How Long Do Electric Car Batteries Last?
Electric car batteries are becoming more advanced and lasting longer than ever before. Although electric car technology has been around for a while, many people are still unsure how electric cars work. One of the areas that people most frequently have questions about is the batteries that power electric cars and, more specifically, how long do electric car batteries last?
In electric cars, power is stored in a battery pack, which, in turn, powers the electric motor(s) that drives the car forward. In vehicles with internal combustion engines, the range is determined by the size of the fuel tank and the vehicle's average fuel consumption, but in EVs, the range is determined by the size of the vehicle’s battery bank and its average electric consumption. Like internal combustion vehicles, individual electric vehicles' range or battery life differs based on several factors, such as battery pack size, driving style, and charge levels.
It is also important to keep in mind that the question “how long do electric car batteries last” can refer to two different things. The first aspect to consider is the distance that can be travelled per charge, and the second is the number of times that the battery can be recharged before it needs to be replaced with a new battery. In both cases, EV battery technology has evolved significantly, and new technology has made batteries more reliable than ever before. Let’s look at the factors that influence how long EV batteries last and what can be done to get the most out of your EV battery.
Understanding the factors that influence EV battery life
EV batteries are built to be tough and last for a long time, but a few factors can influence the lifespan of a typical electric vehicle battery. Some of these effects are temporary, while others can, over time, cause permanent changes in the battery. However, there is no reason to fret as you can extend the service life of your EV battery by following a few simple steps.
One of the biggest factors that influence the lifespan of an electric vehicle’s battery is the number of charge cycles that it is subjected to. Every time the battery is recharged to full capacity, one charge cycle is completed. In general, EV batteries can handle several discharge-charge cycles before the battery begins to show minor signs of capacity loss. However, there is something that you can do to increase the lifespan of your EV battery every time you charge it. By charging the battery to a maximum of 80% of its capacity, you can significantly extend its service life. In addition, make sure to never deplete the battery to below 20% of its capacity. Each time you charge your electric vehicle’s battery, it is placed under stress. This is due to the chemical reactions that occur inside the battery during charging and discharging, and this is why batteries tend to lose a small percentage of their capacity over time. By keeping the battery's state of charge between 20- and 80% during normal day-to-day operation, the stresses on the battery are kept to a minimum.
While the lifespan of an electric vehicle's battery is quite important to any EV owner or prospective EV owner, the range is an equally important consideration for the average electric vehicle driver. Most people know that the driver's specific driving style heavily influences EV range, but the prevailing weather conditions can temporarily influence the battery capacity. Colder temperatures during the winter months can reduce the range of electric vehicles by a small amount. Although this is unlikely to be a problem for short urban journeys, it is worth considering when planning longer journeys.
As is the case with all batteries, electric vehicle batteries are sensitive to cold temperatures and thus require heating in winter. The systems that keep the battery pack at its optimal operating temperature require some electricity to function, and this is the reason for the slight reduction in the range of most EVs during the winter months. In traditional internal combustion engines, the passenger compartment can be warmed or cooled using the heat generated by the engine, but since electric vehicles do not have an engine that generates heat, battery power must be used to heat the passenger cabin during the winter months. This, too, can affect the range of the vehicle, but by opting for an energy-efficient heat pump, it is possible to minimise this effect as much as possible.
Protecting EV batteries and increasing their lifespans
Correctly charging your EV battery is one of the most important ways in which you can protect and extend its service life as much as possible.
EV battery packs are not just the power source that keeps electric cars going; it is also one of the most expensive parts of the vehicle. Because of this, it only makes sense to protect the battery and increase its lifespan by as much as possible. One of the easiest ways to do this is by using a smart charger to keep the battery charged and in optimal condition. Luckily, most modern electric vehicles have built-in smart charging systems that regulate the charging process so that the battery is never overcharged.
It is also important to ensure that your electric vehicle’s battery is kept at the right state of charge when the vehicle will not be used for an extended period, such as while you are on holiday or away from home. It is recommended to store the vehicle with a charge level of between 20- and 75%. There are several ways to do this, and many electric vehicles allow owners to activate storage mode via their onboard computers. EV drivers can also take advantage of public smart chargers, which are programmed to charge the vehicle's battery to a certain level.
While it might seem like a good idea to always keep your EV fully charged, it isn't necessarily the best approach. The most battery-friendly approach regarding EV battery charging is to ensure you keep the battery level between 20- and 80%. By doing this, you will always have enough range to travel without experiencing any range anxiety. Many drivers who are new to the world of electric vehicles prefer to keep their vehicles as close to fully charged as possible and often leave them to charge overnight. However, a fully charged battery is not always needed. While charging the battery to 100% when you need to take a longer trip is always a good idea, it might not always be needed for your daily commute to the office and back.
In short, the key to keeping the battery pack in your electric vehicle in good shape is to plan ahead. Charging the battery to match the needs of a specific journey is one of the simplest ways to ensure that you get the most from its battery pack.
How long does the average EV battery last?
So, how long do electric car batteries last on average? The switch from traditional internal combustion vehicles to electric vehicles is well underway, but the technology is still new to many drivers. As with all new technology, many people have questions about the batteries that power the vehicles and their longevity. However, electric vehicle batteries have come a long way since they were first invented. Nowadays, the average lifespan of most battery packs ranges from 10 to 20 years. Many potential electric vehicle drivers are concerned about the costs related to replacing battery packs, but the fact is that the costs related to EV battery packs have dropped significantly in the last few years.
With the appropriate care, EV battery packs can last for a very long time, and most users will not need to replace the battery pack during their ownership of an electric vehicle. In addition, EV manufacturers offer guarantees to ensure that the driver doesn’t need to worry about battery-related problems when switching to an electric vehicle. Another incentive for switching to electric vehicles is that the cost of replacing an electric vehicle’s battery is likely to drop significantly in the near future, making it much easier for electric vehicle drivers to replace the battery with a new pack when it comes time.
Conclusion on how long do electric car batteries last
In general, city drivers tend to overestimate the range they need to perform their daily tasks. For this reason, many drivers are looking for battery packs that last much longer than they truly need. The truth of the matter is that modern EV battery packs offer, for the most part, a wide enough range for the average city driver. By following these simple charging tips and planning longer journeys well in advance, you should always have enough range to cover your needs and safeguard the lifespan of your electric car's battery.
