Electric vehicles (EVs) are gaining momentum quickly, and their prices are falling. The Bloomberg experts, if the momentum continues, then by 2040, we could see mass adoption of EVs. The manufacturers are working tirelessly to improve the battery, which is the heart of EVs that can make electric cars more affordable and attractive, the longevity of the battery, known as the most expensive part of EVs affects the vehicle cost as well as the cost of maintaining the vehicle. Everyone wants to know how long electric car batteries last to compare costs with traditional fuel and gas-driven vehicles.
How Long do Electric Car Batteries Last?
The universal thumb rule to determine the longevity of any device or equipment is usually at least double the manufacturer’s warranty. Accordingly, it seems sensible to assume that the electric car battery life expectancy could be between 10-20 years as the manufacturer warranty varies between 5-8 years for the battery. However, it is only speculation and not based on accurate data.
Considering that the average decline of battery in a year across all cars is 2.3%., the battery would lose only 17% life in 5 years.
Factors that Affect Battery Efficiency
To better gauge the electric car battery life, it is essential to understand the factors that impact a battery’s efficiency, affecting the battery life.
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- EVs use lithium-ion batteries that follow a continuous charge cycle and discharge whether the vehicle is in use or at rest. The number of cycles affects the life expectancy of an electric car battery by impacting the battery’s ability to hold a specific amount of charge. This simply means that the efficient use of the electric cars can really extend battery life. The industry standard is to maintain 80% cycles.
- Temperature is another factor determining the longevity of batteries and why an electric car battery life in hot climates will be lesser than that of batteries in cooler climates. Although the battery generates heat during the charge and discharge cycle, external temperatures significantly impact the battery life.
- The vehicle usage or how you drive the car affects the battery’s life. The battery of EVs drives the motor, which, in turn, causes the wheels. Pressing the accelerator feeds power to the motor that consumes the charge stored in the battery. Frequent use of the accelerator and brakes would consume more power and drain the battery faster, resulting in a higher number of charge and discharge cycles. It can shorten the electric car battery life.
- Overcharging of battery reduces its life, and equally bad is low voltage or deep discharge when the battery does hold any charge and is as good as dead.
Awareness about what impacts the battery life should help you find the answer to how long electric car batteries last, which can vary significantly between the EV manufacturers and users. Users are more responsible for ensuring a prolonged battery life by safeguards against factors that adversely affect the battery life.
