What Does an EV Warranty Cover?
It's similar to gas-powered cars, plus a battery warranty
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With an electric vehicle (EV), you’ll save on fuel, tuneups, oil changes and other costs typically associated with gas-powered cars. But if something goes wrong with your electronics, especially your battery, the cost can be well over $10,000. Like gas-powered cars, EVs come with factory warranty protection. Learn more about how EV warranties work and what they cover below.
EV warranties typically have a bumper-to-bumper, powertrain and battery warranty.
Jump to insightBattery warranties typically last for at least eight years or 100,000 miles.
Jump to insightEV warranties don’t cover some EV components, damage or misuse or degradation beyond the specified amount in the contract.
Jump to insightEV warranty coverage
EVs come with similar factory warranty protection to gas-powered cars. EV warranty coverage typically includes the following:
Bumper-to-bumper warranty
EVs come with a basic limited warranty, or a bumper-to-bumper warranty, that covers most of the car. This warranty covers manufacturing defects, such as issues with navigation systems or power seats. These warranties usually last at least three years or 36,000 miles or four years or 50,000 miles.
Powertrain warranty
With an EV, a powertrain warranty covers the electric motor, inverter and gearbox. Powertrain warranties for EVs typically last at least five years or 60,000 miles.
Battery warranty
EV battery warranties must cover total failure and malfunction, though some may cover some level of degradation.
EVs come with a high-voltage battery warranty for at least eight years or 100,000 miles. At a minimum, EV battery warranties must cover total failure and malfunction, such as low voltage or no charging. Some automakers also cover degradation in their battery warranties, which protects you if you have a natural loss of range and power with time and use.
For example, Tesla guarantees that you’ll retain at least 70% of your battery capacity for at least the first eight years or 100,000 to 150,000 miles, depending on the vehicle model.
» MORE: What Does a Car Warranty Cover?
What does an EV warranty not cover?
EV warranties typically don’t cover:
Wear and tear
Like gas-powered cars, EV warranties don’t cover wear-and-tear items like tires, wiper blades and most brake components, like brake pads and rotors.
Neglect
EV batteries require regular software updates and maintenance, such as checking the battery coolant or brake fluid levels. Any issues related to neglect will not be covered under an EV warranty.
Some degradation
Most automakers will guarantee at least 70% to 75% charge retention for the first eight years or 100,000 miles, but any degradation beyond this timeline won’t be covered.
Damage, abuse or misuse
EV warranties don’t cover damage from:
- Nonstandard charging
- Nonrated towing or being improperly towed
- Collisions
- Weather
- Ignored warnings
- Unauthorized servicing or repairs
- Aftermarket parts
- Software tampering
- Battery exposure to water or flame
- Abuse or misuse
FAQ
Are EV battery warranties transferable?
EV warranties can generally be transferred to a new owner. Some automakers ask that you fill out paperwork to transfer any and all remaining factory warranties to a new owner. Other automakers may let you transfer the limited and battery warranties, but may reduce the powertrain warranty. It’s always best to check with your specific EV automaker to confirm that the warranty is transferable if you’re thinking of selling your EV eventually.
How long do EV batteries last?
EV batteries can last 10 to 20 years with proper care. If you live in the northern U.S., your battery can age faster due to frigid temperatures. In this case, it can be helpful to choose an EV manufacturer that covers degradation.
» MORE: Electric Vehicle Statistics 2026
Can you buy a used EV?
You can typically buy a used EV. If you’re interested in this option, be sure to get a pre-purchase inspection that includes a thorough battery test. It’s also a good idea to run the vehicle identification number (VIN) by the automaker to ensure the factory warranty hasn’t been voided, particularly the battery warranty. You can also check Carfax for a vehicle’s accident history.
Can you get extended warranty coverage for EVs?
It’s generally harder to get extended warranty coverage for EVs than gas-powered cars. Some providers may offer bumper-to-bumper or powertrain warranties, but many of them don’t cover batteries.
Bottom line
EVs typically include a bumper-to-bumper warranty, a powertrain warranty and a separate high-voltage battery warranty from the factory. The battery warranty generally ensures that the battery pack lasts for at least eight years or 100,000 miles without major malfunction. While that may sound lengthy, it’s still worth looking into EVs with longer battery warranties, degradation protection or ideally both.
Article sources
ConsumerAffairs writers primarily rely on government data, industry experts and original research from other reputable publications to inform their work. Specific sources for this article include:
- National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, “Electric and Hybrid Vehicles.” Accessed Dec. 24, 2025.
- U.S. Department of Energy, “Maintenance and Safety of Electric Vehicles.” Accessed Dec. 24, 2025.
