Car Batteries For Electric Vehicles Explained | auto trader (2023)

How do electric car batteries work?

For the most part in this article, we'll be talking about battery electric vehicles (BEVs), commonly known as electric vehicles (EVs) or EVs.electric cars. We've compiled a list of all the EV terms you can come across to help you out.Get acquainted with electric car jargon here.
Let's start with the basics: battery electric vehicles are purely electric, and this electricity is stored in a battery pack in the car. The electricity stored in this battery pack is used to power the electric motor that turns the wheels when you drive. Simply.

How are electric car batteries charged?

When your electric car battery runs low, it needs to be recharged, usually from the grid. To access the electrical network, you must use a dedicated electric vehicle charger or socket.
You can charge your electric vehicle at home, which is usually cheaper and more convenient. This is how to trainhow much does it cost to charge your electric vehicle at home.If your home does not support EV chargers or you need to charge on the go, you can use public or workplace chargers. CanSee Auto Trader's EV charging point map here.The time it takes to charge an electric car battery depends on the size of the battery and the speed of the charging point.Learn more about charging an electric car here.

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How long do electric car batteries last?

Electric car batteries are designed to stand the test of time, and while manufacturers typically offer warranties of around eight to 10 years and/or 100,000 miles, many EV batteries last twice as long. This is comparable to the life of conventional gasoline or diesel cars.
When an electric vehicle's battery degrades, performance remains relatively unscathed, although the number of miles it can travel without recharging decreases. The distance a battery travels between charges is commonly known as range. The range of an electric car varies by make and model, but you can generally expect to get around 200 miles in a modern electric car before you need to charge. There are some electric vehicles that even have a range of more than 450 miles, like the Mercedes EQS.More information about the autonomy of an electric car.Electric cars often have energy saving features to extend the charge of a battery. These include "idling" (where the car shuts off when stopped to avoid wasting energy) and "regenerative braking" (where the battery is charged while braking). Pay attention when buying a new electric car.

Audi E-Tron

The science behind electric car batteries

When learning about electric cars, you'll come across some technical terms like kilowatt hours (kWh) and amp hours (Ah).
These are used to explain the capacity of the batteries, ie. h how much power they have (and how much you can use before you need to charge them). If it's been a while since you took your last science test (like this one), then here's a refresher on what they all mean.

What are kilowatt hours?

So in a real world example, if you drive a Tesla Model S with a 75kWh battery and a range of 230 miles, you should get around 32.6kWh per 100 miles. Confusingly, there is no standard measure of EV efficiency, and depending on the manufacturer, the trip computer may display miles/kWh or kWh/100 km (or kWh/100 miles). You'll likely get used to how much your EV uses up pretty quickly, and doing the mental math to determine how much range you're getting for your kWh will quickly become second nature.

What are ampere hours?

If the capacity of an electric car is not listed in kWh, it is likely listed in amp-hours (Ah). Ampere-hours measure the charge delivered by the battery and kilowatt-hours measure the energy delivered.
When comparing models, look at the battery voltage and use this calculation: current in amps x voltage = power in watts. (Don't forget that a kilowatt is 1000 watts.)

EV board

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Mercedes Benz EQC

Types of electric car batteries.

There are four main types of batteries used in electric cars: lithium-ion, nickel-metal hydride (NiMH), lead-acid, and ultracapacitors. Lithium-ion batteries are the current standard, offering longer range and better energy storage than their predecessors.

What are solid state batteries?

they swearelectric cars, you may hear about solid-state batteries. Solid-state batteries are a new technology in development that is set to revolutionize electric cars, hoping to reduce full charge time to around 10 minutes and double the range in some cases.
Solid-state batteries are also likely to be smaller and reasonably cheaper, meaning future electric vehicles could be more affordable. Solid-state batteries could also be a game-changer for more extreme climates, where extreme cold or heat will impact EV range and likely require batteries until the mid-2020s, so keep an eye out for developments in this area. .

