EV Batteries Last Longer Than You Believe

Electric vehicle (EV) popularity is at an all-time high, with global sales soaring by 75% in Q1 of 2022 compared to 2021. Nonetheless, a significant number of prospective drivers continue to show reluctance because of concerns over battery life and range anxiety. A recent Mobility Monitor study found that 36% of potential UK EV drivers worry about battery degradation.

While this concern is reasonable, given the experiences with phone and laptop batteries, EV batteries are specifically designed for enhanced resilience. Research indicates that EV batteries will likely outlast vehicles and can even be repurposed for a second life (rechargeable batteries).

How Are Batteries For Electric Vehicles Constructed?

A typical electric car's battery pack consists of thousands of individual lithium-ion cells that may be recharged hundreds of times. The energy density of lithium-ion rechargeable batteries is much greater than that of other common battery types. They are also easier to discharge energy from and need practically little maintenance after they have been constructed.

Yet, the usefulness of lithium-ion batteries is tempered by the fact that they're not forever. Batteries degrade with time, like any other component; their cells can store less energy than they could when they were new. This may lead to a significant decrease in battery life and performance over time.

EV Battery vs. Phone Battery

Electric car rechargeable batteries have built-in protection mechanisms that make them more durable than those in phones or laptops, which may lose 20% of their capacity within a few years. EV batteries also require less frequent charging due to their usage patterns.

Moreover, a battery management system (BMS) supports them, which regulates charging and discharging to minimize degradation. The BMS can also reserve capacity and redistribute energy, ensuring even utilization of battery cells and contributing to a longer lifespan.

Factors Affecting EV Rechargeable Battery Life

Several factors determine the life of an EV rechargeable battery. These factors are as follows:

Temperature

Temperature affects the lifespan and performance of EV batteries. Optimal temperature ranges are required for batteries to function at their best, with high and low temperatures negatively affecting performance and battery life. Charging an EV battery when it's already hot can be particularly damaging. A study by Rivus found that the average optimal performance of sample vehicles was 2.2 miles/kWh at 20°C, with efficiency dropping at lower and higher temperatures.

Though most EV rechargeable batteries can handle a wide range of climates, increasingly extreme weather conditions and freezing temperatures in winter could impact battery performance for many people. As weather patterns become more unpredictable, the influence of temperature on EV batteries may soon become an important consideration for consumers.

Vehicle Use and Care

Individual owners' usage habits and practices can also significantly impact electric vehicle rechargeable battery life. Improper charging, including frequent recharging or allowing the battery to fall below 5% consistently, can lead to permanent damage and reduced lifespan. Not only that, but leaving an EV inactive for extended periods can result in battery discharge and diminished charging capabilities, especially if the vehicle is stored in extreme temperatures.

Rapid charging, too, is another detrimental practice. It generates excessive heat and can cause battery cells to overheat and suffer permanent damage. To maintain battery health, owners should opt for slower charging methods, like overnight charging, posing less risk to the battery's longevity.

Weight

The range and lifespan of a battery-powered vehicle's power source are both negatively affected by the vehicle's overall weight. Compared to their petroleum-powered counterparts, electric cars tend to be somewhat cumbersome. The batteries, which often have substantial amounts of lithium and lead, are mostly to blame for this. The typical electric vehicle battery weighs between 450 and 500 kilograms (kg); however, certain models may weigh as much as one ton. Besides the model and manufacturer, the battery's power output is the primary factor in determining its overall weight.

The vehicle's additional weight is crucial when considering the battery life. The number of people in a vehicle and its total weight may have this effect. If you overload your car, you'll put a strain on the battery and reduce the vehicle's performance. The reason is that the battery is working harder than it should to keep the car running normally. Reduced speed and range are the consequence of an electric vehicle's power output being constant, as it would be in the absence of any weight strain.

How Long Do EV Rechargeable Batteries Typically Last?

EV rechargeable batteries are anticipated to have a lifespan of 100,000 to 200,000 miles or approximately 15 to 20 years. While the average yearly capacity loss is around 2.3%, this decline is barely noticeable to drivers due to the large initial capacity of the batteries. For instance, after five years, an EV with a 150-mile range would only lose about 17 miles of accessible range.

Existing EVs have demonstrated impressive battery longevity, with Nissan stating that nearly all their EV batteries from the past 12 years are still in use. In the same way, Tesla reports average lifespans of 200,000 miles in the US and 150,000 miles in Europe. This exceeds the average life expectancy of a car, which is 12 years, suggesting that EV batteries often outlast the vehicles they power. Most EV manufacturers offer 8-10 year warranties on their battery packs to provide further reassurance, guaranteeing free replacement if a battery fails prematurely.

Final Words

With the substantial financial commitment that is required to acquire an electric vehicle battery pack, potential buyers of these vehicles naturally place a high priority on the battery's life expectancy. In actual use, contemporary electric car rechargeable batteries are developed with lifespan in mind. They are likely to outlive the vehicle they are now installed in.

We're here to help you out if you are considering replacing the EV rechargeable battery!