Electric cars have surged in popularity amid rising gasoline prices. However, a key question for consumers remains: how long will an electric vehicle’s (EV) battery last? Considering the battery pack is often the most expensive component, sometimes costing over $20,000 for replacement, understanding its lifespan is crucial.
What are EV Batteries?
Traditional cars use gasoline to power an internal combustion engine, but EVs utilize a battery pack to drive one or more electric motors. These batteries are rechargeable lithium-ion batteries, similar to those found in smartphones and other consumer electronics. Lithium-ion batteries offer a higher energy density compared to older lead-acid or nickel-cadmium batteries, meaning they occupy less space while providing equivalent power.
A vehicle’s battery capacity is measured in kilowatt-hours (kWh), so a higher kWh rating indicates a greater range.
How Long Do EV Batteries Last?
The lifespan of an EV battery is influenced by several factors. EV manufacturers are typically required to provide a warranty for at least 8 years or 100,000 miles. Some companies provide even more extended warranties. For instance, Kia offers a 10-year or 100,000-mile warranty, while Hyundai provides coverage for the vehicle’s entire lifetime.
Battery warranties may also vary regarding the extent of their coverage. Some automakers only replace a battery if it completely fails, whereas others, like BMW, Tesla, and Volkswagen, will cover a battery if its capacity falls below a specific percentage.
Recent studies suggest that EV batteries may maintain approximately 90% of their capacity after covering 100,000 kilometers (about 62,000 miles) and about 87% after 300,000 kilometers (about 186,000 miles), with an annual degradation rate of roughly 1.8%. For example, a Tesla Model S has been shown to lose only about five percent of its battery capacity over its initial 50,000 miles.
As battery technology evolves, manufacturers are developing larger batteries with improved range and lower degradation rates. The first-generation Nissan LEAF had a maximum range of 84 miles, whereas its latest iteration offers a maximum range of 212 miles. Modern electric car batteries are increasingly designed to last for the entire life of the vehicle, reducing the need for replacement.
Considering advancements in battery management systems and engineering, an EV battery is generally expected to last 10-20 years, contingent on proper maintenance and care.
How to Prolong the Life of Your Electric Vehicle Battery
Similar to gas-powered vehicles, there are preventative maintenance measures you can take to prolong your EV’s battery life. Here are some key tips:
- Avoid Extreme Temperatures: Lithium batteries have thermal management systems that regulate temperature, consuming energy and draining the battery pack. Try to park in the shade during hot weather and indoors during extremely cold temperatures.
- Proper Charging Practices: Modern EVs are equipped with management systems that prevent charging or discharging at maximum and minimum levels. To maximize battery life, avoid charging your vehicle above 80% or below 20%.
- Minimize Fast Charging: DC fast charging stations can quickly charge your battery to 80% in as little as 30 minutes. However, the convenience can strain your EV battery. Limit the use of these fast-charging stations to occasional scenarios, like road trips.
- Maintain Optimal State of Charge During Storage: If you plan to store your vehicle for an extended period, ensure the battery isn’t fully charged or completely empty. Using a timed charger, set the charging level to maintain between 25% and 75%.
Second Life of EV Batteries
When an EV battery’s performance declines below 70%, it can still have a second life. Automotive batteries can be repurposed for various applications involving renewable energy sources, including home battery storage systems and powering manufacturing plants. For example, Toyota has installed EV batteries in Japan to store power generated from solar panels.
Bottom Line
While electric car battery life varies, technological advancements help ensure it typically lasts the vehicle’s lifespan. Limiting the number of charging cycles each battery cell undergoes is the main factor for extending a battery’s life expectancy. Since battery cells deteriorate when a battery remains at a full or empty state for prolonged periods, always adhere to the manufacturer’s charging guidelines to minimize degradation.
