Electric cars have become an increasingly common sight on city streets, winning over many people with their appeal. However, there is still a lingering question mark on these vehicles that many current and potential customers still have: How long does the battery last?
While every car has a battery inside it, most people have very little frame of reference for how the battery inside an Electric Vehicle (EV) is different. Some scoff at EVs and believe their batteries need frequent and costly replacements, while others wishfully think that they might last forever. Today, we’re going to look at the latest data and break down the truth about EV batteries – how often is it truly necessary to replace them, and how much will it cost?
Batteries in all sizes store the energy essential to the operation of electronic devices. At a fundamental level, the battery in your car is similar to the battery in your phone, laptop, or any other device that runs on electricity. The primary difference is size – it takes a lot of energy to move a heavy vehicle at high speeds for hundreds of miles, so a car naturally needs a very large battery.
Battery capacities are measured in watt-hours, with the average number of watts that flow over the course of an hour. For example, a modern iPhone has a battery capacity of around 12.68 watt-hours. A car, on the other hand, may have a battery capacity of 81 kilowatt-hours or more.
The cost of replacing a car battery can be significant, especially for larger batteries found in EVs. However, the need for replacement is not as frequent as some may think. According to JD Power, an EV battery can last the average driver anywhere between 10 and 20 years, depending on various environmental factors.
Tesla, one of the leading EV manufacturers, offers warranties that reflect a reasonable time and mileage that your battery should stay in good working order. Most car batteries exceed these warranties, and very few ever need replacements. In fact, less than 5% of Tesla Model S owners have had their batteries replaced, with even lower rates for other Tesla models and leading EVs.
Battery replacements can be necessitated by damage, such as accidents, which are not covered by warranties. The cost of battery replacements can vary depending on the size and type of battery, ranging from a few thousand dollars to tens of thousands of dollars.
To maximize the life of an EV battery, it’s important to follow best practices, such as avoiding extreme heat, limiting fast charging, and keeping the charge level between 20% and 80%. These practices can help preserve the longevity of the battery and ensure it lasts for many years.
As EV technology continues to improve, battery prices are expected to drop, making replacements more affordable in the future. Companies like Redwood Materials are working on battery recycling processes to reduce the need for new mining and sourcing of battery components, further lowering costs.
In conclusion, while the idea of replacing an EV battery may sound daunting, it’s not something that should scare you too much. With proper care and maintenance, an EV battery can last well over a decade, providing reliable and sustainable transportation for years to come.
