The workings of an electric engine are less complex than those of a traditional internal combustion engine, meaning that electric cars are less prone to costly repairs.
When it comes to their batteries, most electric car batteries come with a lengthy manufacturer’s guarantee (from eight years or 100,000 miles and up), with many lasting up to 20 years, so there’s no need to be unduly concerned about this or about the potential cost of replacing the battery in your electric car.
Although one of the key sustainability positives for electric cars is the reduction in carbon emissions, especially if they are powered by renewable energy, some drivers are concerned that electric car batteries will end up in landfill at the end of their life, potentially undermining their green credentials.
With many electric car batteries outliving their vehicles, even if they begin to drop slightly in performance, they can still be used for other purposes as a static battery energy storage system. Electric vehicle manufacturers are also investing heavily in giving car batteries a second life in large-scale battery storage systems, such as Nissan’s use of “retired” electric vehicle batteries to provide backup power to the Amsterdam Arena entertainment venue and home to Ajax Football Club. Although these schemes are in their infancy, as the electric vehicle market grows and evolves with technology, they are sure to increase in number.
Many manufacturers also simply recycle their EV batteries by reusing them for a second or third time.
Broadly speaking, there are three factors that affect the battery life of electric car batteries. The first of these is temperature, both the air temperature and the effect of the heat generated inside the battery pack itself. Being too hot or too cold will impact the battery’s efficiency and charging the battery when it’s already at a high temperature, potentially after long periods of use during hot weather, can be particularly harmful. That said, since extreme weather is rare in the UK, it's not a big worry for British drivers.
The next factor that can affect battery life is vehicle use and care – leaving a battery low on charge on a regular basis can damage it permanently, as can leaving the vehicle unused for long periods of time.
Finally, the third factor is weight. Electric vehicles are heavy by nature due to the weight of the battery and overloading the vehicle can put unnecessary pressure on the battery and hasten its deterioration.
Tips for extending the life of your electric car battery include minimising its exposure to extremely high temperatures, particularly when parked. Allow your battery to cool before charging, especially if you have been on a long journey. This is preferable to plugging the vehicle in as soon as you arrive at your destination.
Try to manage your charge to ensure that it is never at 0% or 100%. Avoiding these two extremes will help extend the life of your vehicle’s battery.
Although fast charging is convenient, it does put a strain on the battery and can lead to more rapid deterioration. Use fast charging only when really necessary and alternate with slower charging speeds.
If your EV will be sitting in the garage unused for a long period, if possible, use a timed charger to ensure that the average charge level is kept at between 25 and 75%.
The current cost for a replacement EV battery is estimated at just over £7,000 depending on your vehicle, and can go up to as much as £15,000, although with careful management of your vehicle and sensible charging, this should not overly concern electric car drivers.
However, if you want to be free from any maintenance or repair worries while driving an electric car for business or pleasure, leasing an EV may well be the best option for you.
All Leasys tailor-made contracts come with included services such as a dedicated driver helpline and roadside assistance. Additional fixed-cost maintenance packages also help with budgeting and can include tyre replacement and windscreen services.
If you’re looking for an electric vehicle or run a business that relies on sustainable fleet solutions, contact Leasys today to discuss your options with one of our expert electric mobility customer care advisors.
