EV Battery Basics: How Long Do Electric Car Batteries Last?
EVs are more popular every day. While more Americans are buying EVs than ever before, they still represent a relatively small share of new car sales and remain a fraction of the total vehicles on the road. Drivers interested in making the switch still have reservations about range, maintenance and what it’s like owning an electric car. The core difference is, of course, the battery!
Electric Car Battery Life: The Basics
Electric cars rely on the same lithium-ion technology that powers your cellphone and laptop. If you’ve noticed that your phone doesn’t hold a charge nearly as well after a few years, you might be hesitant about EV batteries.
EV lithium-ion batteries are efficient, cold-resistant and deliver instant power. They do tend to lose some of that efficiency over time, but not they’re vastly more durable than your phone. Electric car batteries are made of thousands of battery cells, all designed to last the long haul.
EV Battery vs. Phone Battery
Phone batteries lose roughly 20% of their energy capacity within just a few years. This is due in large part to the degradation associated with charging the phone every day, which isn’t a problem for most Americans. Most drivers average about a third of the total range of most EVs; it’s unlikely you’ll need to charge it every night!
EVs also have smarter energy management systems to charge, store and disperse energy in such a way that protects the battery cells.
Related: Who Fixes Electric Cars?
How Long Do Batteries Last in Electric Cars?
Most EV manufacturers expect their EV batteries to last between 15-20 years, or 200,000 miles. That’s actually longer than the average running life of fossil fuel cars, which is around 12 years. You can expect some battery capacity loss, however. While it can vary by manufacturer, model, where you live and your own driving and charging habits, most EVs will lose 2.3% battery capacity per year. For context, that’s about 17 miles shorter range after 5 years.
Extending the Life of Your Electric Car Battery
Follow these EV battery charging best practices to lengthen the life of your battery. Remember, other components need maintenance, too; Garfield Auto can help.
Don’t Charge Your EV Every Night
Think of charging your EV battery as stress. The less you stress your battery’s storage capacity, the longer it will run. Only charge when you’re below the sweet spot; more on that next.
The 80/20 Sweet Spot
Most EV brands recommend keeping your battery in the 20-80% sweet spot. Unless you need the full 100% charge for your next trip, you don’t need to top off your battery until it’s at 20% or less.
EV Sale Charging Ahead
In 2022, 800,000 EVs hit the road in the US, a 65% increase over 2021. That’s even more impressive due to the rising interest rates, inconsistent supply and economic uncertainty that impacted the market through much of 2022. Drivers are becoming more confident that EV batteries are built to last and can meet the demands of life on the go.
Holding Off Purchasing an EV?
Count on Garfield Auto Service Center to keep you and your family on the move. With experienced mechanics and exceptional customer service, we provide fast repairs and reliable maintenance to keep your car on the road for the long haul. Schedule your appointment today!