How long does an EV battery last?

There are many myths and assumptions in the market today about how long EV batteries should last and how the data has played out so far. I can tell you personally from having an 8 year old and a 3-year-old EV, the loss of battery range and battery life has been minimal over time and we expect ours to last for another 10-plus years. Let's look at what the industry is saying.

The degradation schedule of an electric vehicle (EV) battery depends on a variety of factors, such as the type of battery chemistry, the charging and discharging habits of the driver, the operating temperature of the battery, and the overall age and usage of the vehicle. However, some general patterns can be observed.

In general, lithium-ion batteries, which are commonly used in EVs, degrade over time and with use. The rate of degradation depends on a variety of factors, but a typical degradation rate is around 2-3% per year. This means that after several years of use, an EV battery may have lost a significant amount of its original capacity, which can affect the vehicle's range.

In addition to the natural degradation of the battery, certain charging and discharging habits can also accelerate battery degradation. For example, charging the battery to 100% capacity or discharging it to 0% capacity regularly can increase the rate of degradation. Similarly, exposing the battery to high temperatures can also cause it to degrade more quickly.

To minimize battery degradation, it's recommended to charge the battery to around 80% capacity and avoid letting it discharge below 20% capacity. It's also a good idea to avoid exposing the battery to extreme temperatures and to use the vehicle's battery management system to optimize charging and discharging.

Overall, the degradation schedule of an EV battery is influenced by a variety of factors and can vary depending on the specific circumstances of the vehicle and its usage. The good news is the EV owner has control over most of those factors and can extend the life of their EV Battery for many years.

Happy Driving,

The EV Guys

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www.beveverything.com