The Evolution of Battery Capacity in Electric Cars: An In-Depth Analysis
The Impact of Charge Cycles and Time on the Battery Capacity of Electric Vehicles
In the world of electric cars, understanding the evolution of battery capacity is crucial as it constitutes a determining factor for the lifespan and performance of the vehicle. While traditional cars are assessed based on kilometers driven, the health of the battery in an electric car is often overlooked. In this article, we will delve into how charge cycles and time affect battery capacity and emphasize why monitoring the State of Health (SoH) of the battery is essential for buyers of used electric vehicles.
The Core Issue: Battery Wear and Charge Cycles
Unlike conventional cars that have internal combustion engines which wear down with mileage, the battery is the beating heart of an electric car. Over time and repeated charge cycles, the battery gradually loses its capacity, resulting in reduced performance and a shorter range.
The lifespan of a battery is significantly influenced by the number of charge cycles. Each time a battery is fully charged from a lower energy level to the maximum, it is considered one complete charge cycle. Multiple partial charge cycles have less impact on battery capacity than repeated full charge cycles. Hence, it is recommended to keep the battery charged between 15 and 80% and avoid regular charging to its maximum capacity.
The Role of Time and Usage
In addition to charge cycles, time is also a factor influencing battery performance. Even if an electric car has covered fewer kilometers, the battery may lose capacity over time. Battery degradation is associated with various factors, including environmental conditions, charging habits, and overall user practices.
The Need for Battery Health Certificates in Second-hand Sales
The absence of standardized tests for the battery's health in the purchase of used electric cars poses a challenge for buyers. Mandatory inspections where the battery's health is assessed and reported in the sales report, similar to the Car-Pass for mileage, is a crucial step to ensure transparency and protect buyers.
Future Perspectives: Standardization and Government Oversight
It is essential to implement a brand-independent, standardized test for battery health under government control, preferably at the European level. Integration of this test in national inspection centers for the sale of used cars would provide buyers with vital information about the battery health of an electric vehicle.
Conclusion
The battery capacity of electric cars remains a critical aspect for buyers of second-hand vehicles. Understanding the impact of charge cycles and time on battery health is vital to create realistic expectations regarding the lifespan and performance of electric vehicles. The implementation of standardized tests and reports on battery health will enhance transparency and buyer confidence in the second-hand electric vehicle market.
