Reply to EV Ask Me Anything

Forum Index » Cars and Transportation

Reply to "EV Ask Me Anything"

Subject:

Emoticons





More smilies

Text Color: Font: Close Marks

[quote=jsteele][quote=Anonymous][quote=jsteele][quote=Anonymous]What are the average lifespans of the EV batteries and vehicles? 
Without a cooling system or oil system?, seems like there wouldn't be as much to break on an EV, but not really familiar with them.

Assuming they get to where they don't hold a charge after a while, so are there aftermarket options that are affordable for replacing entire battery systems, similar to rebuilding or buying an ICE engine? 
[/quote]

The lifespan of the batteries is a controversial topic. The newer technologies used in today's batteries haven't been around long enough for real life tests. So everything is basically theoretical. All EV batteries are warrantied for 8 years. So you don't have to worry during that period. There have been a number of recent studies that show that today's batteries might out live the car. A couple of things we do know is that there is a drop off in battery capacity right at the beginning of usage. That is only a few percent. After that, if the battery is well cared for, drop off is very gradual. Since the majority of today's EV owners are sort early adopters who take an interest in their cars, it is not uncommon for EV owners to be obsessed with battery care. I bought two used EVs and in both cases the batteries were in great shape. In the case of the i3, the battery actually showed more capacity than it was rated for new. Obviously, BMW had been conservative in their specifications and, when new, the battery probably had more than the stated capacity.

One problem currently with batteries is that the best and the cheapest come from China. Therefore, in the US we either can't get them at all or they are expensive. The result is that replacement options are not particularly good. In Europe, people are replacing their batteries fairly often. All of this may change in the future as U.S. battery manufacturing catches up. Also, as EVs become more widespread, there will likely be more batteries available from cars that were totaled and can be picked up cheaply.

Two other things about batteries. The early LEAFs only had air cooling for their batteries and this hurt the batteries' lifespans. Many people have heard anecdotes about that and think that it applies to all EVs. But most EVs, including the upcoming LEAF, have liquid cooling. That makes this less of an issue. Also, batteries suffer more in hot weather. So, if you are looking at used EVs, you might want to avoid those from Arizona or Florida and so on.
[/quote]

Interesting information and given me some rabbit holes to go down and do some research on. Thanks! :)

Would be nice if more EVs would come in sporty models. Something that looked like a new Corvette or Challenger but with a fast EV package would be nice, if not too outrageously priced, and would certainly make them more common. [/quote]

There actually is a Challenger EV. Otherwise your best bet is a Porsche Taycan. Get a used one for about half price compared to new.
[/quote]

Options

	Disable HTML in this message
	Disable BB Code in this message
	Disable smilies in this message

Review message

Search Recent Topics Hottest Topics