Experts warn electric vehicle owners about actions that can void battery warranties

PHILADELPHIA (WPVI) -- Electric vehicle buyers and owners should pay close attention to battery warranties and understand what can void them, industry experts say.

Most EV battery warranties cover at least eight years or 100,000 miles, and starting in 2027, the Environmental Protection Agency will require all U.S. manufacturers to meet that minimum.

Some automakers already exceed those standards, with Rivian offering coverage up to eight years and 175,000 miles, and VinFast providing 10 years with unlimited mileage.

"The way battery warranties generally work is the manufacturer warranties that the battery will maintain a certain capacity. It will be able to hold a certain amount of energy over the term of the warranty," said Liz Najman of Recurrent, an EV analytics company that helps buyers make informed decisions.

Najman cautioned that unauthorized repairs or modifications can void coverage. She also noted that third-party repair networks remain limited for many EV brands, making it essential to use approved parts.

"And along with that, parts are still hard to come by. You often still have to get, not just battery parts, like regular parts...you still have to get directly from the manufacturer," she said.

Another risk involves charging equipment.

"Using unapproved chargers or adapters. Now that the Tesla Supercharger network is open to many other manufacturers, most the brands sell and ask you to use an approved adapter," Najman said.

Experts also recommend reviewing drivetrain or powertrain warranties, which typically match battery coverage.

Because EVs have fewer components prone to failure than gas-powered vehicles, extended warranties may not be necessary for brands with strong reliability ratings. Instead, some owners may prefer to save for potential future repairs.