Wiktor Wise
Electric vehicles (EVs) are becoming increasingly common, and as a result, extended warranties are also becoming more widely available. The battery is the most critical part of an EV, and they don't come cheap, so a good warranty is paramount. Most EV battery warranties cover eight years/80,000 miles, but this can vary. For example, Volkswagen's ID.4 has an eight-year/100,000-mile warranty specific to the High Voltage Battery, while MotorEasy's electric car warranty covers the drive battery, which many competitors exclude. There are also third-party companies that offer extended warranties for EVs, such as X-Care EV Protection, which covers various mechanical and electronic components.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Electric vehicle batteries are covered by warranty | Yes, most EV battery warranties cover for eight years/100,000 miles or 160,000 km. |
| Wear and tear are covered by warranty | No, wear-and-tear consumables like brake pads, tyres, and windscreen wipers aren't covered. |
| Structural damage caused by accidents is covered by warranty | No, structural damage caused by accidents is a comprehensive car insurance responsibility. |
| Paint corrosion is covered by warranty | Yes, paint corrosion is usually backed by a separate dedicated warranty. |
| Additional accessories are covered by warranty | Yes, additional accessories are usually backed by a separate dedicated warranty. |
| The drive battery is covered by warranty | Yes, MotorEasy's electric car warranty covers the drive battery, which many competitors exclude. |
| Consequential damage is covered by warranty | Yes, MotorEasy's electric car warranty covers consequential damage. |
| The warranty covers repairs | Yes, MotorEasy's electric car warranty has a whole network of electric car specialists on hand to deal with any repairs. |
| The warranty is transferable to a new owner | Yes, X-Care protection plans and Tesla warranties are transferable to new owners. |
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What You'll Learn
Battery coverage
Electric vehicle (EV) batteries are expensive and do not last forever. The good news is that they typically come with enduring warranties. These warranties cover the replacement cost if the battery fails or does not perform as it should.
Federal regulations mandate that an EV's battery pack be covered for at least eight years or 100,000 miles. Automakers' warranties also include specific coverage against corrosion. However, this applies only to body panels that have been completely "rusted through," not to paint bubbling.
Some automakers only cover an EV's battery pack against total failure. Others, including BMW, Chevrolet, Nissan, Tesla (Model 3), and Volkswagen, will replace it if it reaches a specified reduced capacity percentage, usually 60-70%, while under warranty. For example, the battery retention portion of the warranty will replace the battery if it falls below 60% of the original capacity under coverage. Volvo's warranty is 70% capacity.
Hyundai and Kia offer a 10-year/100,000-mile EV warranty that covers batteries, motors, and powertrain components. They guarantee at least 70% battery capacity retention. Hyundai extends this to lifetime coverage on the 2019 Kona Electric.
In addition to the electric car battery warranty, new EVs come with bumper-to-bumper coverage that covers almost all aspects of a vehicle. EVs also have powertrain coverage, corrosion coverage, and roadside assistance. For example, the Lucid Air offers bumper-to-bumper coverage for four years or 50,000 miles and powertrain coverage for eight years or 100,000 miles. This coverage is separate from its electric car battery warranty, which lasts eight years or 100,000 miles.
EV battery warranty coverage includes mileage and time limits, and coverage ends when you hit one of these milestones, whichever comes first. For example, if you've driven 100,000 miles but have only owned the car for five years, coverage ends at the 100,000-mile mark. Conversely, if you've owned the car for eight years but have only driven 20,000 miles, coverage ends at the eight-year mark.
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Third-party warranties
X-Care EV Protection is an exclusionary service contract, meaning it covers the entire vehicle except for the excluded items listed in the terms and conditions. X-Care strives to cover most, if not all, of the parts covered by the original manufacturer's warranty. For example, if you own a Tesla, you can call X-Care, state your vehicle issue, and they will follow up with Tesla service on your behalf. For other electric vehicles, you can take your car to any ASE-certified mechanic and present your contract or policy number to start your claim.
X-Care also offers a Vehicle Service Contract, which is a protection plan for your electric vehicle. This plan aims to match the coverage as closely as possible to the original manufacturer's warranty, except for the battery and drivetrain, which typically fall under a separate warranty. X-Care also provides substitute transportation or a loaner vehicle during repairs, with a maximum reimbursement of $40 per day and $200 per repair visit. Additionally, X-Care can be purchased at any time and is transferable to new owners or eligible for a pro-rata refund if the vehicle is sold or traded-in.
Lectron EV also offers EV extended warranties that typically cover a wide range of components and systems, including the powertrain, electrical systems, charging equipment, and various other mechanical parts. These extended warranties address issues arising from wear and tear or defects. It is important to note that coverage can vary widely between different warranty providers, so it is crucial to carefully review the terms and conditions before purchasing.
