Summary
- Electric car critics often raise concerns about expensive battery replacements in the future, but the reality is that most electric car batteries last a long time and degrade very slowly, around 1.8% per year on average
- A study by Geotab analyzed 10,000 EVs and found that they could operate for 15-20 years without needing a battery replacement due to the slow degradation rate
- EV batteries are expected to last 15+ years, with some models degrading less than 1% a year, meaning they could still have more than 70% of their original storage capacity after 30 years
- Fast-charging usage might lead to slightly faster degradation, but overall EV batteries are designed to hold up well over time without the need for replacement
- Tips for maximizing battery lifespan include keeping the battery at around 50% state of charge and storing it in cooler temperatures, but realistically, battery degradation is not a major concern for most EV drivers
Article
The concern about the high cost of replacing electric car battery packs has been a common criticism from skeptics and critics of electric vehicles. However, this argument is not very convincing as there is evidence to suggest that EV batteries can last a long time without needing replacement. In fact, a study by Geotab analyzed 10,000 EVs in North America and Europe and found that they only degraded about 1.8% per year on average. With the improving technology of EV batteries, they are expected to last for 15 to 20 years without needing replacement.
Some electric cars even have batteries that are expected to degrade less than 1% per year, meaning they could last for 30 years with more than 70% of their original storage capacity. The study also found that higher use of DC fast-charging could lead to faster battery degradation, especially in hotter climates. However, other research has shown that fast-charging does not necessarily cause batteries to degrade faster than slow charging. Overall, the study concluded that EV batteries are likely to hold up well over time, regardless of charging habits.
For those concerned about battery degradation, there are some simple tips to follow such as keeping the battery around 50% state of charge to maximize lifespan. Keeping it in a cooler place rather than a hotter place can also help prolong the battery’s life. However, it is important to note that these measures are more about maximizing lifespan rather than preventing the need for replacement. Extreme scenarios where a battery degrades too early are expected to be a rare occurrence among EV drivers.
In conclusion, the study by Geotab and other research indicate that electric car batteries are more durable than commonly believed. The fear of having to replace an EV battery at a high cost is likely unfounded, as most EV batteries are expected to last for decades without significant degradation. Therefore, EV owners do not need to worry about the longevity of their batteries and can confidently dismiss the concerns of skeptics and critics.
Read the full article here
