Battery Breakthrough: Study Reveals EV Batteries Outlast Vehicles, Reducing Replacement Concerns

Research: Despite worries about wear and tear, data shows batteries typically surpass the lifespan of the electric vehicles they power.

The information is sourced from a report titled "Taking Charge," published by Geotab, a provider of telematics solutions predominantly for vehicle fleets. Geotab's conclusions rely on information gathered from 10,000 electric vehicles in use across North America and Europe, as disclosed earlier in the year.

Upon examining the data, Geotab found that, on average, battery health declined by 1.8% annually. This suggests that batteries might have a lifespan extending beyond 20 years. Certain vehicles demonstrated superior battery longevity, with a yearly degradation rate below 1%.

Noticed wear and tear in electric vehicle batteries based on 2024 data from

The figures have shown progress compared to a couple of years back. Back in 2019, Geotab's data indicated that, on average, batteries were deteriorating at a rate of 2.3% annually. However, this rate dropped to 1.6% when batteries were operated and charged under optimal weather conditions and charging habits.

The study emphasizes that increased electric vehicle adoption doesn't necessarily lead to increased battery wear and tear. However, extensive use of direct current rapid charging could contribute to quicker battery wear, particularly for vehicles in warmer regions. Vehicle owners are typically warned against regular use of rapid charging due to this issue. Nevertheless, a 2023 study by battery analytics company Recurrent indicated that Tesla models tend to fare better under these conditions.

Likewise, earlier research by Recurrent indicated that electric vehicle batteries experience quicker wear and tear under high temperatures. However, vehicle owners can mitigate this by opting to park in cooler areas or indoors and by keeping the battery at a 50% charge level during heatwaves. Furthermore, it's improbable that such degradation due to heat will result in EV drivers being stranded.

Electric vehicles from Chevrolet spotted charging at a Tesla-exclusive power dock

Additionally, adopting alternative methods might further diminish the decline in battery efficiency. Research indicates that commencing with a robust charging process during manufacturing could notably prolong the lifespan of batteries in electric vehicles.

Geotab suggests that the minimal deterioration in battery performance seen in existing electric vehicles (EVs) should bolster the assurance of fleet operators considering the shift to electric. According to their study, a current equivalent electric option exists for approximately 75% of light commercial vehicles, and the potential lifetime savings per EV is estimated at $15,900.

This could also create additional opportunities for repurposing these resources for other applications, such as storing energy from solar and wind sources, stabilizing the power grid, and supporting various other eco-friendly energy strategies.

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