Introduction: Why Battery Life Is a Concern for Every EV Owner

Electric cars are becoming increasingly popular each year. Many people are opting for EVs so they can save money on fuel, reduce pollution, and enjoy innovative technology in the car, but there is still one big question on most EV owner’s minds: how long will the battery last?

If you’ve ever had a phone, you know that batteries lose power over time, but does the same happen to an EV? How often does your battery need to be changed? And what can be done to make it last? 

In this article, we will help answer these questions, and explain everything about EV battery lifespan in simple and clear language.

What is in an EV Battery? 

An electric vehicle uses a specific battery type known as a lithium-ion battery. This is the same type of battery that is in your phone or laptop, but much larger and stronger.

An EV battery isn’t just one large unit, it has a lot of smaller cells that are grouped together to make a battery pack. These battery packs have a protective device called a Battery Management System (BMS) which tracks their life. The temperature, voltage, and overall health/status of the battery are continuously monitored by this device. The design, materials, and technology used in the battery pack, will all impact how long the battery will last.

EV Battery Lifespan

Generally, the average electric automotive battery is meant to last between 8 to 15 years. This will depend on many factors, like ambient temperature, driving habits, and how often it gets charged.

Warranties for battery pack replacements for up to 8 years or 1.6 lakh kilometers are generally offered by EV manufacturers. But in real life applications, many EV batteries will last longer than the warranty period.

The average lifespan of an EV battery is determined to be between 10-12, depending on conditions.

Lifespan of EV Battery in Hot Climates in India

In India, as you may know it can get quite hot, especially during the summer months. It is well known that excess heat can negatively impact battery life. Therefore, you may find that EV batteries last on average among cooler climates, simply not as long.

Furthermore, India’s bumper-to-bumper traffic and bad roads generally reduces the capacity of your travel distance and battery life, due to lots of start ups and idling. That said, 8-10 years or longer can be lasted by EV batteries in India with proper care.

How Is Battery Life Measured?

There are a lot of metrics when it comes to battery life. The life of the battery can be measured in years, but it is also measured in cycles of charging.

A cycle of charging means charging the battery from 0% to 100%. In reality, we don’t usually charge the batteries from 0% to 100%. We charge the battery in increments (for example, from 30%-80% is a percentage of the complete charge cycle and counts toward one full cycle).

Most EV batteries are designed for approximately 1000 to 1500 full charging cycles. After the battery has completed a charging cycle, the health of the battery would begin to slowly deteriorate.

Another way to look at battery health is something called State of Health (SOH). The SOH rating starts out at 100% if the battery is new, and as the vehicle is driven, that number decreases. When the SOH rating drops below 70%, it may be time to replace the battery.

What Causes EV Batteries to Lose Life Early?

Here are the main environmental factors which can attribute to an early EV battery life wear out:

1. Extreme Temperatures

In very hot or very cold weather the battery is under stress. In countries where the weather is hot (like in India) keeping the vehicle out too long in the sun will decrease the battery’s overall life.

2. Regularly Fast Charging

Fast charging has its benefits, but frequent fast charging can increase heat which negatively affects the battery overall. Regular use of fast charging will typically cause gradual deterioration of battery health.

3. Charging to 100% Every Day

Although your EV might be charged to 100% every day, it is not good for battery health. If possible, over a period of days, you should regularly charge your EV to approximately 80-90%.

4. Letting the Battery Get too Low

Running your EV down to 0% harms battery health. If your EV doesn’t have a BMS (battery management system), recharging when the battery gets to approximately 20% is ideal.

How to Extend Your EV Battery Recharging: 

There are some good habits that you can implement to prolong EV battery life. Below are some simple ways to increase your battery life span: 

• For day to day use, charge your EV battery between 20% – 80% for battery management; 100% is for a road trip only like all EVs. 
• In direct sunlight, do not park your EVs for long periods. Choose parking spots in the shade, or provide your vehicle with a cover. 
• Slow charging at home should be used more than fast chargers are used.
• You should try to drive less aggressively. 
• Make sure to avoid ramping up very quickly, or stopping hard since this will waste battery energy. 
• When you don’t need the AC or music system, don’t use them. 

If you can adopt some of the simple habits above, it is with great confidence that you should get the maximum amount of time out of your EV battery. 

What to Expect as You EV Battery Gets Older? 

As your battery ages, it loses power slowly, and you might notice a few things: 

• Your driving range is shorter even when you fully charge your car. 
• Your battery is taking longer to recharge than before. 
• You are getting all kinds of battery warnings on your dashboard. 
• Your car’s dynamics may not be as good as it once was, especially in hot conditions or while using the AC. 

But please don’t worry! This does not mean your car won’t run anymore. You will still be able to operate the car just a little more often for a charge.

Can Old EV Batteries Be Reused or Recycled?

Yes, and that’s a great win for EVs.

Even when a battery doesn’t have enough strength for a vehicle, it can be reused for something else, like:

• Backup power for the home

• Storing solar energy

• Emergency lights in buildings

This is called second-life usage.

Then, the battery can be sent for recycling, and things such as lithium, nickel, and cobalt can be recovered and reused. The recycling aspect not only reduces waste but is also good for our environment.

EV Battery vs Phone Battery – What is the difference?

You may be curious, “If my phone battery has reduced capacity in 2-3 years, will that happen to my EV battery?”

The answer is no.

The capacity of EV batteries is much larger than phone batteries. EV batteries are made with more efficient cooling, protection and monitoring systems. Also, because EV batteries charge slowly, you won’t be utilizing it in the same way as the battery on your phone. This is why an EV battery will last typically 8–15 years, while a phone battery may not last even 3.

Can a Battery Be Replaced?

Yes, if your EV battery runs low on power, you can replace it! Battery replacements can be very costly, however, sometimes costing from 30%-40% of the money paid for the car.

Fortunately, battery technology is developing quickly, and battery costs are coming down every year. In addition, there are numerous companies attempting to offer battery leasing or subscription plans, which allow you to change the battery even if you do not own it.

In the future, I believe battery replacements will become less costly, and far easier to accommodate.

What is New In Battery Technology?

There are scientists and companies working hard to develop longer-lasting battery life in the the EV market. Some of the latest developments include:

• Solid State Batteries – Safer, more compact and longer life.
• AI Tracking – Smart monitoring systems that will develop a driving style and conservation of battery.
• Self-Healing Battery – An early stage of development in a technology that will allow the battery to fix small defects.

These are all in various testing stages, but could change the landscape of EV battery lifetime.

Final Thoughts: What Should You Remember?

When purchasing an electric vehicle (EV), a major concern may be the lifespan of the battery. The good news is, EV batteries can last longer than people expect. 

With proper use, care, and charging practices, your battery will surely last 10+ years. And even when it weakens, it can be repurposed, recycled, or replaced.

The world is not just moving forward toward EVs, it is already moving! Take good care of your battery and your EV will take good care of your wallet and the planet.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Q1. What is the average lifespan of an EV battery?

Around 8 to 15 years, depending on use, climate, and care.

Q2. Does fast charging damage battery life? 

Yes, using fast charging too often can warm the battery and reduce battery life.

Q3. Can I drive with an old EV battery?

Yes, but your range and/or performance may suffer.

Q4. How can I make my EV battery last longer? 

Do not charge up to 100%, do not let your battery below 20%, and do not let your battery get too warm.

Q5. Is replacing an EV battery very expensive? 

Yes, but prices have been coming down. There are new options like battery leasing on the way!