The general public often falls victim to misinformation that spreads fear and doubt about electric vehicles (EVs). One of the most common concerns people have is the cost of replacing the battery. This assumption stems from the belief that EV batteries have a short lifespan and are prohibitively expensive to replace.
Looking for Truth Behind Misinformation
Misinformation circulates constantly on the internet, and refuting it seems to have little effect. However, there is a small element of truth behind these concerns. For example, some EV batteries do degrade over time, and the cost of replacement can be high. Early iterations of EVs experienced issues with battery degradation, fueling these fears.
Rare Battery Replacements and Slow Degradation
Recent research conducted by Recurrent, based on data from 15,000 cars, challenges these concerns. They found that battery replacements are quite rare, happening in just 1.5% of cars, and are often covered under warranty. Most EVs come with at least an 8-year battery warranty. Additionally, battery degradation is not a linear process. While EVs may initially lose some battery capacity, it stabilizes over time, resulting in slow and gradual decline.
Personal Experiences Challenge Assumptions
Many EV owners can attest to the longevity of their batteries. For example, a Tesla Model 3 owner reported that their battery capacity actually increased with an over-the-air update. After driving 120,000 km (about 80,000 miles) over four years, they experienced no degradation. Another driver, who is an Uber driver, has driven over 240,000 km with no battery degradation.
Dispelling Comparisons to Lead Acid Batteries
One common misconception is that EV batteries are similar to the lead acid batteries used in traditional internal combustion engine (ICE) vehicles. However, EV batteries are more comparable to the batteries found in smartphones and tablets. EV batteries have a much longer lifespan and do not require frequent replacement like lead acid batteries.
The Lifespan Surprises Car Manufacturers
The research from Recurrent suggests that EV batteries have a longer lifespan than car manufacturers originally anticipated. Many EVs on the road have not needed battery replacements even after the warranty period ends. This challenges the assumption that a product’s lifespan is limited to the duration of its warranty. Comparatively, ICE car owners do not replace the engine and drivetrain after the warranty expires.
Improvements in Battery Technology
Newer EV models have benefited from advancements in battery chemistry and management, leading to improved longevity. Car manufacturers need to ensure that the lifespan of EV batteries exceeds the warranty period, especially since there is a growing second-hand market for EVs. Apart from specific recalls, the number of battery replacements in EVs has decreased year after year.
Outlasting Expectations
Contrary to early concerns, the Nissan LEAF, one of the first mass-produced EVs, has proven to have long-lasting batteries. Some estimates suggest that LEAF batteries may last up to 22 years. Additionally, early models of the BMW i3 and Tesla Model S have experienced minimal degradation, further supporting the longevity of EV batteries.
Real-world data supports these findings as well. Recurrent Auto’s data shows that most EVs driven close to 100,000 miles still have at least 90% of their original range.
Looking to the Future
As technology continues to improve, the longevity and performance of EV batteries will only get better. Comparing older EV models to current ones is like comparing the batteries of the first iPhones to the latest models. Battery chemistry and management have advanced significantly. Ultimately, the goal is for the vast majority of EV drivers to never have to worry about the cost of battery replacement.
