Information About Vehicle Batteries
Today, electric vehicles have started to dominate more and more markets and their usage rate is increasing. Mobile phone, computer, tablet etc. As we know from vehicles, the efficiency of batteries decreases after a while. So how long is the battery life of electric vehicles? In this regard, we can say that electric vehicle batteries are much more durable than electronic devices such as mobile phones or computers. There are several ways to protect battery cells. The first fear of those who switch from internal combustion vehicles to electric vehicles is the range issue. We should know that all batteries become less efficient as time progresses. It is valid for vehicles and after a certain period of time, your car's range will decrease. The cost of battery cells used in vehicles can be very high when it comes time to replace them.
As technologies improve, the problems decrease, but they do not completely end. Battery technology is also improving day by day and the problems related to performance degradation are decreasing. It should be noted that the newest technology lithium batteries lose performance over time. The biggest reason for the decrease in efficiency is usage and charging cycles. Frequent discharging and full charging of cells reduces the battery's energy storage capacity over time. If the manufacturer you bought gives you a percentage rate, you should follow it (It is generally not recommended to charge above 80%). Another important issue is that you should never let your vehicle's battery run out completely.
Fast charging causes batteries to run out faster. This is because it supplies the batteries with much more electrical energy and causes high temperatures. Although liquid cooling in the cells can help mitigate this, too frequent use will damage the batteries. Electric vehicles used in hot climates lose their performance earlier than vehicles used in colder climates. However, the battery units of vehicles used correctly can last as long as the life of the vehicle. In some studies, it is said that it can be used for up to 20 years without any change. However, large car companies that produce electric vehicles usually give 8-10 years of warranty. For example, Tesla, Audi, BMW and Nissan offer 8 years warranty for their battery cells. Electric vehicles have a simpler mechanical system compared to fuel and gas cars in line with their working principles. Therefore, their maintenance is less costly. One of the biggest maintenance costs of electric vehicles is battery replacement.
The biggest difference between electric vehicles and traditional vehicles is that they work with charging. The charge is stored in the car battery, which is charged through the unit, station or home socket. The stored charge is transferred to the electric motor during use, allowing the vehicle to move through a simple system. On the other hand, the fuel type used in internal combustion engine vehicles is ignited when the starter is pressed and a high heat energy is generated. Then, this heat is converted into electrical energy with a loss of approximately 70%-75% and transmitted to the vehicle's electronics. In electric vehicles, since the engine directly acts as an alternator, the stored energy is used much more efficiently without loss.
In the early 2010s, when electric vehicles entered the market, battery prices were quite expensive. However, considering the developing technologies, the increase in raw material production and the competition in the market, prices have decreased compared to the first years. The cost of the battery is determined according to the raw material and capacity (kW/h) used. Although the most commonly used batteries in electric vehicles are lithium (lithium carbonate) based; It consists of a mixture of primary components such as cobalt, manganese, nickel, aluminum and graphite. For example, the battery of the Nissan Leaf, the world's best-selling electric vehicle, is a lithium-manganese alloy.
Depending on the brand of electric vehicle batteries, they can have a modular or compact system. Vehicle batteries with a fully modular design allow for the replacement of certain cells when they start to experience more than 5% performance loss. In this way, the life of the battery can be extended without the need for a complete replacement.
Batteries designed in a compact structure have more than one part as in the modular design and module can be changed. In general, these types can be exchanged at the service points at the end of the mileage or usage period guaranteed by the manufacturers. Some battery manufacturers, on the other hand, provide the service of using alternating batteries at their own stations. In other words, when the current battery is discharged, users can continue their rides by changing the battery over the subscription.
Finally, as technological developments continue, both vehicle manufacturers and battery manufacturers will continue to develop new and facilitating services for users. Electric vehicles will soon offer their users much different and much better opportunities in terms of both service and usage compared to traditional vehicles.
We wish you safe and pleasant driving on good days...