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Ford Mustang Mach-e azul

Extend the life of your electric car battery

Battery life (lifespan) depends on several factors, including how often you charge.
Deterioration occurs most rapidly when you fully charge or discharge your electric vehicle battery. Because? Well, charging the battery generates heat, and too much heat (caused by charging your electric car) can damage the battery over time, as you drive your electric vehicle until it is fully discharged puts unnecessary stress on the battery, which also is long. Extend the life of most electric vehicle batteries by keeping them between 50 and 80 percent charged as much as possible. To help with this, some electric cars stop charging completely when they reach capacity. Others cut their charge in the last 20 percent, which is why public charging stations often list the time it takes to charge a car to 80 percent. There are other ways to extend battery life, including:•Make sure the temperature is even.– extreme heat or cold can affect range and battery life•Don't trust fast chargers– You can use them fine when you need them, but slow charging is better for your battery in the long run.•watch your speed- Aggressive acceleration also accelerates battery drain and reduces range between charges, making it much better to take it easy on the road.•Avoid charging your car right after a long drive– Let the batteries cool down first.

Nissan hoja

Nissan hoja

Battery warranty for electric cars

Still a little nervous about relying on a battery to get around? You're not alone, which is why many manufacturers offer electric car battery warranties to give you added peace of mind.
Warranty length and details depend on the car manufacturer, so make sure this is on your list of questions to ask when you're about to buy an electric car. Most manufacturers, including Nissan and Toyota, offer an eight-year (or 100,000-mile) warranty on their electric car batteries. This usually covers battery degradation to some degree, so you should be pretty safe.

Do I need to change the battery of an electric car?

Most electric car batteries last at least 10 years, a full decade. Some last up to 20 years, so don't worry too much about the cost of replacing the battery before you're done.I bought a new car- How many of us drive the same car for 20 years?
However, there may be other reasons why the battery needs to be replaced. Leaving the battery dead and not using the car can cause the battery to discharge (this is known as bricking), but many electric vehicles have systems that prevent the battery from fully discharging. It is natural for a battery to lose its capacity over time. This is often due to prolonged use and can be slowed down by taking good care of the battery. In the event of battery failure, contact your warranty first.

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How do I know if my electric car battery needs to be replaced?

It's a good idea to monitor the health of your car battery, as you won't get very far without it. In general, there are telltale signs that your battery is dying, so keep an eye out for these:

Dashboard-Warning Symbol

The most obvious sign that your battery needs to be replaced is a lit battery icon on your dash indicating an error. This should not be overlooked, especially if it is left on while driving. The last thing you need is to be stranded in the middle of nowhere. So if it shows up, get it checked out ASAP.

electric problems

The battery doesn't just power your car, it's responsible for your car's entire electrical system, from the lights to the computer system to the handy charging port for your phone. If you start to notice problems with the electrical system, say dimming lights or a power outage, say your heaters, you need to have it checked.

renault zoë

Ford Mustang Mach-E and negro

Batteries used for electric cars.

If electric car batteries last 10-20 years, is the used electric car market a battery quality roulette wheel?
Not really, but if you're considering buying a used electric car, you should consider the battery that comes with it. If the car is a few years old, you may (but not always) have a bigger problem with the battery's charging capacity. Replacing the battery can cost a lot of money; At this point, you need to weigh the pros and cons of leasing versus buying a battery electric car (which we'll get to in a bit). Check the status of the electric car battery during the test drive or explore your ownExtended Vehicle Warranty OptionsCover of an electric car battery.

What should you take into account with a used electric car battery?

If the car has been driven regularly and the battery has been charged and discharged correctly, it should be in good condition. However, battery life may be reduced if it is frequently charged with a fast charger or if it is frequently left empty.
Older electric car batteries are generally not valuable, so while buying a used electric car can be relatively cheap, you should also factor in the cost of replacing the battery or renting a battery in addition to the purchase price of the car. , in case it is necessary. However, don't let that put you off. Most electric batteries come with a separate warranty that's likely to last at least five years (most are eight years), so rest assured. Check with the seller how long the warranty is left and also ask about their charging history.

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Buy or rent an electric car battery

Battery leasing has declined over the years, as advances in new battery technology for electric cars mean few manufacturers now offer it as an option, though you may still face that decision if you're buying a used EV model. older.
However, the global market for electric vehicles continues to evolve; Battery swapping, a revolutionary alternative to wired charging, is spreading across Asia and has even spread to Norway. The idea was once championed by electric vehicle giant Tesla, and while battery swapping isn't currently available in the UK, Chinese manufacturer Nio has developed a fast alternative for charging electric vehicles, meaning the Battery ownership of electric vehicles will soon be a hot topic in the UK again. Great Britain could be.Read more about how to change the battery here

Should I rent an electric car battery?

