Study: Fast Charging Does Not Harm the Lifespan of Electric Vehicle Batteries
Amid the rapid growth of electric vehicles in commercial and public fleets, the durability of batteries is one of the main concerns for managers and operators.
An analysis by Geotab, a global leader in connected transportation solutions, provides concrete and reassuring evidence: electric vehicle batteries maintain good performance throughout their lifespan, even in a context where fast charging is becoming increasingly common.
According to the study, the average annual degradation of electric vehicle batteries stands at 2.3%, a figure that, while slightly higher than the 1.8% recorded by Geotab in its 2024 analysis, still confirms that battery life comfortably exceeds the replacement cycles that most vehicle fleets consider in their operational planning.
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Analysis Based on Real Telematic Data
The research was based on real battery health data collected over several years through telematic systems.
In total, more than 22,700 electric vehicles from 21 different makes and models were analyzed, making the study one of the most comprehensive and representative analyses of battery degradation under real-world conditions.
The results confirm that, despite the diversity of technologies, manufacturers, and usage patterns, modern electric vehicle batteries maintain solid and consistent performance levels over long periods, reinforcing their viability for intensive fleet applications.
Geotab‘s analysis identifies charging type as the operational factor with the greatest impact on battery degradation.
Vehicles that most frequently use fast charging above 100 kW show slightly faster degradation, with averages close to 3% per year.
In contrast, vehicles that charge primarily using alternating current (AC) or at lower power levels show approximately 1.5% degradation per year.
Even so, the impact of fast charging is limited in general terms and does not compromise the usefulness of vehicles within the usual usage horizons of vehicle fleets. The study emphasizes that even in scenarios of intensive use and frequent charging, batteries continue to offer adequate performance for daily operation.
Climate and Intensive Use
Other factors traditionally associated with battery aging, such as climate, were shown to have a minor impact.
In regions with higher temperatures, degradation was only 0.4% faster per year compared to temperate climates.
In terms of usage level, vehicles subjected to more intensive and prolonged use experienced additional degradation of around 0.8% per year compared to those used less frequently.
However, this difference remains acceptable for most operators, especially when considering the operational and economic benefits of maximizing vehicle availability and productivity.
“The health of electric vehicle batteries remains good, even as vehicles charge faster and are used more intensively,” said Charlotte Argue, Senior Manager of Sustainable Mobility at Geotab.
“Our latest data confirms that batteries last much longer than the replacement cycles planned by most fleets. What has changed is that charging behavior now plays a more significant role in the rate of wear and tear, but those long-term risks can be managed with smart charging strategies,” she added.
Less Need for Strict Rules
The study also questions the need for rigid restrictions on daily vehicle charging.
The data shows that vehicles that are regularly charged for greater range do not show significantly greater degradation, except in extreme cases of very frequent and prolonged near-full charging or near-total discharging.
This conclusion offers greater operational flexibility to fleets, which can prioritize vehicle availability without significantly compromising battery life.
“For vehicle fleets, the key is balance,” Argue added. “Opting for the lowest charging power that is still sufficient for operational needs can make a measurable difference in long-term battery health without affecting vehicle availability.”
Battery degradation is a natural process that gradually reduces the amount of energy a battery can store. This condition is measured by the battery health indicator, known as SOH (State of Health).
A battery begins its life with an SOH of 100% and progressively decreases over time. For example, a 60 kWh battery with an SOH of 80% functions, in practice, like a 48 kWh battery.
Geotab data shows that, although the rate of degradation varies depending on the model, charging behavior, and usage patterns, the vast majority of modern electric vehicle batteries remain fully fit for purpose even after exceeding the typical service life of vehicle fleets.
Geotab‘s telematics data therefore allows operators to understand the true capacity of their batteries, anticipate degradation, and optimize vehicle usage throughout their lifecycle, enhancing operational efficiency and the profitability of fleet electrification.
2026: Moving Towards Electric Mobility
Rather than ambitious announcements, 2026 will be a year for measuring results. Electric and low-emission mobility will no longer be evaluated by the number of pilot projects but will be judged by its ability to operate at scale, reduce real emissions, and improve the quality of urban life.
For Latin America, the challenge will be to capitalize on its experience in electric public transportation, close infrastructure gaps, and build stable policies that allow the transition to be not only green but also inclusive and economically viable.
With the 2026 Tour, Latam Mobility reaffirms its commitment to building a regional agenda that connects vision, public policy, innovation, and the market.
Through its stops in Monterrey and Mexico City, Brazil, Colombia, and Chile, the platform will continue to promote a collaborative approach to accelerate the transition to cleaner, more efficient, and more inclusive transportation systems, positioning Latin America as a relevant player in sustainable mobility at the global level.
Be part of the movement that is accelerating Latin America’s energy and urban transformation. If you would like to learn more about how to participate and positioning options, click here.
