How Long Do Electric Car Batteries Last?
Electric cars have become increasingly popular, driven in part by rising gasoline prices and advancements in battery technology. However, a common question remains: How long will an electric vehicle (EV)’s battery last? Given that the battery pack is often the most expensive component, sometimes costing over $20,000 to replace, understanding its lifespan is crucial for potential EV buyers.
What are EV Batteries?
Unlike gasoline-powered cars, EVs use a battery pack and 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 technologies like lead-acid or nickel-cadmium batteries, allowing them to store more power in a smaller space. An EV’s battery capacity is measured in kilowatt-hours (kWh); a higher kWh rating indicates a longer driving range.
How Long Do They Last?
The lifespan of an EV battery depends on several factors. Most EV manufacturers provide a warranty of at least 8 years or 100,000 miles. However, some manufacturers offer longer warranties. For example, Kia offers a 10-year or 100,000-mile battery pack warranty, while Hyundai covers EV batteries for the vehicle’s lifetime.
Battery warranties also vary in terms of coverage. Some automakers will only replace the battery if it fails completely, while others, like BMW, Tesla, and Volkswagen, will cover it if its capacity drops below a certain percentage. Recent studies suggest that EV batteries may retain around 90% capacity after 100,000 kilometers (approximately 62,000 miles) and about 87% after 300,000 kilometers (approximately 186,000 miles), with an annual degradation rate of roughly 1.8%. For example, a Tesla Model S only loses an estimated 5% of its battery capacity over the first 50,000 miles.
With ongoing advancements, companies are developing larger batteries, increasing range, and reducing degradation. The original Nissan LEAF had a maximum range of 84 miles, while the latest model offers up to 212 miles. Modern EV batteries are increasingly designed to last the entire lifespan of the vehicle, minimizing the need for replacements. Thanks to advances in battery management systems and engineering, an EV battery is expected to last between 10 and 20 years, depending on maintenance and care.
How to Prolong the Life of Your Electric Vehicle Battery
Similar to gasoline-powered vehicles, preventive maintenance can extend an EV battery’s life. Here are some tips:
- Avoid extreme temperatures. Lithium batteries have thermal management systems. Parking in the shade on hot days and indoors in extreme cold can help battery longevity.
- Avoid overcharging and deep discharging. Modern EVs have management systems to prevent charging and discharging at maximum or minimum levels. It is often recommended to avoid charging above 80% or below 20% to maximize battery life.
- Minimize fast charging. DC fast charging stations can charge a battery up to 80% in about 30 minutes, which can put strain on the battery. Limit the use of these stations to occasional use.
- Maintain an optimal state of charge during storage. If storing the vehicle for extended periods, avoid completely empty or full charges. If possible, use a timed charger to maintain a charge level between 25% and 75%.
Second Life of EV Batteries
When an automotive EV battery’s performance falls below 70%, it can still be repurposed. There are applications for renewable energy sources, including home battery storage and powering manufacturing plants. For example, Toyota has installed EV batteries in Japan to store solar power.
Bottom Line
EV battery life can vary, however, technology has helped ensure that batteries generally last the vehicle’s lifespan. Prolonging battery life largely comes down to limiting the number of charge cycles and avoiding extreme states of charge. Following manufacturer’s instructions for charging is the best way to minimize battery degradation.
