Electric Car Batteries: How Long Do They Last & How Can You Optimise Their Performance?
“How far can you drive with an EV battery?”
An EV’s range, of course, depends on the size of the vehicle and its battery. For example, a smaller, cheaper electric car with a 40kWh battery generally has a range of around 150 miles. At the opposite end of the scale, the likes of a Tesla will take you around 300 miles thanks to its more substantial 100kWh battery.
While both figures are not suitable for non-stop long-haul trips, it is more than enough range for the average commute or casual drive.
“How long does an electric car battery last?”
Research and subsequent reports state that the average life expectancy of an EV battery is at least ten years. However, this lifespan can increase dramatically, depending on the conditions and how well the battery is looked after.
Given that EV batteries are buffered (that means the vehicle cannot use all of the power stored within the battery), the amount of charging cycles needed by the battery is reduced, therefore prolonging the life of the battery thanks to its spare power capacity.
Considering that EVs are a pricey investment, most manufacturers offer customers peace of mind with extensive warranties on EV batteries, promising 70% battery capacity for up to eight years of ownership (or a specified number of miles) and vehicle use.
How to optimise your EV battery.
Extending your EV’s range and optimising your battery’s overall lifespan can be achieved by following these handy tips provided by the RAW Charging team.
- Charge within the 20-80% battery range where possible – You should only charge to 100% capacity when you have a long journey planned. For day-to-day driving, 80% is more than adequate and will prolong the life of your electric car battery.
- Be mindful when using rapid chargers – Regularly using fast chargers causes excess heat and strain on the EV battery. Rapidly charging your EV too much can affect the longevity of your batteries; therefore, you should balance your means of charging your electric vehicle.
- Be wary of high temperatures – As most people are probably aware, extreme heat and batteries are not a good mix! Exposing your EV battery to hot temperatures can contribute to battery degradation.
- Pay attention to your speed – Driving your EV around the legal top speed (65-70mph) for extended periods will quickly affect your vehicle’s range, which, in turn, may affect the lifespan of your battery over time due to increased charging.
- Adapt your driving style – Aggressive or excessive braking and acceleration can be detrimental to your EV’s range, which will again cause an uptake in your charging habits.
Pay attention to your driving habits and be wary of obstacles such as steep inclines along your route.
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For more information on getting the most from your EV, take advantage of our helpful blog post on EV Cost: How to Save Money & Change Your Charging Habits.
If you are interested in RAW’s EV charging services and facilities, please contact the RAW Charging team today for a free site assessment.