The ever-increasing pressure to switch to greener forms of mobility is seeing many manufacturers adopting business plans that will see the end of Internal Combustion Engines (ICE) in the coming years. Their efforts and resources are being plied into electrification as the next viable means of propulsion. We're already seeing a generous uptake in the Electric Vehicle (EV) market and while still a touch on the expensive side, customers who are able to afford these machines are considering them in earnest.
Related: Are Electric Vehicle Batteries Recyclable?
As with any new technology or a change to the way that we're accustomed to doing things, there are more questions than there are often answers. The general masses are largely concerned over the claimed range provided by the batteries in these EVs and their lifespans. With the technology still being relatively new, it's understandable that definitive answers are not always possible either. Some things take a while to work themselves out.
EV battery lifespans
Virtually all current EV manufacturers are prepared to provide an 8-year warranty on the battery packs. This warranty ensures that the battery will retain at least 80% of its capacity over the next 8 years of use, typically. While manufacturers are offering an 8-year warranty, consumers are noting that the lifespans of the batteries are actually lasting longer than anticipated with many still on their first battery pack, with more than 80% capacity after more than 10 years. Most assessments predict that batteries will pass over 320 000 km of travel, which for most consumers is longer than the anticipated life of the vehicle itself.
Can EV batteries be replaced?
EV batteries can most definitely be replaced. In certain instances, smaller, individual cells or packs will be able to be replaced, saving some of the overall costs. This naturally depends on the construction of the battery system and how your EV is configured. Unfortunately, replacing an EV is still a rather expensive exercise as the transportation of an EV battery is tightly regulated and requires specific transportation.
