Real-world usage of electric vehicle batteries consistently surpasses their tested lifespans by nearly 40%.
In a groundbreaking study, researchers from Stanford University have discovered that the real-world use of electric vehicle (EV) batteries can significantly extend their lifespan, providing encouraging news for EV owners and fleet operators alike.
The study, which involved testing 92 commercial lithium-ion batteries over more than two years, revealed that the more realistic the battery use, the slower the battery degraded. This finding contrasts with traditional lab tests, where batteries are subjected to rapidly repeated charge-discharge cycles with a constant rate of discharge.
One of the key factors contributing to the slower degradation in real-world conditions is the stop-start nature of driving and the variable rate at which the battery discharges power. This pattern actually prolongs battery life by up to 38% compared to traditional tests.
Real-world use scenarios, including short acceleration and regenerative braking, have been associated with slower battery degradation rates, according to a number of recent studies. However, frequent use of DC fast chargers by high-use vehicles, particularly in hot climates, has been linked to faster battery degradation. Slower "level 2" charging, on the other hand, is better for battery longevity.
The findings are particularly significant given that common battery chemistries such as lithium-ion will degrade over time as lithium ions shuttle back and forth across the electrode. This degradation can lead to a decrease in battery capacity and, ultimately, a shorter lifespan.
The implications of these findings are far-reaching. Car manufacturers and technology providers can benefit by updating their EV battery management software to take these findings into account, helping to increase battery longevity under real-world conditions. Longer-lasting batteries would reduce the total cost of EV ownership, making them more attractive to potential buyers.
Moreover, fewer battery replacements mean fewer batteries to recycle. Once removed from the vehicle, EV batteries can be used to store energy for homes or businesses for years. This could lead to a more sustainable and efficient use of resources.
The findings are also reassuring for drivers interested in electric vehicles but unsure about battery lifespan. A 2024 report by GEOTAB researchers using telematic remote monitoring found improved battery technology leading to slower degradation in 10,000 EVs, with newer EVs losing about 1.8% of their health per year. This suggests that EV owners may not need to replace expensive battery packs for several additional years, leading to lower operating costs over the lifetime of an EV.
In the past, studies of EV battery degradation were normally done in a laboratory environment under controlled conditions. However, the Stanford team's use of intelligent data logging (Smart Data Logging, SDL) methods, which provide precise current, voltage, time, and temperature data, has increased the efficiency of test analysis by reducing data collection rates while ensuring accurate measurement during multi-channel cell testing.
These findings are a significant step forward in understanding the behaviour of EV batteries under real-world conditions. As more and more people switch to electric vehicles, this knowledge will be invaluable in ensuring the longevity and reliability of these crucial components. The findings are also encouraging for fleet operators, as batteries in high-mileage commercial EVs should remain reliable even after heavy use.
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