How long do EV batteries last?

Replacing a laptop because it won't hold a charge or buying a new phone after being sick of your old one dying every few hours is all too common.

However, despite the fact electric vehicle (EV) batteries are projected to last around 15-20 years, research suggests that 50% of people see EV battery longevity as a key barrier to buying an EV. We can easily understand why – the association with other modern technology is strong. Let’s put it this way. The majority of EV batteries will outlast the vehicle, as well as around potentially ten of your next phones.  

What are EV batteries made from? 

Whilst it varies based on brand and model, most EV batteries are made of lithium-ion cells due to their high energy retention and low cost. Other common chemistry makeups include nickel manganese cobalt and nickel metal hydride. Prismatic, pouch, and cylindrical cells are the most popular types of battery cells found in EVs. 

It’s the components within EV batteries – like the complex battery management system – that regulate how the battery charges to prolong its life.  

How can you increase your EV’s battery life? 

On average, EV’s batteries degrade around 1.8% per year, which is significantly better than internal combustion engine (ICE) vehicles. Regardless, there’s some simple ways to manage your EV battery life and extend its lifespan. Every EV manufacturer has different cooling technology and battery chemistries, so make sure you reference your model’s optimal operating and charging instructions. 

The high voltage and current in DC fast charging increases the strain on your battery and is likely to reduce its capacity to hold charge faster than AC charging. It’s recommended to use a smart AC charger like EVOS Energy’s Fleet22 as much as possible to maintain battery health.  

It’s also important to avoid leaving your EV in extremely hot or cold temperatures and to maintain a state of charge between 20-80%. This is where the Fleet22’s scheduling feature can come in handy to make sure that you’re keeping the car within this range. If you need to keep your car in storage, make sure you charge it once every three months. 

Remember how we mentioned that EV batteries usually outlast the vehicle itself? After the car is off the road, these batteries can be repurposed as stationary batteries for another decade, powering homes or the grid. This transition usually happens when the battery reaches 70% of its charge potential. Then, at the end of this second life, most materials used in the battery can be fully recycled and used again in production. 

Misconceptions around battery lifespan are just one of the many myths around electric vehicles that need to be addressed to accelerate their uptake. With increasing government support and improved education around the benefits of EVs, we’re confident that these will be addressed in the near future.  

If you have any questions about EVOS'S energy management solutions, reach out to our friendly sales team at sayhi@evos.com.au

https://www.mdpi.com/1996-1073/14/8/2217
https://www.geotab.com/uk/press-release/2024-battery-degradation/