Electric Vehicles Poised to Outlast Their Owners

Contrary to popular belief, a new study has found that most batteries in electric vehicles can likely outlast the vehicle's usable life. The insights are based on Canadian telematics company Geotab's recent update to its 2019 analysis on EV battery degradation, which incorporates new fleet data.

Unlocking the True Potential of Electric Vehicles

Maximizing EV Longevity

Fleet operators and management are under growing pressure from regulators, investors, environmental organizations, and the public to lower their CO2 emissions. Switching to electric cars is the most effective strategy for fleets to cut emissions, but even with notable performance gains, fleets are still hesitant to abandon light, medium, and heavy-duty internal combustion engine (ICE) vehicles in favor of EVs. The key to overcoming this hesitation lies in understanding the true longevity of EV batteries.Since an EV battery is the most expensive part of the car, it's crucial to know how its capacity and health will change over time when making purchases. Fleets can save more money the more EVs are utilized, and the longer the battery life lasts, the more EVs can be used. According to the firm, fleets that lack trust in EV integration may find it helpful to leverage data insights from telematics to make informed decisions.

Degradation Insights

The natural process of battery degradation permanently reduces a battery's capacity to store energy or provide power. In general, EV batteries have a greater capacity to produce electricity than the powertrain's components can manage. Because of this, power degradation is rarely noticeable in EVs; instead, the only issue is when the battery's capacity to store energy is lost.Geotab's updated analysis on EV battery degradation highlights significant improvements since 2019. While degradation was initially measured at 2.3 percent annually, recent data from 10,000 EVs shows a reduction to 1.8 percent. This means that EV batteries could last 20 years on average, outlasting the useful life of their vehicles.Factors such as climate, usage, and charging methods affect battery longevity. Hot climates and frequent use of direct current fast charging (DCFC) significantly accelerate degradation. Liquid-cooled battery systems, like those in Tesla models, generally perform better than air-cooled systems, such as the Nissan Leaf. Interestingly, high-use EVs don't degrade faster than low-use ones, provided daily range is respected. Batteries charged with Level 2 chargers degrade more slowly than those used by frequent DCFC users.

Cost Savings and Environmental Benefits

The improved battery longevity has significant implications for the total cost of ownership (TCO) of electric vehicles. Data indicates that an EV could provide cost savings of $15,900 per vehicle over its life, making them an increasingly attractive option for fleets and individual consumers alike.Beyond the financial benefits, the extended battery life of EVs also translates to substantial environmental advantages. With fewer battery replacements required, the carbon footprint associated with manufacturing and disposing of EV batteries is reduced, further enhancing the sustainability of electric mobility.In conclusion, the new insights from Geotab's study paint a promising picture for the future of electric vehicles. As battery technology continues to advance and degradation rates decline, fleets and consumers can feel confident in the long-term viability of EVs, paving the way for a more sustainable transportation future.