Battery life for electric vehicles is typically guaranteed by manufacturers for eight years or 160,000 miles, but estimates put that number anywhere from 10 to 20 years. Battery packs for EVs can be swapped out as needed.
The lithium-ion batteries in an electric vehicle’s battery pack are its most pricey component, so it seems to reason that they will survive for a lot longer than, say, Kanye West’s presidential campaign or the now-defunct streaming site Quibi (if you don’t know what we’re talking about, consider our point made).
To answer the question, “How long do car batteries last?” Several Australian automakers, including Tesla, Audi, Mercedes-Benz, BMW, and Nissan, guarantee EV batteries for eight years or 160,000 kilometres (most guarantees state that the battery should still be holding at least 70% capacity after eight years).
This is consistent with the widely held belief that EV batteries have a lifespan of between 10 and 20 years (the battery in a standard internal-combustion engine vehicle has a lifespan of between 3 and 5 years), although it is likely to be closer to the lower end of the spectrum, as the performance of EV batteries is expected to gradually diminish after the decade mark.
The reader shouldn’t be too shocked to learn this. Everyone who owns a laptop or smartphone knows that as the battery ages, it becomes less efficient and has a harder time holding a charge.
Although improvements in technology will continue to extend the life of EV batteries, there are steps you can do now to make sure yours doesn’t die prematurely.
How long a given battery will last depends on what factors?
Fast charging generates a lot of heat, which can shorten the lifespan of a battery.
When asked, “How long do electric cars last?” the answer is usually, “As long as the battery lasts,” which may not be as long as you’d want if the battery is subjected to extremely high or low temperatures.
Temperatures below zero degrees Celsius or above 27 degrees Celsius are detrimental to electric vehicle batteries, making the optimal operating range between those two extremes (unlike some EVs, Tesla vehicles have a thermal-management system for battery packs, allowing them to last longer, charge faster, and perform better).
Although a DC quick charger will get you to 80 percent capacity in around 20 to 30 minutes, it’s not a good idea to use one frequently because the rapid charge process generates a lot of heat, which can shorten the battery’s lifespan.
You should aim to have your EV charged between 20% and 80% under normal circumstances (a full charge on a long trip is understandable, and driving around 20% is really for gamblers and risk takers), as doing either puts strain on the battery and causes degradation over time.
Aim for a charge between 20 and 80 percent, and never leave it fully charged or entirely drained, if you want to park the EV for an extended amount of time.
Lithium iron phosphate (LFP) batteries, like those found in the Tesla Model 3 and Model Y, are the only exception to this rule because their chemistry is unaffected by high or low charge states.
When does your electric vehicle’s battery start to die?
An EV battery, like that of an outdated phone or computer, may have trouble maintaining a charge as time passes.
An electric vehicle’s battery’s capacity to hold a charge will naturally decrease with age, but unlike a worn-out mobile phone or laptop, the battery pack probably won’t stop working altogether; instead, it may have trouble staying charged for very long.
The result is that you’ll have to top off your battery more regularly because it won’t hold a charge for as long as it used to.
After ten or so years, most individuals decide to upgrade their automobile, but if you’ve become devoted to your EV, you do have some options.
Is it possible to switch out the battery in an electric vehicle?
A Melbourne company is starting an expansive battery recycling program for hybrids.
Sure, you can do that. Your electric vehicle’s battery may never need to be replaced, but even if it does, it probably won’t need to be done for at least ten years.
Electric vehicle batteries can be replaced by dealers, at varying costs depending on their size.
Battery recycling is also gaining traction, with some companies, like Toyota, giving discounts on new batteries in exchange for old ones. BMW also intends to recycle or reuse EV batteries on a large scale.
Battery technology is progressing in the direction where electric vehicle batteries will last even longer – and, critically, drive you much further – so this may never be necessary.
Conclusion
Electric vehicle (EV) batteries can last anywhere from 10 to 20 years with proper care. Factors like temperature and charging habits play a role in battery longevity. While replacement may eventually be needed, recycling programs and advancing battery technology are making it less of a concern. For Sydney residents, Cash for Car Sydney services can offer solutions when it’s time to upgrade or recycle an EV battery.