Revving Up Battery Life: How Initial High-Power Charging Could Boost EV Longevity

Research: Early robust charging at production site may prolong lifespan of electric vehicle batteries

The inaugural power-up of an electric vehicle's battery may play a significant role in setting its life expectancy. This insight emerges from a recent study sponsored by the Toyota Research Institute, with findings released in the academic publication Joule.

Initially observed by InsideEVs, research from the SLAC-Stanford Battery Center at Stanford University revealed that initiating the first charge of lithium-ion batteries using significantly elevated currents—sufficient to cut down charging duration from 10 hours to just 20 minutes—boosted their average lifespan by half and, in certain instances, up to 70%, as per a Stanford press statement.

Creation of Solid-Electrolyte Interphase in Lithium-Ion Batteries as studied by the SLAC-Stanford Battery Research Center.

Upon creation, prior to its initial charge for energy retention or its inaugural discharge to fuel a vehicle, a battery cell's cathode holds a specific quantity of lithium which depletes over time with use, consequently shortening its durability. However, scientists have discovered that a higher loss of lithium at the first charge might surprisingly prove advantageous over time.

This occurs as the initial portion of lithium contributes to creating a flexible coating identified as the solid electrolyte interphase (SEI), which develops on the exterior of the anode and aids in shielding it from reactions that might hasten the deterioration of the battery.

Upcoming 2024 Lexus RZ Model

Producers typically initiate battery charging with a small amount of current, thinking it leads to a stronger solid electrolyte interphase (SEI) layer. However, investigators have discovered that using a stronger current is more beneficial and also speeds up the initial charging process. Experts identified that the most effective outcomes were influenced by two primary elements: the intensity of the current and the temperature of the battery.

Numerous electric vehicles, especially those from Tesla, seem to exhibit a strong resistance to battery wear. However, introducing a further step to enhance the battery life could reassure buyers and may gain importance in light of California's potential regulations on battery health standards.

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