Volvo electric car batteries

Our car batteries power every electric Volvo. They're designed to go the distance with safety in mind.

Understanding battery technology

Our electric vehicles are powered by advanced lithium-ion battery packs. Built in layers from the inside out, these packs are engineered for safety, durability and efficiency. Inside, lithium ions move between the battery’s positive and negative terminals, transferring energy with precision. It’s a smart, lightweight solution that delivers high-quality performance and the range you need.

Cells

Cells store and release energy. NMC cells deliver longer range and stronger performance. LFP cells last longer and offer greater stability.

Modules (or Bricks)

Groups of cells bundled together to form a larger unit.

Packs

The full battery system. Packs contain multiple modules along with smart systems that monitor and manage safety and performance.

Preserving your battery’s lifespan

Our EV batteries are designed and built to last beyond 15 years or 300,000 km. But like any battery, they’ll naturally lose a small amount of capacity over time. So what contributes to losses in battery capacity?

Volvo EX30 with roof rack driving on a snowy road against a backdrop of sunlit mountains.

Temperature

Extreme heat or cold can accelerate battery wear over time, affecting overall performance and lifespan.

White Volvo SUV charging at a wall-mounted charger against a wooden facade.

Charging habits

Charging the battery to 100% too often, or letting it fully drain, can reduce its long-term health.

EV charging
Grey Volvo EX90 driving on a sunlit road beside a modern concrete wall.

Driving style

Frequent fast charging and high-intensity driving can lead to faster battery degradation.

EV range
Overhead view of a silver Volvo electric car charging

Best practices to extend electric car battery life

If you want to extend your car battery’s lifespan even further, a few simple habits can go a long way:

Watch the temperature
Pre-condition your car to warm or cool the battery before driving or charging.
Charge mindfully
Keep your daily charge between 20% and 90%. Save 100% for longer journeys.
Drive with care
Gentle acceleration and braking help ease the load on your battery and your car’s performance.
Stay updated
Regular software updates keep your battery management system performing at its best.

Battery life & health monitoring

Volvo SUV driving along a narrow coastal road surrounded by water at sunset.

Battery warranty & coverage

Battery warranty & coverage

Every Volvo electric vehicle comes with an 8-year or 160,000 km warranty (whichever comes first). This covers defects in materials or workmanship, including the high-voltage lithium-ion battery. If the battery’s capacity drops below 70% of its original level during the warranty period, it will be repaired or replaced under warranty.

In the rare case your battery needs replacement outside the warranty period, Volvo Cars offers a high-quality refurbished battery as a more affordable alternative to a new one. These refurbished batteries come with a minimum 4-year or 80,000 km parts warranty.

Volvo infotainment display showing charging status at 50% with estimated completion time.

Easily accessible health checks

Easily accessible health checks

Stay connected to your car battery wherever you are with the Volvo Cars app and in-car display.

With the app, you can check your estimated range, track charging progress, schedule charging times and get alerts for any interruptions or completion.

On your in-car display, you’re able to monitor real-time energy use and regenerative braking. Everything you need to stay in control, on the go or behind the wheel.

Additionally, many certified used electric Volvos come with a high-voltage battery State of Health (SOH) certificate, providing you a clear value that reflects your car’s remaining battery capacity.

Volvo smartphone interface displaying a digital battery passport with specifications and life-cycle information.

Battery passport

Battery passport

In select models, you’re able to access your car’s battery passport*. This shows the battery’s state of health and aims to help increase transparency in terms of material traceability, embedded carbon footprint and recycled content levels in relation to the battery.

*Battery passport is currently available in the Volvo EX90 and ES90. Check with your local retailer for the most recent information and availability.

Woman and Volvo staff member talking beside a car inside a showroom or service area.

Routine and predictive maintenance for
EV batteries

Volvo electric vehicles are designed to keep things simple. With fewer moving parts than a traditional internal combustion engine (ICE) car, there’s less maintenance to worry about. No spark plugs to replace, no exhaust system repairs and no oil changes.

We also offer predictive maintenance for your high-voltage battery. This service keeps an eye on the health of your battery cells and lets us act early if we spot any signs of wear. If something’s not quite right, we’ll reach out before it becomes a problem. That means less maintenance time for you and more time to enjoy the drive.

Battery health key checkpoints

To help maintain your Volvo battery's performance over time, we recommend regular professional checks of:

Battery cooling system

Keeps the battery at a stable temperature for optimal performance and longevity.

Electrical safety systems

Monitor high-voltage components to ensure safe operation.

Software updates

Deliver the latest improvements in battery management and efficiency.

Worker assembling Volvo electric vehicle battery modules in a production facility.

Battery production & recycling process

Our EV battery technology is built with ethics in mind. Through tools like the battery passport, we help ensure transparency in sourcing materials like cobalt and nickel. And with a strong focus on battery recycling, we’re working to reduce the environmental impact of every Volvo battery before, during and after its time on the road.

Learn about battery recycling

FAQs about EV batteries

Do I need to replace the battery during my ownership?

Our batteries are designed to last the lifetime of your electric vehicle (beyond 15 years or roughly 300,000 km). The warranty entails an 8 year or 160,000 km period (whichever comes first), during which defects in materials are covered. Though, even if your battery needs replacing after outside of the covered warranty, this is still possible.

How can I check my battery’s health and status?

In some of our cars, you can easily monitor your battery’s status using the Volvo Cars app and your vehicle’s in-car display. The app shows real-time charge level, estimated range and charging status, while the infotainment system provides insights like energy usage and maintenance alerts. Together, they help you stay informed and support good battery maintenance habits. For information about your battery’s health, you can request a State of Health (SOH) certificate from an authorised retailer, for select Volvo models with a battery passport.

How safe are Volvo EV batteries?

Our EV batteries are all built with a battery management system. This system manages, safeguards and monitors the battery to protect it from misuse and damage. This not only helps prolong its life but also contribute to safe battery technology. In the event of a collision, the battery is well protected inside the car within its own safety cage.

What is vehicle-to-grid charging?

Vehicle-to-grid (V2G) charging is a smart technology that lets electric cars charge and send electricity back to the grid. When your EV is plugged in and is V2G-capable, it can share some of its stored battery energy to help power homes or stabilise the grid during peak times or outages. 

What is a battery health certificate for electric cars?

Several certified used electric cars come with a high-voltage battery State of Health (SOH) certificate, which provides a data-driven estimate of the battery’s remaining capacity. A battery with 100% SOH means it retains its full original capacity, offering the same range as when it left the factory. The SOH value is calculated based on the battery’s past usage patterns and expected degradation trends within the vehicle. While the value offers useful insight, it’s not a prediction or guarantee of future battery performance. Accuracy is typically within ±3% for batteries with over 90% SOH and ±5% for those under 90%. Battery health will naturally decline over time, and factors like ambient temperature and charging habits can affect the rate of degradation, though as an owner, you can positively influence your battery’s future condition through mindful usage and care.