With electric vehicles becoming increasingly popular and more accessible, it is reasonable to have concerns and even fears about making the switch. Most of the concerns we have heard are surrounding the battery in an electric vehicle.
This makes sense, as so much of an electric vehicle is dependent on the battery. And with so many other pieces of technology in our lives that are battery dependent, cell phones, computers, even toothbrushes; having concerns about the battery in something as important as your mode of transportation is understandable.
Which is why we want to put some of those concerns to rest with a short series of blog posts all about the battery in your EV.
This chapter will focus more on the longevity of the battery and your electric vehicle battery lifespan.
EV Battery vs Tech Batteries
When you hear about a battery-powered vehicle, most people will immediately compare it to the piece of tech in their hand. Your phone or laptop or tablet will likely need to be charged at least every day, sometimes multiple times a day. And then the battery starts to go south within two years.
The same cannot be said for the battery that powers an electric vehicle. Electric car batteries are designed from the get go to last longer than our hand-held tech. They also tend to be used differently than personal electronic devices and have built-in protection mechanisms. This means EV batteries wear down less quickly.
With moderate use, many electric vehicles can go multiple days without being recharged. Just like with an internal combustion engine, it does depend on what model you are driving, what charger you are using and your driving habits. But for most EV drivers, charging 2–3 times a week is enough. Ultimately this means your EV does not need charging near as often as your handhelds.
Battery Degradation
Electric vehicles have a system in place that prevents battery degradation, it is called a battery management system (BMS). This controls battery charging and discharging and ensures it is done in a way that is least harmful to the battery cells.
Life Span
Currently industry expectations project EV batteries to last between 100,000 and 200,000 miles (160934.4 to 321868.8 km), or about 15 to 20 years.
While EV batteries do age, the ageing is nearly imperceptible to drivers thanks to their large initial capacity combined with minor losses in said battery capacity. EVs are currently estimated to lose an average of 2.3% of their battery capacity per year. Let’s put that into context: if you purchase an EV today with a 240 km range, you’ll have only lost about 27 km of range after five years.
Many manufacturers have also added extra peace of mind to drivers. Almost all EV manufacturers offer around 8-10 years warranty for their battery pack, ensuring a battery will be replaced for free if it fails prematurely.
Our vehicles are our lifeline to work, play and maintain our daily lives. It is understandable to have questions and concerns when considering the move from a gas engine to a battery powered vehicle. Thankfully our experts are here to help you when it comes to your EV. Our Electric Certified and trained Technicians, backed by expert care from our professional Service Advisors, know about EV batteries and what maintenance you will need to keep your vehicle running smoothly for a long time. We are here to help answer questions and provide all the most up to date information.
Stop back to our blog soon as our next chapter looks at what EV drivers can do to extend their battery’s lifespan.