As technology advances, the electric car battery becomes the central focus of innovation and consumer concern.
In a world where sustainability and energy efficiency are increasingly mainstream, understanding the cost and lifespan of the electric vehicle battery is essential to making informed decisions about the transition to electric vehicles.
Meanwhile, in Europe, the discussion about the end of combustion cars is gaining prominence, directly influencing consumer choices and the strategies of global manufacturers.
Find out in this article what the characteristics of electric vehicle batteries are, how they work and what care should be taken to extend their lifespan.
Before you understand how electric car batteries work, it’s essential that you understand their characteristics.
What are the Characteristics of Electric Car Batteries?
In terms of capacity, the unit of measurement is the kilowatt-hour (kWh), meaning that the greater the capacity, the more kilometers you can travel without having to charge.
For example, a battery with 100 kWh can provide 100 kW of energy for 1 hour.
Another feature of this type of battery is that it doesn’t charge to 100%, nor does it discharge completely. This is so that efficiency can be preserved and its lifespan extended.
How Does an Electric Car Battery Work?
Like any other battery, such as those used in smartphones, the battery in an electric car stores chemical energy and converts it into electricity.
In the case of electric cars, the batteries work in place of the combustion engine to drive the vehicle’s wheels. So when you press the accelerator pedal, the car starts using the energy in the battery.
What Types of Electric Car Batteries Are There?
In Europe, most electric cars use lithium-ion batteries, with a chemical combination of nickel, manganese and cobalt (NMC).
Find out below what the specifications are for this and other batteries for electric vehicles.
Electric Car Battery Nickel Cadmium
Widely used in hybrid vehicles, they are expensive to produce. However, they perform well at low temperatures.
Although it performs well, this type of battery has a reduced recharging capacity, which translates into a shorter service life.
Electric Car Battery Lithium Ion
In general, this type of battery allows for high energy and high efficiency, with a greater number of life cycles.
Compared to nickel-cadmium batteries, they are more compact and have twice the energy density.
On the other hand, these batteries are easier to recycle as they are less harmful to the environment.
Lithium Iron Phosphate (LIP)
This type of battery is less expensive because it does away with raw materials such as nickel and cobalt, which are more expensive. They have higher levels of durability and charging tolerance than other models.
Solid State Battery
In terms of operation, it is very similar to the other battery models for electric cars, except that the electrolyte solidifies instead of being in a liquid state.
Despite having the best cycle life of all the battery categories, it has low power.
How Long Does an Electric Car Battery Last?
The battery life of an electric car varies depending on several factors, such as battery capacity, driving style, weather conditions and the specific model of the car.
On average, modern electric cars have a range of between 160 and 500 kilometers on a single charge, depending on the model and the conditions mentioned.
To find out the range of your electric car, simply consult the manufacturer’s specifications in the owner’s manual.
How Often Should a Car Battery be Replaced?
In general, you should check the health of the battery regularly, especially in extreme climates or if the vehicle is used infrequently.
If the battery starts to show signs of malfunction, such as the car not starting or dim lights, it may need to be replaced
How to Assess the Condition of an Electric Car Battery?
To find out the state of the electric car’s battery, we use the SOH (State of Health), an indicator that measures the amount of energy a battery can supply (kWh) at any given time.
According to a study by Geotab, batteries lose an average of 2.3% of their capacity per year of driving, in a natural process of wear and tear.
To avoid accelerating battery wear, you should adopt some preventive measures. Find out what they are in the following section.
How to Extend the Life of an Electric Car Battery?
In addition to regular preventive maintenance, it is essential to take care of electric car batteries:
- Drive defensively, avoiding sudden acceleration and maintaining a constant speed to avoid peaks in battery use;
- Charge the vehicle correctly, following the manufacturer’s instructions, either at a charging station or in a wallbox;
- Avoid deep discharges, as they can reduce the battery’s lifespan;
- Avoid exposure to extremes of temperature;
- Do not overcharge the battery, as this can cause damage.
What is the Price of an Electric Car Battery?
The cost of this type of battery varies depending on the brand and its characteristics. On average, it costs 3,000 euros to replace the batteries in 24 kWh electric cars. If the power is increased to 62 kWh, this figure can reach thousands of euros.
Looking to find out more about the automotive world? Then follow us on Facebook and keep up with all the content we share on a daily basis.