How long do electric car batteries last?Explained simply !

Environmentally conscious global citizens understand the importance of preserving our natural resources,reducing fossil fuel emission and protecting the planet for future generations.

Smart citizens are changing their preferences by switching to electric vehicles.Electric vehicles are becoming increasingly popular. As Technology is continuously evolving more people will have questions about electric vehicles and their components.This article will speak about the electric car battery and their lifespan.

EV battery -The basic

Electric cars are powered by rechargeable lithium-ion batteries, A lithium-ion battery’s high energy density means it produces more power for its size, making it ideal for an electric car.Lithium-ion batteries are more energy dense than the lead-acid batteries found in internal combustion engines or rechargeable nickel-cadmium batteries found in some hybrids.

EV batteries typically degrade because of temperature,charge/discharge cycles and time.Storage and operating temperatures have a huge impact on EV battery longevity.Simply not using or charging your EV battery does not mean it will last forever.

Factors that influence electric car battery lifespan

Battery composition-Current EVs use two types of batteries lithium-ion and nickel hydride.Lithium-ion are most popular because they are light weight and energy dense.Nickel-hydride batteries are more durable. However, they don’t hold a charge as long and perform poorly in higher temperatures.

Temperature and climate conditions-Temperature is the most crucial factor which affects battery performance.EV batteries thrive at 68 to 86 degrees F. However, performance can suffer if the battery faces extreme temperatures interfering with the chemical processes that generate electrical energy.

Charge and discharge cycles-Every discharge and recharge cycle strains your battery, accumulating over time.Manufacturers rate EV batteries for around 1,500 to 2,000 charge/discharge cycles (when the battery discharges from 100% to 0% and then recharges from 0% to 100%).

How long does an electric car battery last

EV car battery life in India is expected to be around longer than the typical warranty offered by manufacturers, which is typically 8 years or 100,000 kilometers.

Key points about battery life

Warranty-Most EV manufacturers in India will provide a warranty on the battery that lasts 8 years or 100,000 kilometers. This signifies that the manufacturer expects the battery to retain a significant amount of its capacity during this period.

Practices to follow- There are practices you can follow to extend the lifespan of your EV battery, such as avoiding extreme temperatures when charging and parking

Actual lifespan-Studies suggest that EV batteries can last much longer than the warranty period, potentially reaching 200,000 miles or more

The key factors to extend the lifespan of an electric car battery

Avoid full charging and discharging battery-Avoid running a battery below a 10% state of charge and charging a battery above 80% or 90% on a regular basis.Lithium-ion partial cycles are better for EV battery life because deep discharging damages the battery. Never let the battery discharge completely, as it may reduce your EV’s charge capacity and overall driving range.

Minimize exposure to extreme temperature-excessive cold or heat makes your EV work harder to maintain a comfortable cabin temperature—leaving less energy available for driving.Choose a shaded spot to park your EV on a hot day and keep the battery cooler. Similarly park in a garage in cold weather, as intense heat or cold severely impacts battery range and longevity.

Manufacturer’s recommendation-Check manufacturer's manual for recommended charging,operating and repair/replacement instructions.

Minimize weight- Avoid overloading your car, as extra weight can strain the battery and reduce its efficiency
Summing Up

By following above practices, you can help to extend the lifespan of your electric car battery and get the most out of your investment.Minimizing your EV exposure to extreme temperatures, choosing standard charging over fast charging, controlling the optimal state of charge, and maintaining a consistent speed are the primary ways of extending your EV battery life.