An Electric car battery can be expected to last longer than the car. Learn how to minimise battery degradation.
Car batteries can be expected to last longer than the rest of the car. For some years an 8 year / 100,000 thousand mile battery warranty has been standard from most manufacturers, previously it was 5 years / 60,000 miles.
Limited battery lifespan is one of the most common myths about electric cars. Not only do automakers like Tesla and Volkswagen expect batteries to last the life of a vehicle, but some expect them to last longer, and have proposed so-called “second-life” uses of batteries as stationary power sources.
Keep above 20% and charge frequently
This video from Hyundai offers five tips for minimising battery degradation and hence maximising battery life.
The first tip is to try to keep the battery from discharging to low levels, specifically below 20% capacity. That goes hand in hand with Hyundai’s second tip, which is to charge frequently in order to prevent the battery from draining too much.
Hyundai recommends charging every two to three days. This also ensures the car is prepared ahead of time for long trips, the automaker noted.
Avoid heavy acceleration
While driving, it’s best to avoid heavy acceleration, which drains the battery more quickly, according to Hyundai. Maintaining a consistent speed, rather than abruptly accelerating or braking, is the most efficient way to drive.
Battery Management Systems
Battery Management Systems continue to improve.
The original Nissan Leaf had minimal Battery management, but newer models and other manufacturers have must more sophisticated BMS.
Replacing the battery
Replacement batteries are becoming available either as direct replacements, reconditioned replacements or Upgrades.
Reconditioned batteries
EV batteries consist of a large number of cells, so although individual cells may fail and the capacity reduces there is no need to replace the battery. Batteries can be reconditioned by replacing the faulty cells.
Upgrading batteries
A number of manufacturers enable batteries to be upgraded with higher capacity ones.
Battery recycling
But long before recycling, electric-car batteries will have second and third lives well beyond their automotive use. Small businesses are forming to rack them for energy storage in buildings, etc. Some carmakers are even going into that business themselves.
The value of a battery that cost $5,000 to $10,000 new does not suddenly fall to zero, so people won’t want to dump them. They’re too valuable, and could live on for as long as a few decades.
Remember that manufacturers only design cars for lives of 10 to 12 years and 100,000 to 150,000 miles to start with, though Toyotas and a few other brands often last far longer. Thus far, data shows Tesla batteries have only lost about 10 percent of their energy capacity after 100,000 miles.
Prolonging the useful life of the Battery – More technical information