When considering third-party warranties for your electric vehicle, it is essential to understand the standard warranty offered by the manufacturer. Typically, EVs come with a manufacturer's warranty that covers various components, including the electric motor, powertrain, lights, suspension, air-conditioning system, charging port, and in-car technology hardware. However, items that naturally wear out over time, such as brake pads, tires, and windshield wipers, are usually not included in these warranties.
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Wear and tear
For example, some automakers only cover an EV's battery pack against total failure, while others, including BMW, Chevrolet, Nissan, Tesla (Model 3), and Volkswagen, will replace it if it reaches a specified reduced capacity percentage, usually 60-70%, while under warranty. In addition, some brands will transfer whatever remains of the original warranty to a second owner, while others may impose limitations. For instance, the 10-year powertrain warranty on Hyundai and Kia models only applies to the original buyer, with subsequent owners receiving whatever remains of five years of coverage from the date of the original sale.
Extended warranties, purchased from automakers or dealerships, can provide additional protection against mechanical breakdowns. However, it is important to note that many extended car warranties list "wear and tear" as an exclusion. Therefore, it is crucial to carefully review the entire contract before purchasing an extended warranty to understand exactly what is and is not covered.
Additionally, it is worth noting that altering parts on your vehicle can void at least part of the warranty. This includes making modifications such as adding a lift kit to your truck or installing run-flat tires on a car that did not come with them originally.
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Extended warranties
Electric vehicles (EVs) typically come with a manufacturer's warranty that covers various components, including the electric motor, powertrain, lights, suspension, air-conditioning system, charging port, and in-car technology hardware. This warranty usually lasts for eight years or up to 100,000 miles, as mandated by federal regulations.
One example of an EV extended warranty is XCare, offered by Xcelerate Auto. XCare is designed specifically for the needs of EV owners and covers major mechanical and electrical systems. It also includes HV battery coverage if the vehicle is within seven years of age and under 100,000 miles at the time of purchase. Xcelerate Auto provides transparent pricing and an easy claims process, making it a popular choice among EV owners.
When considering an extended warranty, it's important to carefully review the terms and conditions as coverage can vary between providers. While extended warranties offer additional protection, some critics argue that they may be expensive and unnecessary, especially if the vehicle is already covered by a comprehensive manufacturer's warranty. It is also worth noting that certain maintenance practices, such as avoiding deep discharges and extreme temperature fluctuations, can help extend the life of an EV battery and reduce the need for warranty claims.
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Servicing and repairs
Most electric vehicles are subject to the same servicing intervals as traditional cars. However, some models, like the Volkswagen ID.4, offer scheduled maintenance as part of their warranty. This includes a four-year/50,000-mile (whichever occurs first) New Vehicle Limited Warranty, and two years/20,000 miles of Scheduled Carefree Maintenance.
Extended warranties for electric vehicles are becoming more widely available, although they are still developing. These warranties can provide coverage for up to 150,000 miles, which is significantly longer than what is offered for combustion engine vehicles. Third-party companies like X-Care, EFG Companies, and Tesla offer extended warranties that can be purchased directly or through dealers. These warranties can provide peace of mind and protect against costly repairs, especially for used electric vehicles, which may not have the original factory warranty.
It is worth noting that some items may not be covered under electric vehicle warranties, including wear-and-tear consumables like brake pads, tyres, and windscreen wipers, as well as cosmetic and structural damage caused by accidents. However, paint corrosion and additional accessories are usually backed by separate dedicated warranties.
When it comes to battery coverage, most electric car battery warranties cover a capacity loss of up to 30% over the term of the warranty, with an average loss of 2.3% of charging capacity per year of driving. Batteries are designed to be durable, but degradation over time can vary from vehicle to vehicle, and replacement batteries can be very expensive. Therefore, it is crucial to carefully consider the warranty coverage for the battery when purchasing an electric vehicle.
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Frequently asked questions
Electric vehicle (EV) warranties typically cover the high-voltage battery, which is the most critical and expensive part of the vehicle. Most EV battery warranties cover capacity loss of the battery to 70%, meaning up to a 30% loss in capacity is considered normal. Some warranties may also include additional benefits like roadside assistance and scheduled maintenance. It's important to note that wear-and-tear consumables like brake pads, tyres, and windscreen wipers are usually not covered.
Extended warranties provide additional coverage beyond the standard manufacturer's warranty. They can be especially useful for used electric vehicles, as they may provide coverage for various mechanical and electronic components that could fault during ownership. With the complex electrical systems in EVs, breakdowns can be costly, and an extended warranty can offer peace of mind.
When choosing a warranty for your electric vehicle, consider the coverage offered, the duration or mileage of the warranty, and any additional benefits included. Look for warranties that cover the high-voltage battery, as this is a crucial component. Additionally, check the terms and conditions for excluded items and understand the process for making a claim. Some companies offer extended warranties specifically for electric vehicles, while others provide third-party coverage.
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