How Long Do Electric Car Batteries Last?

This article is about the general lifespan of electric car batteries. If you’re looking for information about the range of electric cars, you can find it here: How Far Can an Electric Car Go?

 

Electric car batteries are built to last. That's why most manufacturers offer at least a 5-year warranty on them. Some, such as Toyota, go one step further. They offer an 8-year (or 100,000-mile) warranty on their batteries. However, many experts currently predict that electric car batteries will actually last between 10 and 20 years before you need to change them.

 

For context, the average driver covers around 7,000 miles a year. This equates to between 35,000 and 56,000 miles while the battery is under warranty and between 70,000 and 140,000 miles before needing a replacement.

 

But why do electric car batteries last so long? A lot of it is due to their design.

 

What are Electric Car Batteries Made of?

Electric cars use lithium-ion batteries. This is a common, very durable type of battery. They are made of carbon or graphite, a metal oxide and lithium salt. 

 

These parts transform chemical energy into electrical energy. This happens through the flow of electrons from one material to another, through an external circuit. Here’s what each part does in this circuit:

 

Carbon or Graphite: This forms the Anode which stores the electrons. It has a negative charge.

 

Metal Oxide: This forms the Cathode which has a positive charge. The electrons pass from the Anode into the Cathode and then discharge their potential energy.

 

Lithium Salt: This acts as an Electrolyte. When mixed with water, this forms a neutral solution that can conduct electricity. It balances the flow of negative electrons with positive ions.

 

These materials contribute to how long an electric car battery lasts.

 

Why Do Electric Car Batteries Last Longer Than Phone Batteries?

If electric car batteries are exactly the same as those used in smartphones, why do they last so much longer? Well, manufacturers have invested a lot of money into the technology to extend their lifespan. Drivers wouldn't buy electric cars if they knew they needed to buy a new, expensive battery every 2-3 years.

 

The cost is also the reason why this technology isn't used in smartphone batteries. It takes a lot longer and costs a lot more to produce each battery, and is a cost that would be passed on to the consumer. Again, people would be less willing to buy new phones every few years if they were more expensive.

 

Who Makes the Batteries for Electric Cars?

Electric car batteries are produced by non-automotive firms, many of whom are tech giants in their own right.

 

In fact, in the second half of 2020, only 6 companies supplied 87% of all batteries and battery metals fitted in electric cars. These companies were:

• BYD
• CATL (Contemporary Amperex Technology Co.)
• LG Energy Solution
• Panasonic
• Samsung SDI
• SK Innovation

 

What Happens When Electric Car Batteries Die?

When an electric car battery reaches 0% charge, all the electrons have passed from the Anode to the Cathode. This is now classed as a 'dead' battery. Of course, you should avoid running an electric car battery down to 0% as you run the risk of being stranded in the middle of nowhere.

 

Electric car batteries are rechargeable. Recharging a battery reverses the journey of the electrons - but every time you do so, the battery loses a little bit of performance.

 

As a result, every battery reaches a point where it can no longer hold any charge. At this point, it will need replacing. But that doesn’t mean that it has no further use because all lithium-ion batteries can be recycled.

 

In fact, the EU's Battery Directive means that at least 50% of the battery in its entirety must be recycled. In January 2022, Veolia committed to building the UK's first lithium-ion battery recycling plant. By 2024, they aim to recycle 20% of all used batteries. Until then, the companies that sell them are still responsible for their disposal and recycling abroad.

 

When electric car batteries die completely, they can be repurposed. This usually involves fitting them into battery storage systems that use solar power to light and heat buildings. As the depleted battery is no longer the main power source, there is less strain on it so it can still be an effective part of the system.

 

Recycling lithium-ion batteries also avoids too many of them ending up in landfills as they do not degrade easily. They can also leak and cause environmental damage.

 

Read More

How Long Does it Take to Charge an Electric Car?

The process of converting chemical energy into electrical energy depletes a battery. Fortunately, they can be recharged much like we fill petrol or diesel cars up with the right fuel type. Find out everything you need to know about charging an electric car here.

 

Which Electric Car Has the Longest Range? (2024)

Charging an electric car can be inconvenient and has often contributed to ‘Range Anxiety’. If you’re considering buying an EV, you want to know it has the ability to handle your mileage. Find out which electric cars travel the furthest on a single charge here.

 

How Far Can an Electric Car Go?

If you’re not at the stage of comparing specific models, but still want to know how far electric cars go on one charge, here’s a more general overview on the subject of mileage.

 

What is the Problem With Electric Car Battery Recycling & What is Being Done to Solve It?

Electric car batteries are hard to recycle. The way they are built makes it difficult for recyclers to extract the precious metals safely and cheaply. This means that stricter recycling targets aren't yet possible. Yet, recycling electric car batteries is crucial for our sustainability. Learn more about the issue in this guide.

 

How Much Does an Electric Car Battery Cost? (UK; 2024)

It's good news that electric car batteries last so long because a replacement is very expensive. In fact, if you ever need a new EV battery, it's probably better to replace the whole car! Learn more about how much they cost and why they're so expensive in this guide.

 

Should I Charge My Electric Car Every Night?

In order for your electric car's battery to last as long as possible, you shouldn't charge it every night. This article can tell you how best to charge your electric car, why you shouldn't overcharge the battery and what happens when you charge your EV every night.