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5. October 2021 |Wesley van Barlingen
Last updated on December 16, 2022 According to current estimates, most electric cars are batterieslast 15-20 years before needing to be replaced. Electric vehicles (EVs) have never been more popular than they are today. Worldwide,Electric vehicle sales increased by 75% in the first quarter of 2022compared to the previous year and are expected to reach a record by the end of the year. Despite this rapid increase, many motorists still have reservations, and one of the most common concerns relates to electric vehicle batteries. Next tofear area,is the fear of battery deatha major concern cited by 33% of potential EV driversin our recent Mobility Monitor research. While this fear is understandable, given our experience with phone and laptop batteries depleting capacity faster than we would like, EV batteries are designed and built to be much more resilient. In fact, research shows that electric car batteries are likely to outlive the vehicle they're in (and even then, they may have a second life). This article examines common misconceptions about electric car battery longevity, how long they really last, and what you can do to extend their life.Electric car battery life is more difficult than you think
Electric car battery life: the understandable (but misplaced) lack of confidence
Batteries surround us everywhere in our daily lives - from our phones, tablets and laptops to scooters and electric toothbrushes. We're also familiar with the feeling that your device's battery capacity diminishes over time: after a few years, your phone doesn't seem to last as long on a single charge as it did when you first bought it.
So it's understandable that we have the same concerns when it comes to batteries for electric cars.
Let's explore how an EV battery works and why your fear might be unfounded.
What are batteries for electric cars made of?
A typical electric car battery isMade from thousands of rechargeable lithium-ion cellswhich are connected together to form the vehicle's battery pack. Lithium-ion batteries have a much higher energy density than most other battery types, which means they can store more energy in a given volume. They are also more efficient when discharging their energy and require little to no maintenance.
But while lithium-ion batteries are efficient, they don't last forever. Like many other parts, batteries age with use and the cells can hold less current than they originally did. Over time, this can cause a noticeable reduction in the overall battery capacity.
Electric car battery vs. phone battery
While your phone or laptop mightlose up to 20% of their capacity in a few years,Electric car batteries are built from the ground up to last. They're also used differently than most other personal electronic devices and have built-in protections, meaning they wear out less quickly.
For one thing, even with moderate use, electric vehicle batteries do not need to be charged as much as other electronic devices. Take the average distance traveled in the EU, for exampleA typical electric vehicle can go several days without charging.
Second, electric car batteries have a system that prevents battery degradation called a battery management system (BMS). The BMS controls the charging and discharging of the battery and ensures that the battery cells are damaged as little as possible. For example, you can reserve a certain capacity to conserve battery life, or redistribute power to ensure cells are used evenly.
How long do electric car batteries last?
Based on current industry expectations,Electric vehicle batteries are expected to last 100,000 to 200,000 miles, or about 15 to 20 years..
But even as EV batteries age, their high initial capacity combined with low losses in battery capacity mean that aging is almost imperceptible to the driver. In fact, it is currently assumed that electric vehicleslose an average of 2.3% of their battery capacity per year. For comparison, if you buy an electric vehicle with a range of 150 miles today, after five years you will only have lost about 17 miles of available range.
While this theoretical loss is interesting, we can look at existing EVs to see how their batteries have aged over the past few years.
Nissan, for example, has been selling electric cars for 12 years, andCEO Nic Thomas claims that nearly all EV batteries they made during that time are still in use. Tesla also announces that its vehicles have aaverage life around 200,000 miles in the US and 150,000 miles in the EU.
That's a lot more than thataverage life expectancy of a car, which is only 12 years. In other words, EV batteries are expected to last longer than the vehicle they are in. And almost to add extra reassuranceAll electric vehicle manufacturers offer between 8 and 10 years warranty on their battery packs, to ensure a battery is replaced free of charge if it fails prematurely.
How to extend the life of your electric car battery
Best practices for charging electric vehicle batteries
The improvement in lithium-ion batteries over the last few decades has been significant. Advances have extended battery life, increased safety, and reduced battery pack weight and price. However, as with all tech devices, if you take proper care of them.
Don't charge your electric vehicle every night
Regardless of whether you top up the battery by just a few percent or fully charge the vehicle, every time the battery is charged, the battery is drained. This reduces battery capacity by a fraction. To prevent this accumulation over time, do not plug your vehicle into the outlet every night. By only charging your vehicle when you need it and not plugging it in as soon as you get home, you can extend battery life.
