Electric vehicles are becoming increasingly popular due to their lower running costs, increased green credentials, and growing market of new models. However, one of the biggest concerns for prospective owners is, how long will the batteries last? As electric vehicle batteries need to be charged more frequently than standard petrol or diesel engines, it’s natural for drivers to worry about how much mileage they’ll get from the car. The truth is that the longevity of an electric vehicle battery depends on a number of factors. Their performance can be directly linked to usage patterns and some precautionary measures can be taken to extend their lifetime. Here we explore 5 ways you can ensure your electric vehicle batteries last for a lifetime.

Regular Maintenance

As with many aspects of vehicle ownership, one of the most important things you can do to get the best out of your batteries is to keep them clean. Dust and dirt can build up on your EV’s electrical components, and as this can negatively impact their performance, regular cleaning is recommended. Make sure you check your batteries for any signs of damage or corrosion. This can sometimes go unnoticed but, if left unchecked, could lead to irreparable damage. Regularly checking the connections on your batteries is also a must. This will prevent them from becoming loose and potentially shorting. Additionally, you should clean the charging port at least once every three months. This will help eliminate the risk of dirt and grime clogging up the port and interfering with the charging process.

Fast Charging

Some EV owners choose to fast charge their cars as a form of convenience. However, this could affect the longevity of EV batteries. It’s recommended that you only fast charge your EV when it’s absolutely necessary. It’s believed that fast charging can reduce the lifespan of the car’s batteries by up to five percent. This is because it puts pressure on the battery, causing it to overheat. However, as EVs become more mainstream, more charging stations are being built. As these are designed to charge batteries much more slowly, they should pose fewer risks.

Don’t Fully Drain The Battery

Many EVs will tell you to fully drain the battery as this helps to keep the battery’s charge cycles even. However, it’s worth noting that doing this will reduce the lifespan of your batteries. It’s recommended that you only fully deplete your battery once every 100 charge cycles. It’s particularly important not to fully deplete your batteries when they’re still new. This is because the materials inside the new batteries can expand as they age, meaning it may be difficult to fully recharge them without causing damage. The best way to even out battery charge cycles is to use a timer that tells you when to fully charge your batteries.

Climate Controls

Temperature can play a significant role in the lifespan of your EV batteries. Temperature extremes can cause a greater amount of stress on the batteries, shortening their lifespan. For example, heating batteries are particularly bad for their longevity. Therefore, it’s advised that EV drivers select the coolest setting when they’re charging their car. This will ensure the batteries are not exposed to harmful temperatures.

Better Batteries

As we mentioned above, the longevity of EV batteries can be improved by using better-quality materials. This is why many manufacturers are now using lithium-ion batteries. These are more powerful, lighter in weight, and can be recharged more frequently than the lead-acid batteries that were used in the past. Battery technology is constantly being developed and there are some promising new developments in the works. For example, some companies are researching the use of graphene in EV batteries. This is expected to increase the lifespan of EV batteries by around 25%. If you’re planning on keeping your EV for a long time, it may be a good idea to invest in a car with the latest technology.

Conclusion

Electric vehicles are becoming increasingly popular, especially among environmentally conscious drivers. While it’s true that the longevity of an EV battery depends on a number of factors, regular maintenance, fast charging, and don’t fully drain the battery are three ways you can ensure they last for a lifetime. EV owners can also improve the longevity of their batteries by selecting the coolest setting when they’re charging, and using batteries that are made of better-quality materials.