As electric vehicles become increasingly popular, understanding the specifics of electric car warranties, particularly concerning battery replacements, is crucial for electric car owners. The battery is one of the most expensive components of an electric car, so knowing whether it is covered by your electric car warranty will ensure significant peace of mind. Let’s understand the common coverage provisions for battery replacement in electric car warranties so you can determine whether your electric car warranty offers this coverage.
Understanding electric car battery warranties
Electric car warranties typically consist of two parts:
- The general vehicle warranty – It covers standard issues that may arise with the car’s electrical and mechanical components.
- The battery warranty – It specifically covers the electric car’s battery, which powers your electric vehicle and helps it move.
Electric car battery warranty coverage
Duration and mileage
Most electric car warranty providers offer a separate battery warranty that lasts for longer than the general vehicle warranty. The battery warranty can offer coverage extending from 3 to 8 years or 60,000 to 1,60,000 kilometers, whichever comes first. This extended coverage is offered by warranty providers due to the critical role of the battery in an electric car’s performance and longevity.
Capacity retention
An electric car warranty provider often guarantees a certain level of capacity retention by the electric car battery over the warranty period. For instance, the warranty may stipulate that the battery will retain at least 70-80% of its original capacity during the warranty period. If the battery’s capacity falls below this level, you will be eligible for repair or replacement of the battery under the warranty, depending on the terms and conditions. However, all warranty providers may not offer you battery capacity retention coverage.
Defects and failures
Almost all electric car battery warranties will cover battery failure due to defects in materials used or workmanship. This means the battery would be repaired or replaced if it stopped working properly and caused your car to break down.
What’s usually not covered
Normal degradation
All batteries normally wear down over time and with use. While electric car warranties will often cover significant drops in battery capacity, normal and gradual degradation that does not fall below the thresholds specified in the warranty is usually not covered by the electric car battery warranty.
Damage from neglect or misuse
Damage to the battery caused by accidents, improper maintenance, or misuse is generally excluded from warranty coverage. Misuse can include charging with a non-approved charger or exposure to extreme temperatures.
Commercial use
Certain warranties may put in place exclusions or limitations on vehicles that are used for commercial purposes such as ride-sharing or delivery services. Check the terms and conditions specified in your warranty contract, or enquire with your warranty provider about the same if you are using your electric vehicle for commercial purposes.
Other exclusions
Your electric car battery warranty contract can have several other exclusions including;
- Damaging the battery by accessing its coolant reservoir
- Damaging the battery by attempting to increase battery life by methods not approved by the manufacturer
- Damaging the battery by lifting your electric car from beneath the battery instead of designated body lift points
- Damage caused to the battery due to vandalism of your electric car
- Damage caused to the battery due to your neglecting to have important software or firmware updates installed
- Damage caused to the battery due to flooding
- Damage to the battery caused by using it to power other electrical equipment
Maintaining warranty coverage on your electric car battery
To ensure you continue to receive warranty coverage on your electric car battery, you should follow these guidelines;
Keep to the maintenance schedules
Ensure you strictly follow the manufacturer-recommended maintenance schedule for your electric car. Additionally, follow the manufacturer’s guidelines for charging and storing the battery.
Use manufacturer-approved chargers
Only use manufacturer-approved chargers to charge your electric car battery. Ensure that the chargers at a charging station are compatible with your car’s battery and as specified by the manufacturer. Ensure you follow proper charging practices.
Monitor battery health
Regularly monitor your battery’s health and performance. Your electric car may have an inbuilt system that tracks your battery capacity and usage.
Maintain proper records
Keep detailed records of all service, maintenance, and repairs performed on your electric car. This should include battery checks and any software updates that may have been performed on your car.
Availing of battery coverage with your electric car warranty is crucial to ensure the efficient performance of your vehicle. Battery replacement coverage provides financial security against the high costs of purchasing a new battery. Gaining a proper understanding of the terms and conditions of your electric car warranty will ensure you maximize its battery’s performance and longevity.
MP WARRANTIES: ENSURING PEACE OF MIND WITH OUR ELECTRIC CAR WARRANTIES IN THE UAE
We are MP Warranties, offering comprehensive warranty plans to protect your electric car in the UAE. Our warranty plans ensure your car stays in peak condition and provide customized coverage for your electric car battery repairs and replacement. Choose our electric car warranties for unmatched battery coverage and claims support. Contact us today to find the perfect plan by calling +971 501 604 953 and consulting our warranty advisor.
