The high voltage battery of an electric vehicle is built to last for several years; however, the usable capacity starts diminishing over time and charging cycles. Newer electric vehicles are equipped with advanced battery and thermal management systems that monitor this deterioration. According to the IEA, the majority of EV batteries currently on the road are expected to last for many years into the future with some lasting up to 15 years.
Considering an electric vehicle? BudgetEV allows one to compare the technical specifications of EVs, the capacity of their batteries, as well as charging features prior to purchasing one.
What Does Old Age Do to an EV Battery?
The battery of an electric vehicle will not break down suddenly when it becomes old, but rather, it loses its state of health (SoH) and is unable to store as much energy as it could do before.
The driving range of the car will ultimately suffer as a result. The extent of battery deterioration depends significantly on the type of car.
Lithium-Ion Battery Technology
Most modern electric vehicles such as Tesla Model S and the Nissan Leaf employ a lithium ion battery pack. Each chemistry has different characteristics depending on whether it is LFP or NMC. According to the International Energy Agency, more than half of electric car batteries in India were of the LFP chemistry type in 2024.
How Can Owners Preserve Their Batteries?
There is no one-size-fits-all charging technique that can be used with all EVs. They need to adhere to the instructions of the manufacturer regarding both charging and storing of their vehicle. Avoiding unnecessary exposure to high temperatures is critical since batteries are temperature-dependent. Thermal management systems can be included in modern EVs to protect their batteries.
Before choosing an EV, use BudgetEV to compare battery technology, range and charging specifications across different models.
The Car Battery, On the Other Hand...
Also included in an electric vehicle is a separate car battery, specifically the 12-volt battery employed in traditional low-voltage electrical systems. Do not mistake it for the high-voltage traction battery that supplies power to the motor.
When looking for information on how to test car battery, what you actually need to learn is how to test your 12V system. In much the same way, when you search for how to change car battery, it is your 12V battery you want to replace.
The Bottom Line
The degradation of the battery happens gradually, and hence does not automatically make the vehicle unserviceable after a certain period of time. It is important to have some knowledge of the manufacturer’s warranty, battery chemistry, and proper charging methods.
Explore BudgetEV to compare EVs and understand the battery specifications that matter before buying.
FAQs
1. What is the life expectancy of an EV battery?
Not all electric vehicles have the same life expectancy, as there are many factors that affect it such as the battery chemistry and how it is charged.
2. Will the EV battery fail suddenly as it gets older?
Usually not, as the batteries will slowly degrade with age over time.
3. Is a lithium ion battery the same as the 12v car battery of an EV?
No, the high voltage lithium ion battery will be used for the propulsion of the vehicle, while the 12v battery will be used for normal low-voltage systems.
4. How can one evaluate the health of the EV's battery?
The most important evaluation of the traction battery is SoH (State of Health). This can be determined through diagnostic equipment of the vehicle or at the service station. Testing a 12V battery is not an evaluation of the high-voltage battery's health condition.
5. Can an EV owner change the high voltage battery themselves?
No. Changing the high-voltage traction battery must be carried out only by qualified specialists according to manufacturer's recommendations. Changing the 12V auxiliary battery is another process and is regulated by the vehicle manufacturer.