The world of motoring is in the midst of a revolution, powered by new and highly-efficient kinds of lithium-ion battery. It’s this technology that’s made the switch to Battery Electric Vehicles feasible: they’re able to provide enough power per kilo to make their weight viable, and to deliver the range needed to make this kind of travel a feasible option for mainstream motorists.
There are a few reasons to be sceptical of this new technology, and to hold fire on making the switch – at least for the time being. For one thing, the charging infrastructure isn’t quite on a par with the UK’s network of traditional filling stations. According to analysis by Deloitte, the number of locations, connectors and devices more or less doubled between 2018 and 2020. And we’re likely to see a similarly steep climb over the next two years.
The sale of new battery electric vehicles has increased by around 185% over this time period, driven by improved infrastructure and improved range anxiety.
Another cause for concern is the longevity of the batteries themselves. The environmental benefits of making the switch will be dented if motorists need to replace their battery frequently. Given the considerable cost of a replacement battery, this is something that motorists are right to be wary of.
Most manufacturers provide a warranty on their batteries of around five years. However, research indicates that many electric car batteries could last for a decade, or even two. This can be offset through measures like GAP insurance, but it’s still worth thinking about how to maximise the long-term lifespan of your battery.
How can I extend the lifespan of my battery?
Let’s run through a few of the habits you might develop to extend the lifespan of your car’s battery.
First, it’s not a good idea to let it fully discharge. In fact, many batteries come with built-in safety measures which prevent you from doing this (while restricting the overall capacity of the battery). This is where overnight home-charging stations come into their own.
On the other hand, keeping your battery fully charged can also degrade it prematurely. Ideally, you should do this only when you’re about to embark on a long journey. The rest of the time, you can set the charger at home to get your car to around 75% and then stop.
The temperature of your battery will also make a difference. Storing your car overnight in a garage might help to reduce its exposure to extremes in temperature.
Fast charging might also be something of a problem. While it will top you up more quickly, the amount of current it uses shorten the lifespan of the battery. According to some estimates, we might see 10% more battery life for cars which use standard charging versus fast charging.