How quickly does your electric car’s battery degrade?

The massive response to Mahindra BE6 and XEV 9e augur well for electrics cars’ future in India. The 30,00-plus bookings suggest that if the cars are priced right, buyers will consider them. However, even if you add up the most optimistic estimates for electric cars sales in India, they would struggle to cross 1% of the passenger car market.

One big thing every Electric vehicle (EV) owner worries about battery is degradation—how quickly their battery will lose capacity over time. A recent report by Geotab, a global leader in connected vehicle and asset solutions, empowering fleet efficiency and management EV battery monitoring company, sheds light on this crucial aspect.

By tracking data from over 10,000 EVs through embedded telematics, Geotab offers valuable insights into how different EV batteries hold up over the years. Let’s dive into the key findings and what they mean for current and prospective EV owners.

What the Report Says About EV Battery Degradation

Geotab’s study is one of the most extensive of its kind, gathering real-world data from thousands of EVs to assess how battery performance changes over time. One major takeaway is that most modern EVs retain a significant portion of their battery capacity even after years of use.

While some degradation is inevitable, the drop in battery health is generally slower than many expect. Geotab’s latest research finds that EV batteries are degrading at 1.8% per year on average. The last time we analysed battery degradation in 2019, we found an average annual degradation rate of 2.3% (which was already quite good).

Most modern EV batteries retain about 90% of their original capacity even after significant mileage. Notably, Tesla models showed an average of 88-92% battery health after 100,000 miles, while the Nissan Leaf retained around 85-90% over similar usage.

Factors such as active thermal management and battery chemistry played a role, with liquid-cooled batteries showing slower degradation. The study also found that rapid charging frequency had a minimal impact on long-term battery health, contrary to common concerns.

Factors Affecting Battery Longevity

There are several factors that influence how quickly an EV battery degrades:

• Charging Habits: Frequent fast charging can accelerate battery wear, whereas regular Level 2 charging is less stressful on the battery.

• Climate Conditions: Extreme heat or cold can impact battery life. Batteries in warmer climates tend to degrade faster.

• Mileage and Usage Patterns: Higher mileage and aggressive driving can contribute to faster battery degradation.

• Battery Management Systems (BMS): Some EVs have more advanced battery management systems that help extend the battery’s lifespan by regulating charging and temperature.

How EV Batteries Are Holding Up

The good news is that EV batteries are proving to be more durable than some early skeptics predicted. Many owners report only a minor drop in range even after several years of ownership. Some models perform better than others, but overall, the data shows that battery degradation isn’t a major concern for most EVs on the road today.

What This Means for EV Owners and Buyers

For those considering an EV purchase, this report is reassuring. The fear of rapid battery degradation is often a sticking point for potential buyers, but real-world data suggests this concern is largely overblown. Modern EVs are designed with longevity in mind, and manufacturers continue to improve battery technology and thermal management systems.

For current EV owners, good charging habits and mindful driving can help maximize battery life. Keeping the battery within an optimal charge range (not letting it drop too low or stay at 100% for too long) can go a long way in preserving capacity over the years.

Time for EVs has Come

Geotab’s extensive monitoring of over 10,000 EVs provides strong evidence that battery degradation is not a deal-breaker for EV adoption. While some loss in capacity is expected, it is happening at a much slower rate than many anticipated. With proper maintenance and advancements in battery technology, EVs continue to be a viable long-term investment for drivers looking to go electric.

As more real-world data emerges, EV owners can feel increasingly confident about their vehicles’ longevity. So, if you’re on the fence about making the switch to an EV, battery degradation shouldn’t be what holds you back.