Original Manufacturer Warranties

Automaker warranties, otherwise known as original manufacturer warranties, come with the purchase of a new car. Extended warranties (below) can be purchased as an add-on or when you buy a preowned vehicle. Most warranties have exclusions for commercial use, as well as certain actions or accidents that can cause damage to the battery. Be sure to check the specific details of the warranty before making a final decision.

Most Warranties:

  • Offer coverage for 8 or 10 years;
  • Cover at least 100,000 miles;
  • Cover significant loss of battery capacity (beyond 25-30%, depending on manufacturer);
  • Are transferable to new owners (check terms and conditions to be sure).

Your driving habits should determine what you look for in a warranty. The average American drives about 14,500 miles a year. Driving more or less than average will influence whether you prioritize the mileage or length of time covered by warranty. When it comes to capacity, electric vehicle batteries lose, on average, about 1.8% of their battery capacity each year, although most capacity loss happens in the first few years of driving. You can expect a healthy battery to decline more in the first 2-3 years than in later years.

Recurrent Recommends:

  • If you drive a lot, prioritize warranties with more mileage.
  • If you drive locally, look for a longer lasting warranty.
  • If you live in an extreme climate or rely on fast charging, consider the battery capacity coverage. You also may want to look into an EV with a LFP battery type. 

OEM Warranties at a Glance

Automaker
  • Vinfast
  • Mercedes (EQE, EQS)
  • Rivian
  • Tesla (Model X, Model S, Cybertruck)
  • Tesla (Model 3 or Model Y)
  • Hyundai, Kia, Genesis
  • Chevrolet, Nissan, Honda, Lexus, Cadillac
  • Mercedes (EQB), BMW, Audi, Ford, VW
Miles Covered
  • Unlimited
  • 155,000
  • 120k - 175k
  • 150,000
  • 100k - 120k
  • 100,000
  • 100,000
  • 100,000
    • v
Years Covered
  • 10 years
  • 10 years
  • 8 years
  • 8 years
  • 8 years
  • 10 years
  • 8 years
  • 8 years
Capacity Guarantee
  • ---
  • 70%
  • 70%
  • 70%
  • 70%
  • 70%
  • 75%
  • 70%

OEM Warranty Options

Vinfast

The Vietnamese automaker offers one of the best EV warranties on the market. While capacity loss protection isn’t specified, the Vinfast warranty protects EVs:

  • with Unlimited Mileage
  • up to 10 Years

Mercedes (EQE, EQS)

Both the sedan and SUV models of the Mercedes EQE and EQS trims are covered by an extensive warranty. This warranty protects EVs:

  • up to 155,000 Miles
  • up to 10 Years
  • Against >30% Capacity Loss

Rivian

While certain drivetrains come with a whopping 175,000 miles covered by warranty, most options are covered up to 150,000 miles. The Rivian warranty protects EVs:

  • up to 120,000 to 175,000 Miles
  • up to 8 Years
  • Against >30% Capacity Loss

Tesla (Model X, Model S, Cybertruck)

Tesla warranty coverage is based on model and trim. The warranties for the Model X, Model S, and Cybertruck protect EVs:

  • up to 150,000 Miles
  • up to 8 Years
  • Against >30% Capacity Loss

Tesla (Model 3, Model Y)

Tesla warranty coverage is based on model and trim. The warranties for the Model 3 and Model Y protect EVs:

  • up to 100,000 to 120,000 Miles
  • up to 8 Years
  • Against >30% Capacity Loss

Hyundai / Kia / Genesis

These automakers have long-lasting warranties, perfect for those who drive shorter distances. Hyundai / KIA / Genesis warranties protect EVs:

  • up to 100,000 Miles
  • up to 10 Years
  • Against >30% Capacity Loss

Chevrolet, Nissan, Honda, Lexus, Cadillac

People in extreme climates, or anyone who depends on frequent fast charging to power their EV, might be concerned about EV battery degradation. The warranties by Chevrolet, Nissan, Honda, Lexus, Cadillac guard against capacity loss more than others, protecting EVs:

