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New Geotab Study Ties High-Power Fast Charging to Faster EV Battery Degradation

The fleet study projects about 81.6% capacity after eight years despite higher 2025 degradation rates.

Overview

  • Analyzing more than 22,700 EVs across 21 models, Geotab identifies frequent use of 100 kW-plus public fast chargers as the biggest contributor to accelerated battery aging.
  • Vehicles using fast charging for less than 12% of sessions averaged 1.5% annual degradation, rising to 2.5% when fast charging exceeded 12% of sessions.
  • High-frequency charging at over 100 kW for more than 40% of sessions correlated with about 3.0% annual loss, compared with 2.2% for frequent sub‑100 kW fast charging.
  • Average annual degradation reached 2.3% in 2025, up from 1.8% in 2023, which Geotab links to the rapid expansion of higher-power chargers in North America.
  • Separate Recurrent data on 13,000 Teslas found no statistically significant fast-charging effect, as automakers point to thermal management, charge tapering, capacity buffers, and long warranties to mitigate risk.