Stay charged between 20 and 80 percent
Just as you shouldn't plug your vehicle in every night, you shouldn't charge it to 100 percent when it's not needed. A lithium-ion battery is designed to store large amounts of energy with a charge that comes and goes. However, draining or completely filling the cells too often can reduce the capacity of the entire battery over time. The general advice is to stay charged between 20 and 80 percent and never let the battery fully discharge.
Monitor the optimal state of charge of the battery during long-term storage
Finally, parking your electric vehicle for too long with a full (or dead) battery also contributes to deterioration. To avoid this happening when you spend a significant amount of time outside your vehicle, this is the caseRIt is recommended that you fill it to a point between 25 and 75 percent..There are smart charging stations that can help you with this and ensure your battery stays within these limits.
How much does an electric car battery cost?
By far the most expensive part of any electric vehicle is its battery. Currently, battery packs for electric vehicles cost between $10,000 and $12,000Reuters. This high price is due in large part to the price of the materials needed to make the battery, many of which are rare or difficult to obtain.
WhileBattery prices have fallen dramatically over the past few decades.Thanks to technological advances and efficiency gains, current economic conditions and rising material costs are likely to drive battery prices higher for the first time in 12 years.BloombergNEFpredicts that the average battery price will rise to $135 per kilowatt-hour by the end of 2022, up 2% year-on-year.
But while this increase may temporarily increase battery costs, the general downward trend of recent years is expected to continue in the coming yearsEVs remain on track to reach cost parity with internal combustion engine cars by 2026.
Are electric car batteries recyclable?
What to do with batteries when they reach the end of their useful life? The environmental impact of used batteries is undoubtedly a growing problem anda concern for many about electric vehicles.
While recycling is often cited as the main solution for dealing with end-of-life batteries, in practice, thanks to their large capacity and ability to charge and discharge them quickly, electric vehicle batteries can often be reused for other purposes before recycling becomes necessary .
What happens to old electric car batteries?
One of the key potential uses for legacy EV batteries is in electricity storage, both for individual buildings and for the entire power grid. In fact, the need for storage is a key challenge to smooth out the fluctuations of many renewable energy sources and ensure a constant supply.
The House of Mobility has already implemented suchintelligent two-way charging system,Use old Nissan Leaf battery packs to smooth peak power demandJohan-Cruyff-ArenA in Amsterdam, home of Ajax football club.
Recycling of electric car batteries.
After their second or even third or fourth life, batteries may no longer serve a functional purpose. This is where recycling comes into play. While recycling lithium-ion batteries is challenging, the growing demand for their raw materials is catalyzing new processes that make it possibleHistorically, up to 90% of cobalt and lithium has been recovered.
Learn more about charging electric vehicles
Battery life is understandably one of the most important considerations for aspiring EV drivers, given the significant investment an EV battery pack entails. In practice, modern EV batteries are designed to last and will most likely outlast the vehicle they are in.
If you are considering the switch to electric mobility, you may have many more questions about electric cars and electric vehicle charging. Check out oursDetailed EV Charging Guide to learn everything you need to know about EV charging.
subscribe to ourNewsletterfor exclusive information about electromobility straight to your inbox.
You may also be interested in 5 Things You Didn't Know About Electric Vehicle BatteriesRead MoreYou may also be interested in: Is DC Fast Charging Bad For Your EV Battery?
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FAQs
How much does it cost to replace an electric car battery? ›
The good news here is that quality electric batteries can last a long time, with most electric car batteries driving 200,000-300,000 miles before needing to be replaced. The bad news is that when you do need to replace them, electric batteries can run you between $4,000 and $20,000.
What is the lifespan of an electric car battery? ›According to current industry expectations, EV batteries are projected to last between 100,000 and 200,000 miles, or about 15 to 20 years. However, even when EV batteries do age, their large initial capacity combined with minor losses in battery capacity means the aging is nearly imperceptible to drivers.
Do electric cars last longer than gas cars? ›While battery life used to be a concern for prospective EV owners, modern technology has allowed EVs to last as long if not longer than traditional gasoline-powered vehicles.
What happens to electric cars when the battery dies? ›When batteries do reach the end of their working life, they'll be recycled, which typically involves separating out valuable materials such as cobalt and lithium salts, stainless steel, copper, aluminium and plastic.
