The advent of electric cars has revolutionized the automotive industry, offering a sustainable and eco-friendly alternative to traditional gasoline vehicles. The longevity of an EV’s battery pack is the fundamental concern for potential buyers as it impacts not only the vehicle’s performance but also its long-term cost-effectiveness. So, in this blog, we’ll discuss how long an electric car battery lasts while driving per charge.
How Long Does an Electric Car Battery Last While Driving?
The lifespan of an electric car battery while driving is influenced by various factors, including the battery’s age, its chemical composition, the car’s make and model, and driving conditions. Nevertheless, most modern electric vehicles typically come with a battery warranty lasting at least eight years or 100,000 miles. This warranty duration can vary among manufacturers, with Tesla, for instance, offering an eight-year battery warranty, covering between 100,000 and 150,000 miles, depending on the specific model.
According to the U.S. Department of Energy, the lifespan of an electric car battery should generally be between 12 and 15 years when used in moderate climates. This explains how long an electric car battery lasts while driving. However, hotter climates can lead to faster battery degradation in electric cars. Note that rapid charging at Level 3 stations can also cause overheating, harming the performance and longevity of EVs.
How Long Does an Electric Car Battery Last Per Charge?
EV range anxiety often makes one wonder how long an electric car battery lasts per charge. Well, the range of an electric car per charge depends on several factors, including the car’s battery capacity, driving conditions, and driving habits. Generally, electric cars can typically go between 110 and over 300 miles on a single charge, but this can vary significantly between different models and battery sizes. It’s essential to check the specific range provided by the manufacturer for the electric car you’re interested in, as it can vary widely.
Additionally, factors like weather, terrain, and driving style can also affect the distance an electric car can travel on a single charge. After learning how long does an electric car battery lasts while driving or per charge, let’s also see how many batteries there in such cars are.
Also See: Debunking the Top 10 Myths About Electric Cars: Separating Fact from Fiction
How Many Batteries are in an Electric Car?
Electric vehicles typically incorporate two batteries, each with a specific function. Firstly, there’s a 12-volt lead-acid battery, similar to those found in traditional gasoline-powered cars, responsible for powering various electrical systems.
However, the heart of an electric car lies in its second battery, the lithium-ion battery pack. This battery drives the vehicle’s electric motor, propelling the car and enabling it to move. When plugged into a power outlet, this battery is also recharged, ensuring the vehicle’s continued operation.
In essence, while electric cars may have dual batteries, it’s the lithium-ion battery pack that powers the vehicle and distinguishes it as an environmentally friendly and efficient mode of transportation. After finding out how many batteries are there in an electric car, let’s learn about electric car battery capacity.
What is Electric Car Battery Capacity? How is it Related to EV Range?
Electric car battery capacity tells you how much energy an electric vehicle’s battery can store. This is measured in kilowatt-hours (kWh), like the size of a fuel tank in a gasoline car.
Imagine it like this: the bigger the battery capacity, the more energy it can hold. For example, a Tesla Model S might have a 100-kWh battery. This means it can provide a maximum of 100 kilowatts of energy for one hour continuously. But, when you’re driving in your daily life, you usually use much less energy than this maximum capacity. So, in reality, the battery can power your car for several hours before you need to recharge it.
The battery capacity is essential because it directly affects the range of your electric car. Range is how many miles you can drive on a full charge. In simple terms, a higher kWh rating means you can drive more miles on a single charge, which is great for people who want their electric car to go farther between charges.
Also Read: How to Get an EV Charging Card
How to Extend the Lifespan of Your EV Battery
Now that you know how long an electric car battery lasts while driving, let’s also learn how you can prolong its lifespan.
1. Adhere to Manufacturer Guidelines
It’s crucial to follow the EV charging rules and the guidelines provided by your car manufacturer for optimal battery performance. Keeping your vehicle’s software up to date is also important. Different EV makers use various battery composition and cooling systems, resulting in unique operating and charging recommendations.
2. Maintain Moderate Temperatures
EVs equipped with liquid-cooled batteries tend to preserve battery life better since they operate at lower temperatures. Ideally, storing and using your EV in moderate climates is beneficial. Even in warmer regions, parking your vehicle in a garage or a shaded area can help because most of the time, your EV is parked.
3. Limit Rapid Charging
While occasional use of direct current rapid charging (DCRC) is acceptable, minimizing its frequency can reduce battery degradation over time. Fortunately, EV Connect offers diverse charging stations, providing efficient options for your vehicle. It’s worth noting that frequent EV use doesn’t significantly contribute to battery wear and tear.
By following these steps, you can extend the lifespan of your EV battery without unnecessary wear and tear.
In conclusion, the longevity of an electric car battery while driving is influenced by various factors, including battery chemistry, usage patterns, and environmental conditions. Although these batteries are engineered to be durable, they can degrade over time. To extend their lifespan, maintain it regularly and be cautious with your charging practices. For more EV content, keep scrolling through our website.
Recommended: 12 EV Charging Tips