  • up to 100,000 Miles
  • up to 8 Years
  • Against >25% Capacity Loss

Mercedes (EQB), BMW, Audi, Ford, Volkswagen

The Mercedes EQB trim joins BMW, Audi, Ford, and VW to set the standard for baseline EV warranty coverage. These warranties don’t cover extremes, but most drivers will find them sufficient. These warranties protect EVs:

  • up to 100,000 Miles
  • up to 8 Years
  • Against >30% Capacity Loss

‍

Extended Warranties

Extended warranties, or vehicle service contracts, often pick up where OEM coverage ends. There are limited options for electric vehicles and not all of them cover EV battery replacement. Extended warranties can be a good choice for used EV buyers if you check the fine print and make sure you understand what’s covered.

Extended Warranties for Electric Vehicles:

  • Are available for both new and used EVs.
  • Typically have a waiting period before coverage applies.
  • Typically have a deductible.
  • MAY offer EV battery coverage (check terms and conditions to be sure).

Recurrent Recommends:

  • Evaluate whether you truly need additional coverage.
  • Double check the fine print before committing.

Extended Warranties at a Glance

  • Plan Name
  • Battery Coverage
  • Deductible
  • Availability
  • Special Features
Xcelerate Auto
  • XCare EV Protection
  • Yes, with qualifications
  • Multiple options, as low as $0
  • Online, all makes and models
  • Transfer plan to new owner for $50
Amber
  • Amber Care
  • Yes, with premium plans
  • $250 for battery and drive train, $100 all other repairs
  • Most states, Tesla only
  • Affordable, starting at only $60 per month
Fidelity Warranty Services, Inc.
  • EV+ Protect
  • Yes, with exceptions
  • Multiple options, as low as $0
  • Through dealerships
  • Up to 11 years and 150,000 miles of coverage
CarShield
  • Electric Vehicle Coverage
  • Yes, with add-on
  • varies
  • Online, all makes and models
  • Options for commercial use

Top Extended Warranty Options

XCare EV Protection from Xcelerate Auto

Xcelerate offers specialized extended warranty coverage for electric vehicles. Though still relatively new, reviews have been positive. Originally focusing on Tesla, XCare now covers most EV makes and models.

  • Battery covered if the vehicle is <7 years old and under 100,000 miles.
  • Multiple options for deductible - $0, $100, or $500.
  • 30 day grace period before policy takes effect.
  • Transfer to any new owner for $50.

AmberCare from Amber

Amber is only available for Tesla Model S, Model X, Model 3, and  Model Y. Not available in all states. Though fairly new to the scene, AmberCare has received positive reviews.

  • Battery covered by premium tier plans.
  • $250 deductible for battery or drivetrain issues, $100 for all other repairs.
  • 25 day waiting period before policy takes effect.
  • Affordable monthly rate, starting at $60 per month.

EV+ Protect from Fidelity Warranty Services, Inc.

Fidelity offers a 1-year/12,000-mile limited warranty for used EVs, including the battery. Usually accessed through dealerships, there are many options available for coverage.

  • Battery covered, with exceptions depending on location and plan specifics.
  • Multiple deductible options - as low as $0.
  • Waiting period varies.
  • Established, well-regarded company.

Electric Vehicle Coverage from CarShield

CarShield does not specialize in electric vehicles, so EV drivers need to be careful to check for the Battery Coverage Endorsement. Without it, the EV battery is excluded from coverage.

  • Battery covered if the plan includes the Battery Coverage Endorsement.
  • Deductible varies.
  • Waiting period varies.
  • Options for rideshare and delivery drivers.

Dealership Options

Some auto dealerships partner with insurance companies to offer extended warranties. These options can vary widely, depending on location and the make, model, and mileage of the vehicle. Always double check the terms of service and read through the fine print, especially when it comes to battery coverage.