Mercedes EV battery proves most durable among 28,500 hybrids in tests

A comprehensive study by Germany’s ADAC, in partnership with Austrian battery data firm AVILOO, analyzed over 28,500 battery state-of-health measurements from plug-in hybrid electric vehicles (PHEVs) over six years. The research revealed significant differences in battery durability across brands, with premium automakers like Mercedes-Benz, BMW, and Volvo outperforming mainstream brands such as Volkswagen, Ford, and Mitsubishi. Mercedes-Benz led the field, maintaining stable battery performance up to 200,000 kilometers (approximately 120,000 miles) with minimal degradation, attributed to superior engineering and advanced battery management systems. Conversely, Mitsubishi’s PHEVs showed notable early battery degradation, although this tended to stabilize over time. Volkswagen and Volvo models demonstrated consistent battery health even under heavy electric use, while BMW’s results varied by model and electric driving frequency. Ford’s PHEVs experienced early capacity drops regardless of usage patterns. Despite brand differences, the study found that most PHEV batteries retain over 80%