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HOW LONG DO ELECTRIC VEHICLE BATTERIES LAST?

As electric vehicles race ahead in the innovation lane, one component stands out at the centre of this revolution: the battery. Keep scrolling as we unveil its remarkable technology and impressive longevity.

The Building Blocks of Battery Endurance

In the world of EVs, the lifespan and stability of batteries form the cornerstone of a superior driving experience. In recent years, this has become a possibility due to the evolution of battery technology which has further enhanced battery endurance. These innovative measures have enabled EV batteries to stand the test of time, ensuring dependable performance, extended range, and a sustainable driving future.

The two main components that contribute to battery longevity are the Battery cells and BMS, the heart and the brain, of your Electric Vehicle battery. Let’s explore them in detail.

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CELLS: HEARTBEAT OF THE ELECTRIC VEHICLE BATTERY

  • Lithium-ion batteries (LiB) uses different types of cells according to different type of usages e.g. cylindrical, prismatic and pouch.
  • A cylindrical cell is a cell enclosed in a rigid cylinder can. Cylindrical cells are small and round, making it possible to stack them in devices of all sizes. They are the most commonly used cell type due to their lower cost. These are often used in laptop batteries and even EVs.
  • A prismatic cell is a cell whose chemistry is enclosed in a rigid casing. Its rectangular shape allows efficiently stacking multiple units in a battery module. Prismatic cells are designed are thin and light. They can use either steel or aluminium casing, which makes them more stable.
  • For the same volume, stacked prismatic cells can release more energy at once, offering better performance. Theoretically, The energy density of prismatic cells is higher than cylindrical cells.
  • A pouch cell is a type of lithium-ion battery used in electric vehicles (EVs). They are characterised by their lightweight design and flexibility, making them a popular choice for some EV manufacturers. The batteries are made up of multiple layers of electrode materials and separators enclosed in a flexible, heat-sealed pouch. They offer advantages such as design flexibility, reduced weight, and efficient space utilization within an EV's battery pack.
  • Currently Prismatic cells are most widely used worldwide in EVs and Energy Storage solutions (ESS). Prismatic cells are also two types – the electrode sheet inside the casing (anode, separator, cathode) is either stacked or rolled and flattened.  

BMS: The brain behind the operation

  1. What is BMS: A Battery Management System, commonly referred to as BMS, is an intelligent electronic system designed to oversee and manage EV batteries. It monitors and manages the battery's performance and charging while ensuring optimal conditions for the cells inside the battery modules
  2. What does it do:  It meticulously oversees battery parameters like charge, voltage, and temperature while ensuring all individual cells in the battery pack charge and discharge evenly, thus maximizing efficiency and lifespan. It also safeguards the battery from potential harm due to overcharging, overheating, or deep discharging.
  3. Why is it important: BMS acts like the central nervous system for an EV's battery. By constantly optimizing performance and ensuring safe operation, an efficient BMS significantly slows down battery degradation, ensuring your EV battery remains healthy and lasts longer.
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Innovations Lighting the Path Forward

Our electric future is powered by innovation. Every day, advancements in battery technology push the boundaries of what's possible, ensuring that the electric journey is both impressive in range and lasting in longevity. Two such innovations in the space are: 

  1. The rise in energy density: Ongoing research is enabling batteries to pack more energy in the same footprint. This not only promises extended EV ranges but also contributes to the battery's overall longevity!
  2. Building India’s EV ecosystem: India is also set on expanding the EV ecosystem through innovative partnerships with leaders in Battery Technology, Charging Infrastructure, Product Development, Technology Innovation, AI implementation & Electronics.
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Frequently Asked Questions

Li-Ion batteries endure 10 to 15 years before needing to be replaced or refurbished depending on the usage and charging pattern. The ZS EV’s LFP type battery has a charging capacity of 2000-2500 cycles (one charging cycle is equivalent to one cycle of complete charging and discharging of the battery). Considering the vehicle is charged twice a week, it would take around 20 years to complete this. However, batteries life depends on many external factors which are as follow:

  1. Time (calendar aging)
  2. Thermal expansion and contraction due to temperature fluctuations
  3. Operating at high and low state of charge (time spent at high or low state of charge)
  4. High current charging
  5. Charge and discharge cycles

The battery can have a very long life if the following factors are kept under control:

  • Keep the battery cool and be careful in extreme temperatures: Batteries that deal with extreme temperatures can be damaged, so it is important to keep the battery cool, especially in hot climates. Extreme cold can also have a negative effect on the battery. Try to Park under a shade as and when possible.
  • Avoid rapid charging frequently: While rapid charging is a convenient way to charge your battery, it’s not the best for its longevity. Rapid charging can put a strain on the battery and shorten its lifespan. If you can, charge your battery slowly and steadily and only use rapid charging when necessary.
  • Do not drain the battery completely: It’s important to avoid draining the battery completely as this can also damage it. Try to keep the battery above 20% to avoid putting strain on the battery.
  • Keep an Eye on the Battery:  It’s important to keep an eye on the battery and be aware of any changes. If you notice anything unusual, take the car to an authorized workshop to have it checked out.
  • Avoid frequent charging to keep SOC at 100% always.(If one is driving within the city limits, keep the SOC between 30 to 80%, it will improve Battery health, 100% charge may be planned for outstation Trips)

When there is a drop in SOH of battery to 70% or 80% there will be drop in performance range. For example, if a battery with 100% SOH can travel 100 kms on a full charge, the same car with battery SOH 80% will travel only 80kms on a full charge.

SOH depends on the usage and charging pattern. On average,  in 8 years, it is expected to drop maximum of 30% SOH as it depends on the usage of individual. It is advised to follow battery charging do’s and don’t’s to maintain health of the battery.

It is always advised to frequently use the Electric vehicle as the car mechanism get more efficient over usage.