If there's one thing we've learned over all the years of using cell phones, it's that even the most advanced battery has a lifespan. Batteries need to be charged to replenish their energy reserves and over time, the amount of charge that the battery can store diminishes. While you may recall that your trust old Nokia 3210 lasted a whole week without needing a charge, modern phones have significantly more processing power improved graphics and are permanently connected to the internet. The same can be said about electric cars - they're rather complex creations.
As complex as they are, they're also rather simple when compared to internal combustion engine (ICE) vehicles that use petrol or diesel. There are considerably fewer moving components, and the complexity of the drivetrain is reduced. An EV's complexity comes in the form of electronics. This makes the battery pack the most critical component in an EV, so a large bulk of the vehicle's value lies in the battery. Are there any specific maintenance requirements for electric cars?
Longevity
We've experienced the lifecycle of batteries in our domestic appliances, cell phones and even our ICE vehicle batteries, so it's understandable that there are concerns about the longevity of battery systems in EVs. With the battery systems being such an important part of an EV's construction, what does that mean for the vehicle's lifespan? Can electric car batteries be recycled?
The good news is that the battery systems used in most EVs are highly advanced, and the technology improves every day, yielding more capacity, improved thermal management, and durability. Manufacturers are so confident that they are prepared, in most cases, to offer an 8-year guarantee on the battery. The mass adoption of EVs is still relatively new, even globally. Still, in this time, we've seen batteries last more than 12 years, retaining over 80% of their usable capacity after this time. Studies are suggesting that 20 years is entirely possible, meaning that even the third or fourth owner of an EV shouldn't be affected too much. How are electric car batteries made?
Prices
With the batteries being so crucial in the operation of an EV, their importance carries with it a fairly large price tag. Should you have to replace the battery on an EV, you would be looking at prices ranging from around R100 000 to as much as R400 000 or more, depending on the battery's size and the vehicle brand, according to US consumer data analysts JD Power.
It gets expensive in South Africa as all the batteries used in the EVs sold in our market have to be imported. The transportation of Lithium Ion batteries is expensive and complex as the substance is deemed to be hazardous/dangerous goods and requires specialized transportation. This is also why EVs cost as much as they do locally.
With engineer continually working one improving batteries, prices should reduce in the future as more affordable ways of producing and transporting them are developed, with the earlier battery designs costing less over time.
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