How much is a Tesla battery replacement? ›Tesla battery replacement cost varies depending on the labor and parts needed. Typically, the most basic battery replacement in tesla costs between $13,000 and $14,000. For the Model S premium sedan, replacing a Tesla battery costs around $13,000-$20,000.
How much does a Tesla battery cost? ›Replacing The Battery
Here are a couple of price examples: Anywhere around $13,000-$20,000 for Models S. At least $14,000 for a Model X premium SUV. At least $13,000 for a Model 3 entry-level sedan.
Battery issues, climate control, and in-car electronics are among the biggest problems in electric vehicles.
How long will a Tesla battery last? ›On average, Tesla owners can expect at least 267 miles of range on a single charge of their car's battery. According to Tesla CEO Elon Musk, your Tesla batteries are supposed to last for 300,000 to 500,000 miles, or 1,500 battery cycles. That's around 22 to 37 years for an average person.
Do electric cars really save money? ›According to a study from the U.S. Department of Energy's National Renewable Energy Laboratory and the Idaho National Laboratory, EV owners can save as much as $14,500 on fuel costs by owning an electric car for 15 years. That's almost $1,000 in savings for every year of driving.
What are the disadvantages of electric cars? ›- Finding a Charging station - EV charging stations are fewer and further between than gas stations.
- Charging takes longer.
- The driving range on a full charge.
- Higher Initial Purchase Cost.
- Replacing the Batteries is Expensive.
Do electric cars break down more often? ›
Do Electric Cars Break Down Less Than Regular Cars? The quick answer to that question is no. Your speed and the way you drive your car affects the range of your electric vehicle. Not using regenerative braking on urban roads will cause your range to go up.
Do electric cars need servicing? ›An electric car needs to be serviced as often as any car. The service will include: Tyre wear and tear & tyre pressure check. Windscreen wiper replacement.
Can you jumpstart an electric car? ›If the 12-volt battery in an electric vehicle is dead, the solution is simple: the unit can either be pulled out and charged using a bench charger, or jolted back to life by using a pair of jumper cables and another vehicle's 12-volt system, or it can be rejuvenated via portable booster pack.
Can you push an electric car if it runs out of battery? ›EVs are difficult to move without any charge in the battery, but you can still push them. EVs don't feature a standard transmission, but you can shift most into "neutral" when the main battery is out of energy because the power for this action comes from a separate 12-volt battery.
What happens if your electric car runs out of battery in the middle of nowhere? ›Running out of gas or electricity produces the same result: your car will stop. In the case of a gas car, a roadside service truck can usually bring you a can of gas, or tow you to the nearest gas station. Similarly, an electric car can simply be towed to the nearest charging station.
Are electric cars cheaper in the long run? ›The 2021 study compared vehicles of multiple sizes and found that while the total cost of ownership over 15 years is similar between electric vehicles and their gas-powered counterparts, electric vehicles are slightly cheaper to operate per mile.
How much does it cost to charge a Tesla at a charging station? ›Considering most Tesla vehicles have a 50 kWh battery, the cost to charge the vehicle at a charging station ranges from absolutely free to $21.50. However, if you have a 100kWh battery, it may cost up to $43 to charge your vehicle at a charging station.
How much is the cheapest Tesla? ›Most affordable: Tesla Model 3 ($42,990) Most expensive: Tesla Model X, Plaid ($119,990) Longest range: Tesla Model S (405 miles)
How much is a Prius battery? ›The Prius battery replacement cost ranges from $2,000 to $4,500. Even if you choose to install a used Prius battery, installation could cost an additional $1,500. Planning for this cost throughout a hybrid car's lifespan is important. Some factors increase or decrease the Toyota Prius battery replacement cost.
How long does it take to charge an electric car? ›Level 1 chargers can take 40-50 hours to charge a battery electric vehicle (BEV) from empty and 5-6 hours to charge a plug-in hybrid electric vehicle (PHEV) from empty.
Does Tesla insurance cover battery replacement? ›
Car insurance will have to pay for that. The Model S batteries will continue to be covered by either an eight year, 125,000 warranty or an eight-year unlimited mile warranty depending on the size of the battery pack in the car. (The Model S is sold with two different size battery packs.)
