Battery degradation in electric cars is a topic of concern for many potential buyers. However, recent research shows that it may not be as big of an issue as previously thought. Modern electric vehicles are designed to handle battery degradation well, and the impact on range is typically minimal.
A study conducted by Recurrent, a company that analyzes EV performance over time, ranked 14 different brands based on the amount of range their vehicles tend to lose after three years on the road. The results showed that brands like Cadillac, Hyundai, and Mercedes-Benz fared well in retaining range, with Tesla also performing strongly with over 96% range retention. On the other hand, Volkswagen, BMW, and Jaguar experienced more significant range loss but still retained over 90% of their original range.
One interesting finding from the study is that some brands exhibited zero range loss at all. This could be attributed to factors such as built-in battery buffers and software updates that optimize battery performance over time. While these results may not be a pure measure of an EV’s quality or longevity, they do highlight differences in how automakers approach battery management and charging.
For example, Chevrolet may have ranked lower than Cadillac due to the older technology used in the Chevy Bolt compared to Cadillac’s latest tech. Similarly, Jaguar’s I-Pace and BMW’s i3, both earlier electric models, may have contributed to their lower range retention results.
It’s important to understand that EVs typically follow a predictable degradation curve, losing range more quickly in the first few years before stabilizing. Factors like heat management and charging practices can also impact how a battery performs over time. Overall, while battery degradation is a reality for electric vehicles, it’s reassuring to know that modern EVs are equipped to handle it effectively. “But after that initial period, the loss in capacity starts to become more noticeable. However, this initial drop is the most significant, with the rate of decline slowing down significantly over time. So the capacity loss an owner witnesses early on will be most of the damage they see over a vehicle’s lifetime.”
This is important information for potential EV buyers to consider, as it shows that the impact of capacity loss on range is not as dramatic as some may fear. With advancements in battery technology and manufacturers working to improve the longevity of their batteries, the overall lifespan of an EV battery is improving.
Najman also noted that factors such as temperature, charging habits, and driving style can all impact the rate of capacity loss in an EV. By understanding these factors and taking care of their battery, owners can help mitigate the impact of capacity loss on their vehicle’s range.
Overall, while capacity loss is an inevitable part of owning an EV, it is not something that should deter potential buyers. With proper care and maintenance, EV owners can still enjoy their vehicles for many years to come without significant decreases in range. As the EV market continues to grow and evolve, we can expect to see even more improvements in battery technology that will further extend the lifespan of these vehicles.
So, for anyone considering making the switch to an electric vehicle, rest assured that the capacity loss you may experience early on is likely to be the most significant you’ll see over the lifetime of your vehicle. With advancements in technology and a better understanding of how to care for EV batteries, the future looks bright for electric vehicles and their owners.