The electric car market continues to gain ground in Spain and throughout Europe. Although many drivers are still hesitant to make the switch, the latest data and studies indicate that the technology has matured enough to offer real advantages. One of the main concerns, battery life, is dissipating thanks to research showing that these vehicles can maintain their usable capacity for much longer than previously thought.
Meanwhile, sales continue to grow. In August, pure electric models and plug-in hybrids once again topped the national rankings. Models like the Kia EV3 and the BYD ATTO2 have become favorites among Spaniards, according to registration data. In this article, we review the most important findings regarding battery health and the best-selling cars in Spain.
Electric car batteries: longer lasting than expected
The Austrian company Aviloo has conducted a comprehensive study analyzing over 500.000 battery tests on 20 popular electric vehicle models between 2022 and 2026. The results are clear: most used electric cars retain around 90% of their original capacity after traveling 150.000 kilometers. This figure demonstrates that battery degradation is much less than many drivers feared , supporting the findings of battery analysis regarding their true lifespan.
The study also reveals that at 50.000 kilometers, most models retain over 94% of their capacity, and by 100.000 kilometers that figure barely drops. However, not all cars perform the same. The rate of degradation depends on factors such as climate, battery pack size, charging habits, and parking. For example, high temperatures accelerate degradation, and regularly charging the battery to 100% can also be detrimental.
Another interesting finding is that the variation can be enormous even between vehicles of the same model. The study detected differences of up to 13,5 percentage points in the state of health (SoH) between a well-maintained car and one not so well-maintained, with the same mileage. This means that how the vehicle is used and maintained is key to extending battery life , making it essential to consult a comprehensive guide to electric car batteries.
This has significant implications for the used car market. Potential buyers want to know the battery's condition, and several organizations have called for mandatory battery certifications to increase trust. Greater oversight of this aspect could even increase the value of well-maintained used electric cars.
The best-selling models in Spain in August
As for sales, August has produced a very clear ranking. According to registration data, the Kia EV3 has taken the top spot with 433 units sold, followed closely by the Leapmotor B10 with 419 units and the BYD ATTO2 with 373. These three models have captured the attention of Spanish drivers, who are looking for efficient and affordable alternatives.
The list of the ten best-selling models is completed by the BYD Dolphin Surf (343), the BYD Seal (330), the Citroën ë-C3 (302), the Toyota C-HR (291), the Deepal S05 (235), the Renault 5 E-Tech (224), and the XPeng G6 (197). The presence of Chinese brands like BYD and Leapmotor is becoming increasingly noticeable in Spain, as BYD accelerates its electric car market there , and its success is explained by its good value for money and technological features.
This market behavior reflects a broader trend: electric vehicles are no longer a niche option. Interest in sustainable mobility continues to grow , and although challenges remain, such as charging infrastructure and subsidies for electric cars , demand continues to rise. August data confirms that Spaniards are increasingly willing to make the switch to electric vehicles.
In short, both battery durability and the availability of affordable models are helping to solidify electric vehicles as a real and attractive alternative for the Spanish market. Expectations are positive for the coming months, and everything indicates that the electrification of the vehicle fleet will continue to progress.
