What You Should Know about Optimizing EV Battery Health
Depending on a variety of factors, EV battery replacement cost can range from $4,000 to over $50,000. The significance of this cost raises the question, “How long can I reasonably expect an EV battery to last?” The U.S. Department of Energy expects EV batteries to last 12 - 15 years or at least 100,000 – 200,000 miles in moderate climates.
The federal minimum warranty for EV batteries is 8-years/100,000-miles, whichever occurs first. Some EV manufactures elect to cover the batteries up to 10 years, and others up to 150,000 miles. Depending on when EVs are cycled, the EV battery warranty could offer cost protection for the duration of the unit’s lifetime within the fleet.
Even if costs are covered by warranty, a battery replacement could create substantial downtime. What can fleets do to optimize EV battery health and extend the long-term battery life?
EV Battery Health Tips
- Maintain battery charge between 20% - 80% and avoid charging to 100%. Most models allow charging limits to be set so that the charge stays within the optimal range. Check to see if your EV model offers this feature.
- Use slow charging (Levels 1 and 2) and avoid fast charging (Levels 3 and 4), except when necessary. Frequent fast charging can shorten the long-term battery life. If your fleet’s usage pattern requires frequent fast charging, consider cycling sooner, ideally before the EV battery warranty expires.
- Garaging is preferred. Prolonged exposure to extreme temperatures can affect performance, range, and battery longevity. Most OEMs recommend turning on the battery heater for 30 – 60 minutes before fast charging in freezing weather.
- Keep EV software up to date. Updates can help with battery management, recalls, and performance. Most EVs can receive updates over-the-air (OTA) to prevent shop visits.
- The tips above are general guidelines, so check your owner’s manual for details specific to your vehicles.
EV battery replacement cost can easily “total” a vehicle if not covered by warranty. Cycling EVs prior to 100,000 miles, before the federal warranty expires, is recommended. With the above tips, fleets can help avoid high-cost repairs and downtime by prolonging EV battery life. Consider EV battery health practices and warranty as part of an overall fleet strategy.
Sources:
EV Battery Health: The Essential Guide - Kelley Blue Book (kbb.com)
Slow Charge vs. Fast Charge: What’s Better for Your EV Battery? — EV