EV Batteries Now Lasting Longer Than Ever – Here’s What You Need to Know

In a groundbreaking update to their 2019 analysis, Geotab has revealed that electric vehicle (EV) batteries are degrading at an average rate of 1.8% per year, down from 2.3% in 2019. This significant improvement means that EV batteries could last 20 years or more, providing fleet operators and managers with increased confidence in transitioning to electric vehicles.

The Improvement in EV Battery Lifespan

Geotab’s latest research shows a remarkable leap forward in EV battery lifespan. With an average degradation rate of 1.8% per year, EV batteries are now more durable than ever. This is fantastic news for fleet operators who are under mounting pressure to reduce CO2 emissions and transition to electric vehicles.

According to Geotab, 75% of light commercial vehicles could be replaced by comparable EVs today, with potential cost savings of $15,900 per vehicle over its life.

Real-World Data and Fleet Confidence

The data from Geotab is not just theoretical; it’s based on real-world performance. This kind of information is crucial for fleets looking to make the switch to EVs. With reliable data on battery performance, range, capabilities, and costs, fleet managers can make more confident decisions. Geotab’s research indicates that EVs can indeed replace light, medium, and heavy-duty internal combustion engine (ICE) vehicles, despite the significant performance improvements still needed.

Factors Affecting EV Battery Life

Several factors impact EV battery life, including age, temperature, operating state of charge, AC vs DC charging, usage, battery chemistry, and thermal management components. Geotab’s research found that high-use EVs did not show significantly higher battery degradation, suggesting that fleets can maximize road hours without worrying about battery lifespan.

Temperature and Charging Methods

However, charging methods and temperature do affect battery health. EVs driven in hot climates showed faster battery degradation, and the use of DC fast charging also impacted battery life.

Geotab recommends minimizing DC fast charging and keeping vehicles’ state of charge between 20% and 80% to extend battery life.

Temperature Impact

Geotab’s data shows that batteries exposed to hot days degrade faster than those in temperate climates. For instance, vehicles driven in hot climates showed a notably faster rate of decline than those driven in moderate climates. This is not great news if your fleet operates under the hot sun, but there are best practices to reduce the impact of heat on your fleet.

Charging Methods

The use of DC fast charging (DCFC) does appear to significantly impact the rate at which batteries degrade. Rapidly charging a battery means high currents, resulting in high temperatures, both of which strain batteries. Many automakers suggest drivers and fleet managers limit the use of DC fast charging to prolong their electric vehicles’ battery life.

Best Practices for Extending EV Battery Life

To extend the life of EV batteries, fleets can follow best practices such as:

1. Turn Down the Temperature

The data on how temperature affects battery life shows that exposure to heat is likely to make batteries degrade quicker. Driving in moderate climate conditions is best for battery health. At moderate temperatures, batteries may even degrade slower than average. If you are deciding which vehicle to purchase, consider models with liquid cooling for the battery. For now, Geotab’s research appears to indicate that liquid cooling protects EV batteries better than air cooling.

2. Watch the Charge

When it comes to EV battery charging best practices, Geotab recommends fleets minimize DC fast charging. Some high-use duty cycles will need a faster charge, but if your vehicles sit overnight, Level 2 should be sufficient for most of your charging needs. It’s also a good idea to avoid keeping vehicles sitting with a full or empty charge. Ideally, keep vehicles’ state of charge between 20% and 80%, particularly when leaving them unused for longer periods. Fleets can automate this task by using the adjustable buffer setting (if present). Reserve full charges for long-distance trips.

3. Put Those Vehicles to Work

Do not hesitate to put electric vehicles to work. Our research finds that high use is not a concern for EV battery lifespan, so fleets can look for opportunities to reduce their total cost of ownership by maximizing road hours. However, it is important to note that, for high-use vehicles, DC charging may cause EV batteries to degrade faster than average, especially if your vehicles operate in the heat.

4. Pay Attention to Your EV Battery Data

Accurate state-of-health information, made possible by comprehensive telematics data, is key to helping fleets make the best use of electric vehicles. Telematics data insights, like you’ll find in Geotab’s EV Battery Health report, allows fleets to know the real battery capacity of their EVs, understand the rate of degradation and get the most value from EVs throughout their life-cycle, so they can use their vehicles with confidence.

Conclusion: Operators Can Be Confident That EV Batteries Will Last

While EV batteries degrade at different rates depending on model and external conditions, our data indicate that most electric vehicles today have not experienced a significant decline in battery life. In 2019, Geotab assessed the average EV battery degradation rate at 2.3% per year and the rate under ideal climate and charging conditions at an impressive 1.6%. In their most recent research, including many newer models, they found an average rate of 1.8% and the best performers declined only 1% per year or less.

So, how long do electric car batteries last? Numerous factors determine an electric vehicle battery’s lifespan, but on average, EV batteries will outlast the useful life of their vehicle, especially if drivers follow charging and driving best practices.

In sum, based on Geotab’s research and real-world data, fleets should feel confident that many current EVs are suitable and cost-effective to replace a range of light, medium, and heavy-duty ICE vehicles.

EVXL’s Take

The improvement in EV battery lifespan is a promising development for the electric vehicle industry. As batteries last longer, fleets can transition to EVs with confidence, knowing that they are making a cost-effective and sustainable choice. This aligns with our recent coverage of Panasonic’s mass production of 4680 batteries, which are expected to have five times the capacity of their smaller counterparts, potentially extending EV range significantly.

Moreover, the advancements in battery technology are not limited to lifespan improvements. As reported in our article on Mercedes and Factorial’s collaboration on solid-state batteries, we’re seeing potential for even greater leaps in EV range and safety. These solid-state batteries could extend EV range by about 80% compared to today’s average, with an energy density of 450 Watt-hours per kilogram.

These developments collectively paint a picture of a rapidly evolving EV landscape, where longer-lasting, more efficient, and safer batteries are becoming a reality. As the industry continues to innovate, we can expect even more improvements in battery life, performance, and sustainability, further accelerating the transition to electric mobility.

We’d love to hear your thoughts on this article in the comments section below. What are your experiences with EV battery life? Do you have any tips or best practices to share? Let’s keep the conversation going!