Constantly evolving new electric vehicle battery chemistries and configurations are continuously in development, but a recent study emphasizes the importance of testing them under real-world conditions.
Recently published in the prestigious journal Nature Energy by a team of researchers from Stanford University and the Energy Department’s SLAC National Accelerator Laboratory, the study builds upon previous research on battery longevity. The research team had previously introduced a method in 2022 to “revitalize” lithium-ion batteries through adjusting the charging protocol, potentially extending their lifespan by nearly 30%.
Audi battery assembly at Brussels, Belgium, factory
Typically, tests for battery longevity involve multiple cycles of charging and discharging at a constant rate. The assumption is that the number of cycles a battery undergoes is the primary factor in degradation, making this method the most direct way to push battery cells to their limits.
However, in this study, researchers compared four discharge profiles, ranging from constant discharge to profiles mimicking real-world driving conditions, such as short bursts of acceleration. These profiles were tested on 92 commercially-available lithium-ion batteries over a two-year period.
Panasonic cylindrical EV battery cells
The study revealed that discharge profiles with more variation in discharge rate contributed to longer battery life, potentially extending it by up to 38%. This insight could aid in designing more accurate tests for new batteries and could inform regulations on battery degradation if implemented.
These findings suggest that for electric vehicle owners, diverse driving patterns could help maximize battery durability. Additionally, simple practices like parking vehicles in the shade or a garage during high temperatures can also help limit battery degradation.