As part of evangelizing the Fully Charged LIVE event in Vancouver, BC Sep 8-10, 2023, I have many people who are going tell me they are currently not considering an EV due to several preconceptions about the batteries. Aside from the show being a great place to learn about this, I wanted to post a few thoughts in this post to raise awareness over the key considerations.
One of the more common concerns is "What happens if you are driving on a long, lonely highway and your battery runs out of power?". My answer is basic - "Pretty much the same thing that happens in an internal combustion engine (ICE) car when you run out of gas. You're stranded until help arrives". The point is that any technology has the potential to run out of energy and if you manage to not run out of gas on a regular basis, you will probably be equally adept at not running out of electrical energy. In fact, EV's will warn you a lot more than ICE vehicles as the electronics are generally far more advanced.
The second concern is the battery. Yes, there are some horror stories about batteries eventually needing to be replaced. Here is a short primer on the lifespan of EV batteries (and batteries in general).
The lifespan of electric vehicle (EV) batteries can vary based on several factors, including the specific chemistry of the battery, how it's used, how it's charged, and the overall design and quality of the battery management system. Here is a short list of some factors consumers might want to understand.
Battery Chemistry: Different EVs use different battery chemistries, such as lithium-ion (Li-ion), lithium iron phosphate (LiFePO4), and others. Many eBikes and other Micromobility devices use similar batteries. Specific chemistries tend to have longer lifespans and better durability than others.
Usage Patterns: How an EV/eBike is driven and recharged can impact the battery lifespan. Aggressive driving, frequent rapid acceleration, and high-speed driving can all put more stress on the battery. On the other hand, gentle driving and moderate speeds can be less taxing.
Temperature: Operating in extreme temperatures, both hot and cold, can affect the performance and lifespan of EV batteries. High temperatures can accelerate battery degradation, while cold temperatures can reduce the battery's efficiency and capacity temporarily. Research Gate has an excellent article on this topic.
Charging Habits: The way an EV is charged also matters. Rapid charging and frequent deep discharges can contribute to faster degradation. Charging to 100% and keeping the battery at a very low state of charge for extended periods can also impact battery health.
Battery Management Systems: Quality battery management systems (BMS) can help extend battery life by monitoring and controlling the charging and discharging processes, ensuring balanced cell voltages, and protecting against overcharging or over-discharging.
Technology and the future will play a big part in mitigating some of these considerations. The EV industry (as well as cell phones, laptops, eBikes and a million other industries) is continuously working on improving battery technology, which includes developing more durable chemistries, better thermal management systems, and enhanced BMS.
So what can you do?
Many EV manufacturers provide warranties for a certain number of years or miles that guarantee a minimum amount of battery capacity retention over that period. This is a testament to their confidence in the longevity of their batteries. When you are shopping for an EV, ensure that you are asking questions about this.
At the same time, come to Fully Charged LIVE and ask the major EV companies about replacement costs. Eventually an EV may reach the point where the battery needs replacement. This can take several years, and by that time, technology advancements and decreasing battery costs may have made replacements more affordable but don't count on that. Ask for prices now and use those to weigh your decisions.
It's important to note that battery technology is evolving rapidly. In general, the lifespan of modern EV batteries is expected to be quite reasonable, often surpassing 100,000 miles (160,000+ kilometers) or more before significant degradation occurs. As EV technology improves, we can expect even longer-lasting batteries in the future. When considering costs of ICE vs EV, consider that things like timing belts, top end rebuilds, sensor replacements etc are all part of servicing an ICE vehicle and can add up. BY comparison, EV's do require less maintenance.
