If you’re considering an electric car, one of the first questions on your mind is likely how long the battery will last. The answer to that question depends on many factors, including the make and model of the vehicle, driving habits, and climate.
In this article, we’ll take a look at how Lithium-ion batteries work and how long they can last in an electric car. That way, you’ll have an idea of what to expect when you make the switch to an electric vehicle.
What Are Electric Car Batteries Made Of?
Lithium-ion batteries power the majority of modern electric vehicles. Does it sound familiar? That’s because it’s the same fundamental technology used to power your everyday electronics—your smartphone, laptop, and tablet.
The capacity of the batteries varies, which is a huge factor when determining how long it will take to charge an EV. Lithium-ion batteries have three main parts: the anode, the cathode, and the electrolyte. The anode is made of carbon, while the cathode is usually a metal oxide. The electrolyte is a type of lithium salt found in an organic solvent.
When the battery is charging, lithium ions flow from the cathode to the anode. However, the ions flow in the opposite direction when it’s in use, creating an electric current. This process is what powers your electric car.
Expected Lifespan of Electric Car Batteries
Today’s EV batteries are built to last—most manufacturers offer a warranty of around eight years or 100,000 miles. And that’s just for the battery alone. So the typical lifespan of an electric car is around 15 years or 200,000 miles.
Of course, there are exceptions to the rule. The Nissan Leaf, for example, has a battery that lasts up to ten years or 150,000 miles.
Keep in mind that these are only research-driven estimates. The actual lifespan of your car’s battery will depend on several factors, including driving habits, climate, and how well you maintain the battery.
Proper Maintenance of Electric Car Batteries
One of the best ways to extend the lifespan of your car’s battery is to practice proper maintenance. This includes things like:
- Keeping the battery cool: When it’s hot outside, the battery works harder to keep the car cool. This can shorten its lifespan.
- Avoiding short trips: Starting and stopping the car frequently can be hard on the battery. If possible, combine errands into one trip.
- Keeping it charged: It’s best to keep the battery between 30% and 80%. Letting it run too low can damage the battery, while charging it too often can shorten its lifespan.
By following these simple tips, you can help ensure that your car’s battery lasts as long as possible.
How Much Does Electric Car Battery Replacement Cost?
To replace an electric car battery, the EV owner has to spend, on average, $5,000. This is because batteries are the most expensive components in an electric vehicle. So if you need to replace your battery after your warranty expires, it’s essential to know how much money you’ll be spending.
We recommend getting a battery replacement at an authorized dealership as they can source and install genuine batteries certified by your EV manufacturer. Aftermarket batteries may be cheaper, but they might not last as long or work well with your car.
How to Maximize Your Electric Car Battery
While battery degradation is completely normal and expected, there are a few things you can do to help slow it down.
- Avoid leaving your car sitting fully charged or at critically low levels for extended periods, as it can accelerate the wear and tear process.
- Try to keep your car plugged in and charging when you’re not using it, as this will help preserve the battery.
- Keep an eye on the health of your battery and have it regularly serviced by a professional.
- If you have the option, use a lower voltage charger, which puts less stress on the battery.
- While fast DC charging is convenient, make sure not to use it regularly as it will shorten the lifespan of your battery. Only reserve fast charging for trips.
- Extreme temperatures are the bane of batteries, so try to keep your car in a moderate climate as much as possible.
- Keep your car clean as a dirty battery can overheat more easily.
By following these tips, you can help extend the lifespan of your electric car’s battery.
Are Electric Vehicles Reliable?
While electric vehicles are relatively new to the automotive industry, some modern models have proven to be reliable. In addition, electric cars generally have far fewer moving parts than their gasoline-powered counterparts. This makes EVs less likely to break down.
One of the most reliable electric cars on the market is the Tesla Model S. This vehicle has an impressive track record, with Consumer Reports giving it a reliability score of 91 out of 100.
Other reliable electric cars include the Chevrolet Bolt EV, the Audi e-tron, the Jaguar I-Pace, and the Tesla Model 3.
While electric vehicles are still a relatively new technology, several reliable options are already on the market. If you’re looking for a reliable electric car, be sure to shop around and do your research to find the right one for you.
Why Use DATAMYTE?
For car manufacturers, creating EVs can be a lot of work. Since it’s relatively new, the process of making one is different and needs to be perfected. For that reason, you need to create a specific workflow for it—something DATAMYTE is really good at.
DATAMYTE is a data and quality management platform capable of creating comprehensive workflows to help you manage your business efficiently. With our Digital Clipboard software, you’ll be able to achieve that and more with just a few clicks.
The DataMyte Digital Clipboard is a workflow automation software specializing in creating digital workflows specific to electric vehicle manufacturing. With this software, you’ll be able to manage your EV production line more efficiently and effectively.
Plus, you also have access to our EV checklist template, which you can customize to fit your specific needs. This is a great way to ensure that your electric vehicles are being made according to your high standards.
If you’re looking for a way to streamline your electric vehicle manufacturing process, DATAMYTE is the perfect solution. Book a demo with us now and see how much value DATAMYTE can provide you and your business.
Conclusion
Before you switch to EV, you must understand everything about it from the inside out. Learning how the battery works is of utmost importance as it’ll help you determine how long your car can last. Use the information in this article to better understand electric car batteries and how you can prolong their lifespan.
And for car manufacturers out there, make sure you perfect your EV workflow with DATAMYTE. Get started today!
