliable, range anxiety and high costs are becoming things of the past.

The transition away from petrol and diesel cars is inevitable and while EVs are not a perfect solution to all environmental concerns, they represent a major step towards reducing carbon emissions and creating a more sustainable future. As technology continues to evolve, electric vehicles will continue to improve in efficiency, affordability, and overall driving experience.