posted 8th September 2022
Lithium-ion batteries are typically the best batteries for electric vehicles.
The reason they’re the best is that lithium-ion batteries hold a lot of energy, allowing for electric cars to travel further. This boost to range can be pretty significant.
In addition, lithium-ion batteries don’t have as high of a self-discharge rate as other types of batteries, which lets them better maintain their charge as the battery ages.
There are four main types of EV batteries:
-Lithium-ion
-Nickel-metal hydride
-Lead-acid
-Ultracapacitors
Lithium-ion is considered the best and has also become the most popular battery in recent years.
The good news for electric car owners is that EV batteries are warrantied for at least 8 years or 100,000 miles.
How long do EV batteries last?
The current estimates, most EV batteries will last somewhere between 10-15 years before they need to be replaced.
For many considering purchasing an electric vehicle, just under half consider the average battery life to be less than 65,000 miles.
Does EV charging affect the battery life?
In short, yes. Charging a battery does have an effect on your vehicle’s battery life.
In comparison, lithium-ion batteries are designed to handle a much higher density of energy. Lithium-ion batteries have increased the potential to use electricity in vehicles.
However, while an EV’s battery will lose its ability to fully charge over time, it is not likely that it will stop altogether. There are a few best practices that you can do to extend the life of your EV’s battery.
EV battery charging best practices
Advances have extended battery life, increased safety, and reduced the weight and price of battery packs. However, like all technology, if you care for them in the right way, you can extend their lifespan and increase your return on investment.
Don’t charge your EV every night
Don’t put additional stress on the battery by charging to full every night if you have enough charge for the next day. You can extend the battery life by only plugging in when necessary.
Stay between 20 and 80 percent charge
Set your onboard smart charging to stop charging at 80%, Just like you shouldn’t plug your vehicle in every night, you also shouldn’t top it up to 100 percent when you don’t have to. Frequently draining the cells too often or filling it up to full can reduce the battery’s capacity. The common advice is to stay between 20 and 80 percent charge and never let the battery die completely.
Control the optimal battery state of charge during long storage
Lastly, leaving your EV parked for too long with a full (or empty) battery also contributes to the battery life. Avoid this, if you’re going to spend a long amount of time away from your vehicle, it’s a good idea that you fill it up to somewhere between 25 and 75 percent. There are smart charging stations that can help you with this and make sure that your battery doesn’t go beyond these limits.
To understand more about battery features in your electric vehicle, get in touch with us today at enquiries@electrx.uk