Electric vehicles are becoming more and more of a common sight on the freeways and in our parking lots as they are more affordable than ever before. Not only are the prices becoming comparable to the traditional gas-powered vehicles, but they are also competing in terms of performance. Electric vehicles can drive further and faster thanks to the big jumps made in battery technology in recent years, so buying an EV is no longer a sacrifice made only by the environmentally conscious. If you’re in the market for an EV, you’ll want to be sure the model you choose is able to suit your lifestyle, and one of the biggest factors to consider is the EV battery.
Types of EV Battery
The most common type of battery found on modern EVs today is the Lithium-Ion (Li-Ion) battery: which uses a compound called lithium-cobalt oxide. The older Lead Acid battery is cheaper as it uses lead and sulfuric acid. These batteries are cheaper than Lithium-Ion batteries but have a shorter life. Very old electric vehicles may have a Nickel-Metal Hydride (NiMH) battery, but these are not in general use in today’s market.
EV Battery Range
You may have heard the term ‘range’ associated with EVs, and it’s a very good place to start when looking for the best electric vehicle battery. Simply put, the range of an EV is how far the car can travel (in miles) on a single battery charge. The longer the range, the further you can travel without the worry that you’re going to run out of power before you reach either home or a charging station. The most powerful EV batteries have ranges of 300 miles and above.
EV Battery Life Warranty
Electric vehicle manufacturers will include a battery warranty with the car. This warranty will usually be valid for several years and a specific number of miles driven; the warranty ends when one of the two limits is reached. The longer the warranty, the longer you’ll be driving with peace of mind. You may find that some manufacturers offer unlimited mileage warranties.
In addition to the length of the warranty, another factor to consider is the degradation of the battery’s capacity. Some manufacturers will guarantee that the battery won’t degrade more than a certain amount during the warranty. For example, if the EV includes a 4 year / 50,000-mile warranty with a percentage guarantee of 75%; if the battery’s fully charged capacity drops below 75% of the original capacity before either 4 years or 50,000 miles, your battery should be replaced with no charge.
Why Do EV Battery Warranties Matter?
The warranty is particularly important if you’re purchasing an EV with a shorter range. This is because a battery which is more regularly discharged and recharged will usually degrade more quickly. For example, if your total commute is 30 miles per day, a battery with a longer range of around 300 miles will only need to recharge every 10 days. A battery with a range of 150 miles will need to be recharged every 5 days which is a ‘deeper discharge.’
When choosing the right EV for your lifestyle, it’s crucial to consider your average driving habits and ensure the vehicle is suitable. Some people may be tempted to opt for a lower range vehicle because the upfront cost is lower, but in the long term, this may not be the best option if the vehicle isn’t up to the task. Working the car too hard could result in damage to the car and ongoing repair bills.
If the price is a big restriction on your choice of EV, you may want to consider a finance agreement to spread the cost over a longer period. There are several providers offering car finance but to be sure you’re getting the best interest rates and terms possible you should always shop around. MyAutoLoan provides a simple solution through a single online form; once it’s completed and you’re accepted, you’ll receive a range of car loans to compare. For more information look at this MyAutoloan review.
What Can Shorten EV Battery Life?
Try to avoid the following habits which can shorten a battery’s life prematurely.
- Overcharging a battery past its voltage limit can cause damage, so it’s a good idea not to charge a battery all the way up to 100% very often.
- High discharges, e. draining too much life from a battery too quickly through aggressive or erratic driving can reduce the battery’s life.
- Frequently draining a battery down to zero (deep discharges) will reduce capacity.
- Driving the vehicle in high temperatures or leaving it out in the sun for a long time will also have an impact on the battery.
EVs need less maintenance than gasoline vehicles, but even with the best maintenance in the world, the battery will inevitably degrade as it ages.
Other Electric Vehicle Terms
- Regenerative braking: EVs with regenerative braking can use energy that’s been created by braking to recharge the battery so the vehicle can ‘refuel’ to an extent as you drive.
- AC or alternating current: Most modern EVs use AC current as it achieves better efficiency levels by regularly changing direction.
- DC or direct current: EVs which use a DC current are less efficient but usually simpler in design and therefore cheaper.
- Fast chargers: These charging points use a higher current of electricity than the average outlet in order to charge EV batteries in minutes rather than hours.