Do Electric Vehicles Need an Extended Warranty?

Because EVs can be expensive to repair, an extended warranty can be particularly useful.

By Kathryn Tretina

Electric vehicles allow you to skip the pump, and they usually include high-tech features to enhance your driving experience. While EVs usually have higher purchase prices than other cars, they’re often cheaper to maintain, according to the U.S. Department of Energy. 

That said, when an EV does need repairs, it can be expensive. Plus, batteries and charging systems can be extremely costly, so an EV extended warranty can be a smart investment. 

Here’s what to know about EV extended warranties and how to decide if you need the added protection of a warranty. 

Key Takeaways

• New EVs usually come with battery warranties of at least eight years or 100,000 miles.
• While EVs usually require less maintenance than gas-powered cars, repairs or battery replacements can be expensive. 
• EV extended warranties make sense if you plan on holding onto your vehicle for several years. 

What Is an EV Extended Warranty? 

An EV extended warranty is an optional vehicle service contract you can purchase to cover certain repairs once your vehicle’s manufacturer warranty expires. You can purchase an extended warranty through some manufacturers or third-party providers. 

An EV extended warranty usually covers the following: 

• Electric motors
• Charging systems
• Climate control systems
• Driver technology and features

Some plans may also cover high-voltage battery components, but battery coverage is usually only available with certain plans. 

How Do EV Warranties Differ From Warranties for Gas-Powered Vehicles?

Although extended warranties function similarly for all vehicles, EV extended warranties are a little different since they use different technology. 

• Battery warranties are longer: Federal regulations require EVs to provide battery coverage for eight years or 100,000 miles, whichever comes first. 
• EVs have fewer components: EVs use electric motors and battery packs, simplifying the drivetrain. Without some of the components in a gas-powered car, their maintenance is more streamlined. 
• Electronics and software are more important: EVs tend to have sophisticated electronics and software systems to manage battery performance, charging, regenerative braking, driver-assistance features and infotainment systems. As a result, EV warranties may have extra coverage options for electronic systems. 

How Much Does an Extended Warranty for an EV Cost? 

EV car warranties range in cost from $50 to $300 per month, or $600 to $3,600 per year. The cost varies based on the following factors: 

• Vehicle make and model: Some makes and models are more reliable than others, so they’re usually cheaper for extended warranty coverage. 
• Mileage: High-mileage vehicles have undergone more wear and tear and are at a higher risk of developing issues, so extended warranties are more expensive. 
• Coverage level: Which plan you choose affects your costs. For example, bumper-to-bumper plans are more expensive than basic powertrain plans. 
• Deductible: The deductible is how much you have to pay toward repairs before the warranty kicks in. The higher the deductible, the lower your monthly cost. 
• Vehicle age: Older cars have been on the road longer and are more likely to need repairs, so warranties are more expensive for older vehicles. 

Luxury or high-performance EVs, such as the Lucid Air or Porsche Taycan, will be more expensive than other EVs. For example, an extended warranty for a luxury-brand EV could be $5,000 or more per year due to the complexity of the vehicle’s systems. 

In general, extended warranties for EVs tend to be slightly more expensive than the warranties for gas-powered cars. 

Tips for Choosing an EV Extended Warranty

If you’re deciding whether to buy an extended warranty for your EV, use these tips to find the right coverage: 

• Review the factory warranty: Before buying a warranty, review the vehicle’s manufacturer warranty. Depending on when you bought your car, your car’s battery or powertrain may still be covered, so you may not need additional coverage for several years. 
• Look for EV-specific coverage: Look for a warranty that is specifically designed for EVs. You want a plan that covers electric motors, charging systems, power electronics and battery cooling systems. 
• Compare your options: Coverage options, vehicle eligibility and costs vary by extended warranty company, so it’s important to consider multiple providers. You can purchase an EV extended warranty through a manufacturer, dealership or third-party provider. 
• Check deductibles and coverage limits: When you purchase a vehicle service contract, you can usually choose from several plans and deductible options. Your selected plan and deductible affects your monthly cost, so review the contract, exclusions and pricing. 

FAQs

Is an extended warranty on an EV worth it? 

Whether an extended warranty for an EV is worth the cost depends on how long your vehicle is covered by a manufacturer warranty, how long you plan on keeping the vehicle, and typical repair costs for your car’s make and model. Extended warranties make sense for cars that are expensive to repair. 

What’s the average lifespan of an EV battery? 

Most EV batteries last 12 to 15 years in moderate climates, according to the National Renewable Energy Laboratory. The battery can keep the car running for hundreds of thousands of miles. 

Are EVs more expensive to repair? 

EVs usually have less expensive routine maintenance than gas-powered cars. But more intensive repairs, particularly for issues with the battery or electrical systems, can be more expensive to fix.