How long do electric vehicle batteries last?
One concern that many people have when considering electric vehicles is ‘How long does the battery last?’.
Replacing an EV battery can be expensive, as well as affect the resale value of your electric car or van. There are plenty of things that you can do to improve the battery health of your EV so you can drive it for many years to come.
If you are new to EVs, understanding the various terminology is essential. We’ve put together an EV glossary to help you get the most out of your new or existing EV..
Like smartphone and laptop batteries, an electric vehicle battery degrades over time, reducing the range and amount of charge it can hold. Our guide covers everything you need to know about how long electric vehicle batteries last.
How do electric vehicle batteries work?
While an internal combustion engine (ICE) uses petrol or diesel to power the vehicle, an EV is powered by a lithium-ion battery pack.
Compared to a phone battery, an EV battery pack comprises of thousands of lithium-ion cells working together to power the electric motor(s) in the vehicle.
As you drive your EV, the battery will discharge as the electrons move from one electrode to the other, creating an electric current, which propels the vehicle’s electric motor and provides drive to its wheel. When recharging your EV, the electrons will flow in the opposite direction while they charge at a charging station.
Why do electric vehicle batteries degrade?
Most EVs on the road use li-ion batteries, which degrade over time with frequent use and charging.
Frequently draining and charging the battery pack to 100% can have a significant impact on your vehicle. It means that the battery is unable to hold as much charge as when you first bought your EV. While battery degradation won’t affect your EV’s general reliability, it can mean that the vehicle’s range will be reduced.
How long do batteries in electric vehicles last?
EV batteries can last a very long time, meaning that you won’t have to spend money replacing your vehicle every couple of years.
Typically, an EV battery can last about 10 years, with some batteries lasting up to 20 years before it needs to be replaced. Most manufacturers, have an eight-year battery warranty, meaning that you won’t have to worry about replacing the battery on your EV for the foreseeable future.
Can electric vehicle batteries be recycled?
Yes, electric vehicle batteries can be recycled, provided it’s done by an experienced professional who can dispose of your EV’s battery safely.
Knowing where to recycle EV batteries locally is important. You should do some research into whether your nearest recycling centre is able to recycle it. If they have specific requirements, such as whether they accept fully charged batteries or if they need to drain the battery, this needs to be considered as part of the recycling process.
What can you do to preserve your electric vehicle’s battery?
Over time, the battery on your EV will degrade. There are some things that you can do to ensure your EV battery remains healthy.
Don’t overcharge your battery
While it can be tempting to charge your EV’s battery up to full capacity, it’s recommended that you charge it up to 80%. The battery’s capacity will drop each time you charge it over 80%. When charging your EV, you should not charge it every night. Unless you are going on a long trip, you should make sure that your EV is charged as close to 80% as possible.
Avoid extreme temperatures
Exposing your EV to extremely hot and cold temperatures can have a major impact on its battery. During the summer, you should make sure your EV is parked in the shade or in a garage if you have one, as well as being plugged into a charger. It’s the same in wintry conditions.
Regular servicing
EV servicing includes checking the health of your battery, and regular servicing can increase the longevity of your car, as well as identify any potential problems.
To find out more about our EV service, contact your nearest branch or get in touch or book easily online today.
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