23 Jul 2025

Battery life and maintenance of an electric car

With the increasing number of electric cars on the market, questions arise regarding batteries. In this article, we'll explain how electric car batteries work, what influences their lifespan, how to extend their lifespan, and what maintenance precautions should be taken.

Battery life and maintenance of an electric car

How an electric car battery works

The function of electric car batteries is to store energy and transmit it to the engine. Energy storage is possible thanks to the combination of four main minerals: lithium, nickel, manganese, and cobalt. These minerals undergo a treatment to obtain an active material that creates electrodes. These allow energy storage until the engine is activated. In most vehicles, the battery is located at the base and in the central part. In addition to dedicated charging stations on public roads, it is also possible to charge at home by installing a wallbox.

The characteristics of an electric car's battery influence its performance. The higher the battery's density—the amount of energy it can store relative to its weight—the greater the car's range. A battery is most efficient when it can supply the engine with a high percentage of its previously charged energy. Batteries lose capacity with successive charging and discharging. The more charging cycles they can withstand, the longer they last.

Factors that influence battery life
To know how long an electric car's battery lasts, several factors must be taken into account. One of them is the temperature. Extreme weather conditions affect the battery's long-term range. This is because, when it's very cold or very hot, more energy is needed not only to heat and cool the car's interior, but also to ensure the battery continues to function.

While outside temperature can't be controlled, other factors can be controlled. Charging methods and the type of electrical current used affect the lifespan of an electric car's battery. If the battery is used at a high or low state of charge, it will also degrade faster. Furthermore, the load inside the car and the speed can also affect battery life.

Tips to extend battery life

Due to its high cost, it's important to extend the life of your electric car's battery as much as possible . To achieve this, it's important to follow a few rules:

  1. Avoid completely charging and discharging the battery;
  2. Use smart chargers that allow you to choose the best time to charge;
  3. Do not use fast charging stations frequently;
  4. Protect the car from the sun and cold;
  5. Charge the battery to 80% whenever possible to keep the battery components at the ideal temperature;
  6. If not used for more than 12 hours, the battery level must be between 30% and 80%;
  7. Accelerate smoothly.

Regular electric car battery maintenance

An electric car's battery is a component that requires care. Checking its condition regularly is important for safe driving and to prevent breakdowns. On average, an electric car battery lasts between 15 and 20 years. During this time, it's essential to follow the above guidelines to slow the natural degradation process as much as possible.

Additionally, electric car drivers should also schedule regular checkups with certified mechanics. The vehicle's make and model determines the frequency of these checkups. The battery is one of the components that deserves mechanics' attention, as they determine whether it needs to be replaced or repaired.

In conclusion, the degradation of electric car batteries depends on several factors. The charging location, charging time, and outside temperature all affect battery life. However, there are several ways to extend battery life.

At Leasys, we understand that the battery is the heart of your electric vehicle. We guarantee specialized maintenance services to keep your battery in top condition. Visit our website to explore our solutions and keep your electric vehicle running smoothly for longer. Count on Leasys for efficient and safe driving!