Last updated on July 21st, 2024 at 03:03 pm
According to research specialists at Recurrent, the health of the average EV battery is a black box. They are working to change that by collaborating with tens of thousands of EV drivers to gather important data that is processed by specialists and advanced machine learning, in order to draw fact-based conclusions. Their latest report by Liz Najman, shows exactly how rare a battery replacement can be. This is an overview of their report and we encourage anyone with an interest in EVs to read the detailed version themselves.
As the EV market expands, potential buyers of used EVs such as Tesla, Ford, and Hyundai are increasingly interested in understanding the lifespan and reliability of high-voltage batteries. These components are crucial – regularly constituting up to 50% of an EV's value. Yet, assessing their condition remains challenging without specialised tests. Recurrent gathered data from over 20,000 EVs drivers – providing them with valuable insights into battery longevity and the factors influencing replacement rates. Worth noting that the data is US in origin, but the revelations apply globally.
Initial Findings on Battery Replacements
Historical data indicates that the earliest generation of EVs, which are now about 14 years old, have the highest rate of battery replacements. However, as technology has progressed, newer batteries have become larger – increasing by an average of 122% between 2015 and 2022 – which allows them to retain sufficient capacity for longer periods before needing a replacement. Improvements in battery and thermal management systems are also contributing to extended battery lifespans and reduced replacement frequencies.
Recalls and Warranty Replacements
The study highlights significant recalls, such as those affecting the Chevrolet Bolt EV and Hyundai's Kona Electric, where battery flaws led to comprehensive replacement programs covered by manufacturers. Excluding these recalls, the incidence of battery replacements among the Recurrent community is low, with only 2.5% of batteries replaced outside of recall actions. Notably, vehicles manufactured after 2015 show a replacement rate of less than 1%, reflecting improved manufacturing standards and battery technology. That's 1 in 100 in a sample of drivers with EVs up to seven years old.
Warranty and Manufacturer Support
Most battery replacements occur under warranty, especially in newer vehicles experiencing ‘growing pains' with initial models. High replacement rates in vehicles like the 2022 Hummer EVs and Rivian R1Ts are usually addressed by manufacturers without cost to the owner. For example, one owner reported a positive experience with GM replacing a Hummer EV battery, which was turned around in a day and included compensation and a loaner vehicle.
Battery Degradation and Lifespan
Despite concerns about battery lifespan, the evidence suggests that EV batteries are outlasting expectations. Vehicles from 2015 and earlier have shown a replacement rate of only 13%, despite being used for nearly a decade or more. For newer models, the degradation appears even less significant, with battery replacement rates dropping to under 1%.
Data Insights on Battery Health
Recurrent's ability to track battery health over time, offers a unique perspective on degradation patterns. Battery health tends to degrade in an S-shaped curve, starting with initial settling, followed by stable, slow decline – and ending with a sharp drop-off as the battery reaches the end of its useful life. However, catastrophic failures are rare, with most batteries demonstrating stable performance throughout their lifespan.
Future Outlook and Second Life
The report suggests that as battery technology continues to evolve, future EV batteries may show minimal degradation over extended periods or even hundreds of thousands of miles. Moreover, there is growing interest in the potential ‘second life' of EV batteries in energy storage applications once they are no longer suitable for vehicle use.
Conclusion
For buyers of used EVs, understanding the nuances of battery health and lifespan is critical. Recurrent's findings offer reassurance that modern EV batteries are not only lasting longer, but are also increasingly reliable, backed by substantial warranties and manufacturer support. As the EV market grows, ongoing improvements in battery technology and management systems are expected to further enhance the reliability and appeal of electric vehicles. While the full potential and longevity of EV batteries are still being realised, the current evidence is promising for both current owners and prospective buyers of used electric vehicles.
One this is for sure: If you are able to charge overnight, using a good quality 7kW charger from a reputable company like Humax – then you are not only minimising your energy bill, you're also extending the life of your battery and EV.
Discussion about this post