The battery is the most important part of an EV, determining its range and performance. It is also one of the most expensive parts, with battery prices expected to rise 2% over the next 12 years.
Batteries are made using a mix of metals including lithium, nickel and cobalt. These materials are expensive to mine, so governments have pushed for better ways of recycling them.
Cost
The ev battery is a large part of the cost of owning an electric vehicle. It can cost thousands of dollars to replace, akin to a gas engine replacement in a combustion car.
Batteries are made from a complex array of raw materials, including ‘base’ metals such as aluminum, copper and iron. They also contain ‘precious’ metals such as cobalt, nickel and manganese as well as elements like lithium and graphite.
This makes it hard for companies to source all the material they need in a timely manner, and it can often lead to an increased price tag. As demand for electric vehicles rises, this becomes even more of an issue.
Battery pack costs can also be affected by the size of the battery. Larger batteries require more energy to store and are therefore more expensive.
Range
The range of an electric vehicle is one of the biggest determinants of whether an EV is right for you. Drivers who want to take long road trips, or who are planning to use their EVs for work or school, will likely require a vehicle with greater range than those with less driving needs.
Currently, the average range of an electric car is about 80 to 300 miles before it needs recharging. However, a number of new technology innovations are expected to make it possible for some vehicles to reach 500 or more miles per charge by 2022.
The range of an ev is determined by the type of battery, capacity, and weight of the vehicle. The battery must also be maintained at an optimum temperature. Fortunately, most modern EVs are equipped with active thermal management systems to help keep the battery pack at peak performance.
Performance
Batteries are one of the biggest factors affecting the range and performance of your electric vehicle. They are just like any other battery pack in your phone or laptop, but they are designed from the start to last longer and have built-in protection mechanisms.
Most EV batteries last for 10 to 20 years or more, depending on the conditions and environment you live in. This is largely due to the fact that manufacturers have already taken measures to protect them from thermal degradation.
Cold weather can also significantly affect battery performance, so it’s important to make sure you keep the car’s heater on during extreme temperatures. Even with that, though, it’s still a good idea to drive sparingly to avoid draining the batteries entirely.
The speed at which you charge and discharge the battery can also have a major impact on its lifespan. Ramming it into the highest possible charging and discharging speeds can reduce its ability to hold power and may cause premature failure.
Maintenance
Unlike gasoline cars, which use over two-dozen moving parts and a complex transmission, electric vehicles (EVs) have far fewer maintenance costs. Owners don’t have to worry about oil changes, coolant flushes, or tune-ups.
EVs also don’t need to be serviced by mechanics with extensive experience in gas vehicles. Repairs for EVs can cost anywhere from half to 75 percent of the costs of maintaining comparable gas-powered vehicles, according to a Consumer Reports survey.
Battery degradation is an important part of EV maintenance, but it can be managed with some basic steps. For instance, if the car’s battery is cooled properly and drained fully before charging it, then it will last longer. Additionally, operating the vehicle in moderate climates helps.