When it comes to electric cars, the battery is always the hot topic. How long will it last? Will it lose efficiency after a few years? A recent study conducted by Stanford University changes the game: electric car batteries could last up to 40% longer than previously thought.
And the key lies in our daily lives! Unlike lab tests, which simulate strict conditions, our everyday trips—filled with accelerations, braking, and pauses—actually appear to be much less stressful on the batteries.
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Lab tests aren’t as reliable as the reality
Traditionally, laboratories have relied on tests measuring charge and discharge cycles to estimate a battery’s lifespan. The concept is simple: every recharge slightly wears out the battery. But Stanford’s study shows that these methods miss a crucial point: real-life usage. Electric cars don’t experience constant charge cycles but instead face a mix of short trips, breaks, and accelerations. It’s precisely this varied usage that protects the batteries. Simona Onori, one of the lead researchers, explains that these pauses and variations in use help reduce cell degradation, contrary to what standard tests suggest. The researchers also compared personal electric cars to commercial vehicles like buses and delivery vans, which are used much more intensively. Unsurprisingly, the latter show faster wear. This proves one thing: the “normal” use of EVs—going from home to work and to the grocery store—is far from a worst-case scenario for batteries.
The real danger to our batteries
Another surprising finding from the study: a battery ages even when it’s not in use. In fact, “calendar aging” is more problematic than the number of charge cycles, especially for drivers who leave their cars unused for long periods. Alexis Geslin, another researcher involved in the study, confirms that EVs used daily age more slowly than those left idle for days or even weeks. For owners, this changes everything. No need to panic if you use your electric car regularly! The worst-case scenario is leaving it inactive in a parking lot. And for manufacturers, this information is crucial: they must now integrate this data into their battery management systems to better meet consumer expectations.
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What this could change for EV ?
The results of this study could have significant implications for the automotive industry. Today, battery lifespan is a key factor for buyers, who worry about the rapid depreciation of their electric vehicles. If manufacturers adopt this new data, it could change the game. First, they could optimize their battery management protocols, particularly through software updates. For instance, they could adjust systems to better protect batteries during long periods of inactivity. Second, these findings might encourage manufacturers to offer longer warranties, reassuring buyers about their investment. Finally, this could directly impact the resale value of used EVs, which often suffer from a poor reputation due to doubts about battery durability. Meanwhile, researchers aim to go further by studying the chemical and structural mechanisms behind battery aging. This deeper understanding could improve their longevity even more, making electric cars even more competitive against internal combustion models.
This article explores new insights into the lifespan of electric vehicle batteries. Contrary to common belief, daily use is much less taxing than expected, potentially transforming how manufacturers test and guarantee their products. By integrating this data, the future of electric cars looks brighter than ever.
Images: © Andersen EV
