As electric vehicle (EV) ownership becomes more common, some car buyers are still hesitant to give up internal combustion engine vehicles. Although the price of EVs has dropped, tax credits for EVs continue, and their range has increased, many consumers are hesitant to own one. Car buyers have many concerns about their purchase decision, and many of them focus on the battery and infrastructure of electric vehicles. A common question is how long electric car batteries last.
The three main concerns are the lack of public charging options for EVs, the short driving range and the need for potential battery replacement. In addition, those living in multi-family buildings or without a dedicated parking space may have trouble charging at home. In addition, a lack of knowledge about electric vehicles continues to hinder their widespread adoption. In particular, consumers need more information about EV batteries, especially their lifespan.
Electric vehicle battery technology has advanced rapidly over the past decade, and many vehicle buyers have outdated or inaccurate information on the subject. That’s why it’s important for EV specialists to educate consumers and help dispel myths.
Electric car battery life.
While lead-acid batteries last about 3 to 5 years, the life of electric vehicle batteries is much longer. Typically, today’s electric vehicle batteries last 10 to 20 years. Many automakers offer an 8- to 10-year or 160,000-mile warranty on EV batteries, which can help alleviate consumer concerns about battery life.
However, like solar panels, EV batteries don’t typically discharge one day and stop working. Over time, they slowly degrade and become less effective at storing energy, reducing a vehicle’s range by 1% to 2% per year. This means that the vehicle can eventually travel a shorter distance on a single charge.
What kind of batteries do electric vehicles use?
These battery banks have many advantages over other types because lithium-ion batteries have:
- high energy per unit weight;
- high power-to-weight ratio;
- good temperature performance;
- high energy efficiency.
Advances in lithium-ion battery technology have made it possible to increase the range of vehicles through higher energy density. Currently, many EVs on the market have a range of more than 515 km on a full charge, including the BMW i4, Kia EV6, Hyundai Ioniq 5 Long Range AWD and Tesla Model 3 Long Range. Other models have moderate ranges, such as the Chevy Bolt with a range of 415 km. Some automakers have models with much shorter ranges, such as the Nissan Leaf with a range of up to 240 km.
Some electric vehicles even have bi-directional charging capabilities. This means that energy from an electric vehicle’s battery can power other consumers. In this application, an electric vehicle can help power a home, a business, the power grid, another electric vehicle or certain loads. However, when an electric vehicle’s battery provides energy for other uses, it can reduce its driving range.
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Factors affecting the life of electric vehicle batteries.
Many factors affect battery life, but only some of them can be easily controlled by EV drivers. The level of degradation of a lithium-ion battery greatly affects its ability to hold a charge. Eventually, drivers will want to replace batteries in electric vehicles. While degradation is inevitable, there are steps drivers can take to slow it down a bit, extending the life of the battery.
Maintaining a certain level of charge on the electric vehicle battery.
Many electric vehicle experts recommend keeping the battery charge level between 20% and 80%. Completely discharging or fully charging the battery can cause stress on the battery, which slowly reduces its capacity over time. Although charging to 100% allows the vehicle to travel further, it is not recommended to maximize the life of electric vehicle batteries.
Please avoid storing an electric vehicle battery charged to 100%.
If an electric vehicle must stand for long periods of time between uses, it is best that the electric vehicle battery is not fully charged or discharged. A state of charge between 20% and 80% is therefore ideal. Smart charging stations can terminate charging at a certain level, helping drivers reach the desired charge level. In addition, many electric cars have settings that control the maximum charge of the battery to extend its life.
Please avoid regular use of DC fast charging stations.
There are some concerns in the electric vehicle industry about habitual use of DC fast chargers (DCFCs), also known as Level III chargers. Habitual fast charging can cause a slight decrease in battery capacity compared to Level II chargers. If possible, drivers should use DCFC chargers sparingly.
Monitor exposure to extreme temperatures.
Electric vehicle batteries may have a shorter lifespan in warmer climates. Extremely high temperatures during driving, charging and parking can stress EV batteries, shortening their life. If possible, EV drivers should park in the shade on warm days.
