As electric cars and other electric vehicles (EVs) become more popular, those considering the switch frequently wonder how long an EV battery lasts. In general, you can expect that fresh batteries will meet and frequently surpass the endurance of powertrain components in internal combustion engine (ICE) vehicles, even though the lifespan of batteries varies depending on the manufacturer and their age.

The Fundamentals Of EV Batteries

Electric automobiles are powered by rechargeable lithium-ion batteries, which offer a higher energy density than lead-acid or rechargeable nickel-cadmium batteries used in internal combustion engines. Lithium-ion batteries are ideal for electric automobiles since they can produce more power compared to their size because of their high energy density.

Because the battery is their primary source of electricity, EVs are much simpler and more efficient than ICE vehicles. Experts believe that EV manufacture will soon be as inexpensive as ICE vehicles, despite the fact that the cost of lithium-ion batteries has decreased by 97% over the past 30 years.

The Impact Of Age On EV Power

The key factors that contribute to EV battery degradation are temperature, cycles, and time. The storage and operating temperatures have a significant impact on an EV battery’s lifespan; generally speaking, warmer climates have a negative effect. As the battery goes through charge cycles—being depleted while being driven and replenished while plugged in—it eventually loses its maximum potential. Your electric vehicle battery won’t live indefinitely even if you don’t use it or charge it because of calendar deterioration, which is the battery’s eventual demise.

Compared to the lithium-ion batteries found in phones and laptops, EV batteries include sophisticated battery management systems (BMS), which regulate how the batteries are charged and discharged to extend their lifespan. Hence, temperature or time-related degradation of your EV battery is more likely.

Unlock The Truth: Electric Car Battery Life

So, the original query, “How long will your EV battery last?” still stands. The good news for consumers is that California now requires a battery guarantee of 10 years or 150,000 miles instead of the federal minimum of 8 years or 100,000 miles.

As EV battery packs are cheaper to create, companies might make bigger batteries with more energy potential, which would increase their mile range. Moreover, the more recent technology reduces battery deterioration, keeping the battery’s maximum capacity over time closer to that of a brand-new battery.

And while modern batteries’ mileage range has already greatly increased, even as they get older, they will still have a longer mileage range than batteries from just a few years ago. Because a lithium-ion battery is made up of several individual cells, it rarely needs to be changed in its whole as it matures. You will save money by simply replacing dead cells.

EV vs. ICE: The Battery Life Battle

The required warranty for EV batteries is 8 years and 100,000 miles, compared to the typical ICE vehicle powertrain warranty of 5 years or 60,000 miles. An ICE vehicle will go around 133,000 miles in its lifespan. An average EV battery is expected to last about 200,000 miles, according to experts, although several manufacturers have already made much longer promises.

Tesla reports that they are getting closer to achieving their goal of a battery with a million-mile range. Because EV batteries only lose 2.3% of their maximum capacity annually on average, you can safely expect them to last as long as or longer than ICE drivetrain components with routine maintenance.

Prolonging An EV’s Battery Life

EV batteries are already strong, but there are certain things owners can do to extend battery life.

Observe EV Manufacturer Recommendations

To start, it’s crucial to adhere to your EV’s unique instructions for the best battery performance and to maintain the software on your car up to the current. Each EV manufacturer will have its own set of recommended charging and operation procedures because they all use various battery chemistries and cooling techniques.

Keep Temperatures Reasonable

Because their operating temperatures are kept lower, EVs with liquid-cooled batteries see higher battery life retention. Generally speaking, storing and using your EV in mild climes is an efficient approach to increase battery life. A vehicle spends the majority of its life parked, so even if you live in a warmer region, parking it in a garage or a place that gets plenty of shade can assist.

Cut Back On Rapid Charging

Direct current rapid charging (DCRC) to power your vehicle is OK on occasion, but if you can reduce the frequency of this charging technique, your battery is likely to last longer. Fortunately, EV Connect provides a range of charging stations to ensure that your vehicle has a number of effective solutions. And keep in mind: Don’t be frightened to use your EV because battery degeneration isn’t primarily caused by frequent use.

Life After An EV Battery

For environmentally conscious consumers, one of the most intriguing parts of EV battery degradation is the possibility of continued battery use after they have left your Car. These strong EV batteries have enough life to couple with solar and provide backup energy for your home, even as they lose their ability to power a car (often at 70% of their maximum charge capability). Even discarded batteries are gathered or purchased by some manufacturers to power other projects, such as sports arenas, sustainably. You may rest easy knowing that your EV’s power is sustainable for a very long time after it leaves the car.

EV batteries continue to get cheaper, can go farther on a single charge, and have longer lifespans. There is already speculation among experts that EV batteries will last longer than ICE components, and the technology advances year by year. The good news is that your EV battery will meet your needs for many years to come, and it can even be recycled sustainably once it has finished supplying energy to your car.