Are Electric Vehicle Batteries Built to Last?

One of the main concerns for drivers considering the switch to electric vehicles (EVs) is the longevity of the battery, with many worried about potential high replacement costs. However, new findings should put these fears to rest, as a recent report suggests that batteries in the latest EV models are designed to last 20 years or more.

EV Batteries vs Internal Combustion Engine (ICE) Components

A comprehensive study, analysing real-life data from nearly 5,000 modern EVs, reveals that battery degradation occurs more slowly than the wear and tear experienced by components in internal combustion engine (ICE) vehicles. According to this investigation, carried out by leading telematics firm Geotab, the average battery in a current EV model degrades at a rate of just 1.8% annually. This is a significant improvement from previous years, with the same study in 2019 reporting an average decline of 2.3% per year.

Geotab, which specialises in tracking vehicle performance through telematics, utilised over 1.5 million days of data to assess the health and durability of EV batteries. The results show that advances in battery technology are not only extending the life of EV batteries but also making them more resilient to daily usage.

Key Findings from the Report

Geotab’s report highlights several key points that debunk myths around EV battery life:

• Batteries Last the Life of the Vehicle: EV batteries now generally last longer than traditional engine components, with many expected to outlast the vehicle itself. David Savage, Geotab's vice president for the UK and Ireland, notes that despite persistent concerns about battery reliability, data clearly shows these fears are unfounded.
• Slower Degradation Over Time: On average, EV batteries degrade by only 1.8% annually. This means that most drivers will not notice any significant loss in performance or driving range during the typical ownership period of an electric vehicle.
• Solid Performance in High Mileage Vehicles: Interestingly, the research also found that EVs with higher mileage did not experience accelerated battery degradation. This is particularly encouraging for fleet operators, as it suggests that EVs provide even better value when driven more frequently.
• The Future of Battery Technology: Further advances, including the development of solid-state batteries, promise to extend the life and efficiency of EV batteries even further. Geotab predicts that as new EV models are released, battery degradation rates will decline further.

What is Battery Degradation?

Battery degradation is a natural process where the battery’s ability to store energy diminishes over time. However, in most cases, the power loss in EV batteries is minimal and has little impact on daily driving needs. An electric vehicle's battery health is measured by its State of Health (SOH), starting at 100% when new. Over time, a slight reduction occurs, but most EV batteries can still offer ample performance even with a small decrease in capacity.

For example, a 60kWh battery with 90% SOH still functions like a 54kWh battery, ensuring drivers can still rely on a significant range for everyday use.

Contributing Factors to Battery Degradation

The speed at which an EV battery degrades can vary depending on factors such as battery chemistry and thermal management. While most modern EVs use lithium-ion batteries, variations in battery composition and how the vehicle manages heat can affect longevity. Some models utilise liquid cooling, which tends to be more effective in maintaining battery health than air-cooling methods.

What Does This Mean for You?

For those concerned about the cost of replacing an EV battery, this report provides reassurance that most electric vehicle batteries will comfortably last beyond the usable life of the vehicle. The 1.8% annual degradation is unlikely to affect the majority of drivers, and with ongoing advancements in battery technology, this is expected to improve in future models.

In summary, drivers can feel confident that today’s electric vehicles are built for longevity, providing a reliable and cost-effective alternative to traditional ICE cars.

For more information on electric vehicles and the latest MG models, visit Perrys MG. We’re here to help you make an informed decision about your next car.