Batteries are the most expensive part of an electric car (EV), typically costing $5,000 to $20,000 to replace, according to AAA. Most EVs come with a promise from the manufacturer that the battery will last for eight to 10 years, or 100,000 miles, whichever comes first. That guarantee means that the manufacturer will replace the battery if it fails.
If your battery fails after that time period, though, an extended warranty can help cover the cost of a pricey replacement. Extended warranties can also cover other common EV parts, such as drive motors, screens, and chargers.
Here’s what to know about warranties for EVs and whether extended coverage is worth it.
What do manufacturer warranties cover for EVs?
All new cars come with some kind of factory warranty. This is a guarantee from the manufacturer that the car will work as expected for a certain period of time or mileage. Common EV warranties last eight to 10 years and range from 100,000 to 175,000 miles. Coverage can vary by car model.
Factory warranties also cover “capacity loss,” which is the battery’s ability to reach a full charge. Manufacturers typically cover capacity loss over 30%, which means that the battery is guaranteed to function at least at 70% of its original capacity. Otherwise, the manufacturer promises to replace the battery.
Other covered aspects can include the car’s restraint system, drive unit and transmission, and screens and sensors.
What do extended warranties cover for EVs?
Extended warranties cover the cost of included parts and repairs after your factory warranty expires. You can buy an extended warranty from your original manufacturer or dealership. You can also purchase one from a third-party warranty provider.
🤓
Nerdy Tip
Federal law requires EV companies to cover batteries for at least eight years or 100,000 miles. Because of this, most extended warranties don’t cover the battery unless you pay for premium battery coverage. Expect extended warranties to focus on other electronic parts.
Some users argue that extended warranties for electric vehicles may not be worth it due to the vehicles having fewer moving parts and already coming with long, mandatory battery warranties. While some owners find peace of mind in having extended warranties, others suggest putting that money into a savings account instead. One user shared their experience of extended warranties being resistant to covering repairs, so it’s not guaranteed that all repairs will be covered under such warranties. following sentence:
The dog ran quickly through the park.
Rewritten sentence: The dog sprinted swiftly through the park.
