Debunking EV Myths – Part 1 “EV batteries die after 5 years”
The sheer amount of misinformation that is being spread around in the regular media but also on social media regarding the batteries used in electric vehicles is just staggering. The public is still being misled by horror stories of batteries having to be replaced after a couple of years or of batteries losing 50% of their charge in a short period of time. All of these statements are either totally false or single instances taken out of context.
The assumption that electric vehicle (EV) batteries only last a short amount of time is a common misconception that persists despite evidence to the contrary. Here are some reasons why this assumption is inaccurate:
Electric vehicle batteries typically have a lifespan ranging from 8 to 15 years or more
Battery life depends on factors such as usage patterns, environmental conditions, and battery chemistry as well as the available battery management system / Active thermal management. Many EV manufacturers offering warranties covering battery performance for up to 8 years or 100,000 miles, and some exceeding these expectations with minimal degradation over much longer periods.
Example: Tesla vehicle and battery warranty: https://www.tesla.com/support/vehicle-warranty
Example: Ford vehicle and battery warranty: https://www.ford.com/support/how-tos/warranty/warranties-and-coverage/what-is-my-electric-vehicles-battery-warranty/
Real-World Data shows that EV batteries will last much longer than originally anticipated
Long-term studies and real-world data from EV fleets and individual owners consistently demonstrate that EV batteries degrade at a slower rate than initially anticipated. Many EVs on the road today maintain high levels of battery capacity even after tens of thousands of miles of use. Also see the next topic “battery degradation / battery retention“.
My Tesla Model S still had its original battery after 8 years which never had to be replaced nor will it most likely have to be replaced soon.
Battery management Systems (BMS)
Modern EVs are equipped with sophisticated Battery Management Systems (BMS) that monitor and regulate the temperature, voltage, and state of charge of the battery cells. BMS ensure that the battery operates within optimal conditions, preventing overcharging, over-discharging, and excessive temperature variations, which can accelerate degradation. By carefully managing the battery’s state of health, BMS extend the lifespan of EV batteries significantly.
Active Thermal Management
Many EVs are equipped with active thermal management systems that regulate the temperature of the battery pack, maintaining it within an optimal operating range. Thermal management systems use cooling and heating mechanisms to dissipate excess heat or provide warmth to the battery as needed. By controlling temperature fluctuations, these systems mitigate the degradation caused by thermal stress, which can compromise the performance and longevity of the battery cells.
Also see my comment about the most likely inferior thermal management in my wifes EV, the Opel Mokka-E in this post: Debunking EV Myths – Part 2 “EV batteries degrade very quickly”
Debunking EV myths part 2: EV Batteries degrade very quickly