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Frequently asked questions about electric vehicle battery life.
Many drivers have questions about batteries, electric car battery life and battery capacity, as these are the most important when considering cost of ownership and driver experience.
How does the battery life of an electric car battery compare to that of a gas car battery?
Batteries in gas-powered cars typically last about 3 to 5 years, although this depends somewhat on usage. However, these lead-acid car batteries cost much less and are easier to recycle than lithium-ion EV batteries. Lithium-ion EV batteries, on the other hand, can last from 10 to 20 years and are usually covered by a manufacturer’s warranty for a certain number of years or miles.
Strict regulations in many states mean that almost 100% of lead-acid batteries are recycled. This is good news for the environment, as it helps reduce the need to extract virgin raw materials.
Do electric vehicle batteries come with a manufacturer’s warranty?
Most automakers, including Volkswagen, Ford, Toyota, Renault and Chevy, offer 8 to 10 years or 100,000-mile warranties on EV batteries. They provide a reasonable estimate of the lifespan of electric car batteries. However, the warranties vary somewhat by car manufacturer.
Tesla, for example, offers an 8-year or 190,000-mile (whichever comes first) battery warranty, with a minimum of 70% battery life during the warranty period. Rivian offers an 8-year or 175,000-mile battery warranty with 70% retention.
How long does an electric car battery last while driving?
Many electric cars can provide 240 to 640 kilometers of range on a single full charge under ideal driving conditions. Driving at 130 miles per hour, you can usually go from 3 to 8 hours, depending on the capacity of the electric vehicle’s battery. However, it takes less time to charge the battery if you accelerate quickly, use heating or air conditioning, drive on hilly roads or in cold temperatures.
How much does it cost to replace an electric vehicle battery?
Consumers’ concerns about the cost of replacing an electric vehicle battery are justified, given that it is the most expensive component. The cost of replacing an EV battery can be as low as $5,000, but can be as high as $20,000 for some high-end models. The cost of replacing an EV battery depends largely on its capacity, so larger batteries have a higher price tag.
The cost per kilowatt-hour (kWh) of battery storage has fallen dramatically in recent years, from $1160 in 2010 to $128 in 2022. However, prices are expected to stabilize at $90 per kWh by 2031. Falling battery costs are very good news for EV drivers and could make EV ownership more attractive.
Although battery technology for electric cars has advanced and production capacity has increased, excessive demand for EV batteries could cause prices to rise if supply runs out. For this reason, Ford CEO Jim Farley and Tesla CEO Elon Musk are calling on the mining industry to extract more raw materials for batteries to prepare for a surge in battery demand.
How do I know if my EV battery is defective?
If your electric car’s battery needs to be replaced, you may notice a significant drop in driving range, slower vehicle charging times and frequent problems holding a charge. Your electric car’s on-board computer system may also display warning lights or messages related to the battery. If you suspect a problem with your electric car’s battery, it is recommended that you have your electric vehicle inspected by a certified technician.
Do electric car batteries discharge when stationary?
Electric vehicle batteries experience a phenomenon known as “vampire drain” or “phantom drain,” in which a small amount of charge is gradually lost when the vehicle is parked and not in use. This loss is attributed to various factors, including the car’s on-board systems, such as the computer, sensors and communications functions.
While the amount of discharge is usually only a few percent of the total battery capacity, electric car owners may notice a slight drop in charge during extended periods of inactivity. Some EVs allow owners to manage this by adjusting settings or using features such as “camp mode” to minimize drainage.
Which EV battery lasts the longest?
Tesla is known for its durable and long-lasting batteries, especially in the Tesla Model S and Model X. However, advances in battery technology are constantly emerging, and other EV manufacturers are making significant strides in extending battery life.
Educating consumers about electric vehicle battery life is crucial.
When new technologies hit the market, consumers need to understand them before widespread adoption is possible. Many potential EV drivers have concerns about battery life, replacement costs and ways to extend battery life. Therefore, as an EV charging infrastructure contractor, understanding and educating the market about these issues is essential to be an expert in the field and help potential EV buyers make informed choices.