ELECTRIC CAR BATTERY LIFE

The size of the battery, and how you maintain it, play a central role in the vehicle's performance and its ability to transport you to your desired destinations.

The electric charge is generated within the battery pack through electrodes. These electrodes consist of a negative anode and a positive cathode. When these two electrodes are connected, ions travel between them, and the electrodes transfer electric current to the external load via wires.

Typically, the cathode uses lithium, nickel, and cobalt, while the anode is commonly made of graphite. These electrodes are then enclosed in aluminum or steel to provide external structure and protection. Together, these materials form the lithium-ion battery, the most commonly used battery type. Some manufacturers are transitioning towards lithium iron phosphate or LFP batteries, which are regarded by some as the future.  LFPs are less prone to combustion and thermal runaway, making them safer due to decreased risk of fire. LFP batteries also have a longer cycle life, meaning they can outlast lithium-ion for up to five times longer!  Furthermore, with the absence of cobalt in LFP, it means they can be much more ethically sourced than traditional lithium-ion batteries.  There is, however, a drawback - LFP offers less energy density, which means the less efficient and shorter range for electric vehicles

Unlike everyday single-cell batteries like AA and AAA, the lifespan of an electric car battery depends on hundreds or thousands of cells grouped into a single module.

Cylindrical cells are the most easily mass-produced battery shapes. However, larger prismatic cells, which are thicker, are preferred for their superior heat management. Pouch cells, on the other hand, are valued for their space-efficient design but have the lowest mechanical resistance due to their soft plastic casing.

While most electric car batteries operate in this manner, several factors influence the power, size, and capacity of these batteries, all of which contribute to the overall lifespan of your vehicle's battery.

As always, our experts at Wattcharger are here to assist you in gaining a better understanding of the intricate and captivating world of electric car batteries.

How long do electric car batteries last?

Similar to other types of batteries, electric car batteries experience a decline in performance over time. The life expectancy of your electric car batteries depends on various factors.

To comprehend battery capacity, it is crucial to understand the Kilowatt Hour (kWh) measurement. Simply put, Kilowatt Hours represent the relative capacity measurement of the electric car battery life.

The range of an electric vehicle represents the distance it can travel on a single charge. This range is determined by dividing the vehicle's kWh by the distance per kWh.

Vehicles with larger kWh capacities can operate for longer durations, similar to how cars powered by gas or diesel with larger tank sizes can last longer. Depending on several factors, the lifespan of an electric car battery ranges from 10 to 20 years. Most EV models offer comprehensive battery pack warranties. For instance, Kia provides a ten-year warranty, Hyundai offers a lifetime battery warranty, and Tesla's battery pack warranty extends to eight years or approximately 160,000 kilometers, depending on which milestone is reached first.

According to a study conducted by Geotab, the average annual capacity degradation for an EV battery is approximately 2.3% per year. This means that for a Tesla Model 3 with a range of around 325 kilometers, natural battery degradation will reduce the possible distance on a single charge by about 7.5 kilometers per year.

How can you determine when to replace an electric car battery?

While numerical estimates can provide a general timeline for battery expectations, each vehicle faces unique factors that can accelerate or delay battery degradation. Understanding the signs will help in better managing the issue.

Similar to any battery-powered device, your car will exhibit indications that the battery needs replacement.

The most noticeable sign of a degraded battery is difficulty starting your electric car. Over time, the worn components inside the lithium-ion battery take longer to deliver the current to the external load, resulting in a delayed power-up process.

A deteriorating battery will also lead to a reduced vehicle range. Exhausted batteries won't take you as far as they did when fully charged.

Furthermore, hindered energy flow can manifest in various electrical components of the vehicle. Flickering headlights or dashboard indicators serve as strong indications that you likely need to consider replacing the battery. But how should you proceed with this?

Replacing EV Batteries

Once you have determined that your battery requires replacement, the process is relatively straightforward. In most cases, with EV manufacturers offering warranties, replacing a battery can be as simple as contacting the producer.

It is important to have a qualified professional carry out the EV battery replacement. The process is typically completed within a short period of time. However, consumers in Ireland should be aware that the procedure comes with a significant cost, typically ranging from €5,000 to €20,000, depending on the size and manufacturer.

Although the price may initially seem daunting, it is worth noting that the battery usually accounts for 50 to 75 percent of the vehicle's total value. Therefore, battery degradation poses a significant threat to the vehicle's overall viability. Fortunately, premature EV battery failure is extremely rare.

Optimizing the cost of electric car batteries

While all EV users will inevitably encounter battery degradation over time, there are various measures that can be implemented to promote the health of internal batteries. By doing so, the ability of the battery to operate at full or near-full capacity can be extended.

Most electric vehicle batteries come equipped with a liquid-cooled thermal management system. One of the best practices is to keep your EV away from direct sunlight and prioritize storing it in a cool, dry place. Prolonged exposure to high temperatures or hot climates can compromise the liquid cooling agent within the battery, leading to increased degradation.

Similar to cellphones, failure to regularly achieve a full charge can significantly harm the lifespan of an electric car battery. The 80/20 rule has long been employed by EV enthusiasts as a reliable indicator of battery health. This rule suggests that an electric car battery should not be charged beyond 80% or discharged below 20%. Adhering to this guideline ensures that the battery functions as intended.

Spotlight: What is the lifespan of a Tesla battery?

While every EV model differs, Tesla is often regarded as a benchmark in the industry. Let's examine how the Tesla Model S measures up in terms of battery life and battery performance.

How long does it take to charge?

Typically, the maximum power capacity of a Tesla Model S is 17 kWh. Using a standard 16.5 kWh AC charging port, it would take approximately seven hours to achieve a full charge from zero. However, with a powerful 250 kWh DC charge point, the vehicle could be fully charged in as little as half an hour.

How much does it cost to charge?

In Ireland, all public electric car charging stations are operated by ESB. The cost of charging at these public points varies between members and non-members. Day-charging rates are around 43 cents per kWh, resulting in an estimated cost of €7 to €11 for a full charge of a Tesla. For information on car charging prices in Ireland, you can refer to Wattcharger's guide on the subject. If you're interested in home charging, which is a significantly more cost-effective option, please contact Wattcharger using the provided tool.

What is the range?

The range of the Tesla Model S is approximately 405 miles or 652 kilometers. Considering the 2.3% rate of battery degradation, one can expect a loss of about 15 kilometers per year from the listed range value.

Which chargers is it compatible with?

The Tesla Model S can be connected to both DC and AC charge points. Direct current charging is typically more powerful, with rates ranging from 100 to 250 kWh. Alternating current charging is generally less potent, offering rates of 7.4 kWh or 16.5 kWh.

While there are various charger brands claiming compatibility with Tesla, the Zappi home charger has gained considerable attention among users in Ireland. Developed by Myenergi, the Zappi is the first charger capable of sourcing 100% of its electricity from renewable sources like solar power and wind generation and is designed for fast charging. The Zappi is compatible with all Tesla models, as well as other popular EVs such as Volkswagen and Hyundai.

Additionally, all Zappi ev charging units come with a 3-year warranty and support a 22 kWh charge. This ensures future-proofing and peace of mind for users.

Electric car battery health is intricately linked to battery lifespan. Understanding the physics of the unit and ensuring the battery operates in a healthy manner are vital elements of successful EV ownership.

Wattcharger offers top-notch advice and charging infrastructure. Whether you have questions about renewable energy or want to inquire about purchasing an EV charger or solar panels, there's no better time to reach out and learn more about this exciting and rapidly evolving space.