Do electric cars work in cold weather? ›According to AAA's “Cold Weather Can Cut Electric Car Range by Over 40%”, EVs often lose 12% of their range in cold weather, but the loss leaps to 41% with the heater on full blast.
Why is no one buying electric cars? ›In addition to the myths, there are also some obvious reasons many car shoppers simply aren't yet buying into EVs, such as the high sticker price, range anxiety and the fear of battery degradation and potential fires.
Do electric cars wear out tires faster? ›The tires of electric vehicles wear 20% faster than those of internal combustion engines, which is due to the acceleration of electric vehicles that generate strong instantaneous power.
Is charging free for Tesla? ›Usually, this service is free as long as you are a customer of the business. However, some places will let you use the charger if you are not a customer but offer to pay for the electricity. Remember that it's not polite not to check and offer to pay if you're not a customer.
Do Tesla cars use oil? ›Unlike gasoline cars, Tesla vehicles require no traditional oil changes, fuel filters, spark plug replacements or emission checks. Even brake pad replacements are rare because regenerative braking returns energy to the battery, significantly reducing wear on the brakes.
Does Tesla replace batteries for free? ›Speaking of Model 3 warranties, all of them come with 8 year coverage, and either 100,000 or 120,000 miles (for standard or long range trims, respectively). If your battery degrades more than 70% in that time, Tesla will replace your battery - not necessarily with a new one, but with one that does exceed the 70% limit.
What is the average cost of a new electric car? ›Used electric vehicles sometimes sold for more than new ones because buyers were willing to pay a premium to get one right away. At the end of 2022, the average price of an electric vehicle was $61,488, compared with $49,507 for all passenger cars and trucks, according to Kelley Blue Book.
Are electric cars worth the investment? ›All things considered, an EV could make good financial sense over time, especially when gas prices are high. And if you're looking for a way to reduce your personal carbon footprint, an EV might be ideal—with a payoff that's both financial and environmental.
Is electric car worth buying? ›Is it worth buying an electric car in India? If you are looking for an electric car for your short daily commutes, then an EV is worth the money as it will reduce your commute costs in the long run. The maintenance cost of an electric car is also less when compared to a conventional car.
Is insurance expensive for electric cars? ›
On average, electric vehicle models cost 15% more to insure than conventional gas-powered vehicles. Of the electric vehicle models that had corresponding combustion models, MoneyGeek found 6% to 40% higher premiums.
Do electric cars have cheaper insurance? ›Insurance for an electric car may cost more than insurance for a regular gas-powered car. An electric car's higher price tag and more complex equipment means it may cost more to repair or replace if it's in an accident. That can mean higher rates for policyholders who carry comprehensive and collision coverage.
Do electric cars need oil? ›“EVs do not require oil which is necessary to lubricate the number of moving parts in a combustion engine. EVs are powered by electric motors, not the oil mandatory engines.”
Can you drive and charge an electric car in the rain? ›The charging cable and every component is weatherproof so you can charge an EV if it rains or if it rains suddenly if your EV is charging, then there is still nothing to worry about.
Why are electric cars less efficient in winter? ›Lower temps impact a battery's ability to store and release energy, so although the batteries work in the cold, charging is typically slower and less efficient as the car uses some energy to keep the battery warm.
What happens if every car is electric? ›Based on 2019 data, the US would need to produce 20-50% more electricity in a year if all cars were EVs. According to data from the Department of Energy (DOE), the cost of powering EVs is approximately 35-75% cheaper than the cost for gas-powered vehicles per mile.
Do electric cars need road tax? ›Road tax, officially known as Vehicle Excise Duty (VED), is calculated based on the CO2 tailpipe emissions of your vehicle, its list price and which year it was registered in. Pure battery electric vehicles (BEVs) are exempt from VED - until April 2025.
Can AAA jump an electric car? ›As the popularity of electric vehicles continues to grow, as indicated by a recent AAA study, AAA is prepared to service any vehicle type, whether electric or gas.
Can electric cars freeze? ›Yes, some EVs can lose up to 35% of their range in freezing conditions, but each model performs differently, as our chart illustrates. All electric cars experience some degree of range loss in cold weather.
Do electric cars lose charge when parked? ›So, do electric cars lose charge when parked? Yes, but a very minimal amount. This is because the battery is still powering some electric systems even when the car is not turned on. It's these systems that require constant power that use a small amount of battery.