One advantage of leasing is that you don't have to worry about replacing the battery if it's bad or at the end of its life, which could be a good thing for much older EVs.
The downside is that you may have to pay monthly depending on your budget. The cost of leasing a battery electric car depends on the length of the lease and the annual mileage, but on average you'll pay between £50 and £100 per month.

Battery check during maintenance

Ford Mustang Mach-E rojo

Should I buy an electric car battery?

Purchasing an electric car battery means there is no monthly lease fee and no mileage limit. However, you'll have to pay for a new one (and they're not that cheap) if it fails after the warranty expires.
But how much exactly does a new battery for an electric car cost? In 2021, the average cost of an EV battery was around £87 per kWh, which would mean the cost of a new Tesla Model S battery would only be close to £8,870. And that's not even including the cost of having it replaced by a professional. Fortunately, most manufacturers offer up to 10-year warranties, and some have even been known to last up to 20 years, so it's unlikely you'll ever need to get a new one.

What should be taken into account when buying or renting electric car batteries?

When faced with the choice to buy or lease, you should consider the specific make and model and weigh what works best for your budget and driving style.
You also need to consider the life of the battery, as well as any warranty or protection schemes that come with it and the cost of replacing it should it become necessary.

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Are electric car batteries expensive?

In general, electric cars are cheaper to refuel than gasoline or diesel cars. Because they have fewer parts, they are also cheaper to maintain.
But insurance can cost more, and your monthly costs can go up even more if you rent a battery, so write it all down and figure out how much the specific car you're looking at would cost in total. Or work out your budget first and find a car that fits. Now there's a good selection, so chances are you'll find one you can afford. look how much it isCost to charge an electric car here.To have a guide to the cost of buying an electric car, take a look at the practical comparisons of the marketGlobal Electric Vehicle Indexwho compares the price ofNissan hojaworld.

Are electric car batteries harmful to the environment?

Battery electric vehicles do not produce exhaust emissions like carbon monoxide and oxides of nitrogen, so they are definitely cleaner. Of course, that doesn't mean EVs don't have a carbon footprint, almost everything does.
Generating the electricity needed to run electric vehicles can create pollution and possibly also greenhouse gases such as carbon dioxide. The amount of pollution generated depends on how the electricity is generated, and renewable energy sources, such as wind and solar, are among the cleanest. Studies have found that battery-powered electric cars produce the least amount of pollution during their lifetimes (from construction to scrapping). So while they aren't perfect, they are the greener option right now. The future for EV batteries looks a lot brighter.How green are electric cars?.

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Can electric car batteries be recycled?

The actual life of an EV battery is longer than you might think, as it is subject to fairly strict criteria, such as: B. Retaining at least 80 percent of its charge for a period of time and discharging less than 5 percent. cent at rest Each manufacturer has its own warranty terms, such as a seven-year or eight-year period and a mileage limit of 100,000 miles, so it's a good idea to familiarize yourself with the fine print or you may have to pay quite a bit.
Mass disposal of electric car batteries is often rightly prevented by regulations. Instead, the battery can be reused or recycled.

Reuse electric car batteries

Some batteries are already being reused as energy storage or backup batteries for buildings, and a lot of research is being done on other ways they can be reused when they're no longer suitable to power your car.
Manufacturers have already begun to take initiatives in this area, putting in place plans to bring electric vehicle batteries back into the power loop at their own factories and creating a closed system for reuse and recycling. Factories of the future could be powered by the reused batteries they originally made, imagine!

Recycling of electric car batteries.

When electric vehicle batteries reach the end of their useful life, valuable materials such as lithium salts and cobalt can be stripped from them, so we don't have to rely solely on mining new raw materials from the earth.
Tesla already recycles its vehicle batteries, addressing the issue directly on its website, stating that none of its lithium-ion batteries go to landfills and that 100 percent is recycled. Volkswagen's pilot recycling plant for used electric car batteries has also started operation with the goal of recycling more than 90 percent of its batteries in the future. In late 2021, Northvolt produced its first battery cell, which is "made from 100% recycled nickel-manganese-cobalt," marking an important step toward sustainability for the auto industry as the company announces plans to recycle a whopping 125,000 tons of batteries. annually in the future. There is still a long way to go as only half of the materials used in an EV battery pack are currently recycled, but hopefully this will continue to improve over the next decade as we enter the electric age.

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