Many people shy away from buying an electric vehicle on the thinking that battery-powered cars won’t last as long as those with internal-combustion engines. A new study from the United Kingdom now seems to disprove that, highlighting the rapid improvement in EV reliability.

The study, published in the journal Nature Energy, analyzed 480,000,000km of vehicle usage data from the UK’s annual MOT roadworthiness tests. Researchers from the University of Birmingham, the London School of Economics, the University of California San Diego, and the University of Bern found that battery-electric vehicles (BEVs) have an average lifespan of 18.4 years. This compares closely to 18.7 years for petrol-powered cars and 16.8 years for diesels.

The study may have been based on cars in Europe, but it’s still relevant for drivers on our shores. It shows what long-term EV drivers already know: Concerns about longevity and reliability are largely unfounded. The researchers attributed the growing reliability of EVs to the relatively simpler mechanical design of electric motors compared to internal-combustion engines. Unlike petrol and diesel cars—which contain hundreds of moving parts in their engines and transmissions—EVs rely on fewer components, reducing the likelihood of mechanical failures. This is good news for motorists who dread expensive trips to the casa.

Interestingly, American firm Tesla was found to be leading the pack when it comes to EV lifespan, with the longest-lasting battery models in the study. A major takeaway from the research is that newer cars—regardless of their power source—are becoming more reliable. However, the most significant improvements were seen in electric cars. This is largely because EV manufacturers have been learning quickly from early mistakes in battery and motor designs. On the other hand, petrol and diesel technology has matured over the decades, leaving little room for major advancements in reliability.

For environmentally conscious buyers, the findings are even more compelling. A longer vehicle lifespan amplifies the ecological benefits of switching to EVs. Although EV production currently generates higher carbon emissions than manufacturing a petrol or diesel car, these emissions are quickly offset over time as the vehicle operates on cleaner electricity. With renewable energy sources like wind and solar gradually being added to power grids worldwide, EVs are becoming more sustainable with each passing year. Add to that the massively reduced noise and air pollution generated by EVs and you can quickly see why we should aim to have more of them on our roads.

The study also addressed a common concern among potential EV buyers: high repair costs. While expensive battery replacements or repairs can raise insurance premiums and cause financial headaches, the data shows that EVs are generally more reliable and are driven more intensively than petrol cars, averaging 200,000km over their lifetime. These numbers demonstrate that EVs are not just suited for short commutes, but are robust enough for intensive use—a point of interest for ride-hailing drivers and logistics operators in the Philippines.

Globally, the transition to EVs is gaining momentum. The UK has seen a sharp rise in EV sales ahead of its 2035 ban on internal-combustion-engine vehicle sales. Meanwhile, countries like China and Norway are setting the pace with aggressive adoption and infrastructure development. For the Philippines, where EV adoption is still in its early stages, these international trends could provide valuable lessons in infrastructure planning and policy-making.

Robert Elliott, an economics professor at the University of Birmingham and one of the study’s authors, highlighted the broader impact of EVs: “Battery-electric vehicles offer significant environmental benefits, especially as Europe switches to a more renewable energy mix. Despite higher initial emissions from production, a long-lasting electric vehicle can quickly offset its carbon footprint, contributing to the fight against climate change, making it a more sustainable long-term option.”

While electric cars may still seem like a niche market in the Philippines, studies like this reveal their potential to redefine our transport system. With durability on par with or better than traditional vehicles, and environmental benefits that only increase over time, EVs might just be the future we need. We have already shown that it’s possible to live with one even as a condo dweller, and charging options will only improve. So now could be the perfect time to have a think if your next car should be electric.