How much is a battery for an electric car? ›
The cost of an electric car battery can vary significantly based on the car's make and model, the capacity of the battery, and the type of battery used. Generally speaking though, you should expect to pay anywhere from approximately $4,000 to $20,000 to replace an electric car battery, according to NerdWallet.
What is the optimum speed for an electric car? ›Whilst the most efficient speed in an EV is below 10mph, this is not realistic for those on longer journeys, although it highlights why EVs are well suited for city driving. If you're travelling faster try to keep your speed constant. Close windows at 45mph and above as this will reduce drag.
How much does it cost to replace electric car battery? ›Replacing an electric car battery will cost between $4,000-$20,000, but there are some cheaper options. Whitney Vandiver writes for NerdWallet about ways car owners can save money on ownership and maintenance.
What to do if electric car runs out of charge on the road? ›- #1: Pull over. When your electric car runs out of charge, your engine will die and you're going nowhere fast. ...
- #2: Call for help. Next, it's time to call for help. ...
- #3: Remember, you can't use a traditional tow truck. ...
- #4: Charge it up.
Likewise, Tesla reports its vehicles to have an average lifespan of around 200,000 miles in the US and 150,000 miles in the EU. This is quite a bit more than the average life expectancy of a car, which is only 12 years.
Is there a portable charger for electric cars? ›The SparkCharge Roadie is a modular system that can fast-charge an EV, providing around 35 miles using the smallest, two-stack model. Using the largest version, with four stacks and more battery capacity inside, the Roadie can refill an EV with up to 72 miles of range.
Is it worth it to replace the battery in electric car? ›Replacement ranges from $0 to $20,000 based on dozens of factors. If a battery is within its manufacturer warranty, typically 8 years and 100,000 miles, then you should get a replacement battery at no extra cost.
Why does it cost so much to replace an electric car battery? ›That's largely because the materials they are made with are costly. All-electric vehicles have an electric motor instead of the internal combustion engine in gas-powered vehicles. A large traction battery pack powers the electric vehicle's motor and must be recharged to keep the car running.
What is the downside of owning an electric car? ›These disadvantages include finding charging stations, charging times, higher initial costs, limited driving range, and battery packs can be expensive to replace.
What is the average cost of electric car? ›| Rank | Make & Model | Used Price Range |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Tesla Model Y | $40,000 – $69,000 |
| 2 | Tesla Model 3 | $30,000 – $67,000 |
| 3 | Ford Mustang Mach-E | $50,000 – $68,000 |
| 4 | Chevrolet Bolt EV/EUV | $17,500 – $35,000 |
How long does a Tesla battery last? ›
On average, Tesla owners can expect at least 267 miles of range on a single charge of their car's battery. According to Tesla CEO Elon Musk, your Tesla batteries are supposed to last for 300,000 to 500,000 miles, or 1,500 battery cycles. That's around 22 to 37 years for an average person.
Are electric cars good in snow? ›Many EVs have front wheel drive, which is fine for most winter driving conditions in the northeast when accompanied by winter tires and modern traction control systems. A few EV models have rear wheel drive (RWD) systems, which may be less predictable in winter road conditions.
How fast can you charge an electric car? ›The time it takes to charge an electric car can be as little as 30 minutes or more than 12 hours. This depends on the size of the battery and the speed of the charging point. A typical electric car (60kWh battery) takes just under 8 hours to charge from empty-to-full with a 7kW charging point.
What type of maintenance does an electric car need? ›- The battery, motor, and associated electronics require little to no regular maintenance.
- There are fewer fluids, such as engine oil, that require regular maintenance.
- Brake wear is significantly reduced due to regenerative braking.
- Lithium ion (Li-ion) battery fires are still a common problem. ...
- They pose a risk of electrocution. ...
- The North Dakota weather isn't conducive to EVs. ...
- Autonomous driving dangers come standard. ...
- The lack of sound poses a risk to others. ...
- If you are in an accident with an electric vehicle.
EV owners have experienced chronic problems with the display screens, exterior door lights, failing temperature sensors, mismatched paint, and seals and weatherstripping. It's not just that these problems occur, but that they occur at a higher rate than with conventional vehicles.
Is it worth buying an all electric car? ›Buying an electric car can save you money in the long run, and it's worth considering if you're environmentally conscious. But they can be expensive to buy and may take some lifestyle adjustments, particularly when it comes to charging times and conserving battery power.