A new study in the UK has shown that electric vehicle (EV) batteries now last longer than petrol and diesel vehicle batteries. While earlier electric cars were thought to have shorter lifespans, new technology has made EVs just as reliable as traditional cars, even with heavy use.
EVs continue to become popular worldwide with many people seeing them as a cost-effective way to reduce emissions and save money on fuel. However, one of the main concerns has always been the life of the batteries. If the battery wears out too quickly, it could increase the total cost of owning an EV.
Improved Battery Technology and Longevity
The new study shows that newer EVs now have batteries that can last just as long as those in petrol and diesel cars. This is based on uses data from the UK’s Vehicle Ministry of Transportation (MOT) tests
According to the study, “although early battery electric vehicles (BEVs) exhibited lower reliability than internal combustion engine vehicles, rapid technological advancements have allowed newer BEVs to achieve comparable lifespans, even under more intensive use.”
The study also points out that the lifespan of an EV battery depends on factors. It says, “longevity is also found to be impacted by engine size, location and make of vehicle.” This means manufacturers design new EVs to last longer and handle the same amount of driving as traditional cars.
EVs May Last Longer in the Future
EVs are expected to last even longer as battery technology continues to improve. The study adds, “We provide parameter estimates for life mileage that can be used to update life cycle assessment and total cost of ownership studies of different vehicle powertrains.”
This means that experts will be able to get more accurate figures for how long EVs will last, making it easier for people to compare the costs of EVs and petrol or diesel cars.
These findings are important for people who are thinking about buying an EV. The study explains, “Having an accurate measure of the longevity of different powertrains, whether the lifetime is measured in time or distance, matters because it is an important input into life cycle assessment (LCA) and total cost of ownership (TCO) models that compare the environmental impact and economic cost between EVs and ICEVs.”
This shows that understanding how long an EV lasts is key to understanding the full cost and benefits of owning one.
As more people switch to electric cars, the growing reliability of EV batteries helps make this transition easier. While EV production has had a higher environmental cost in the past, longer-lasting EVs will reduce this impact over time.
The study also points out “fleet replacement strategies and end-of-life treatment planning, including the increasingly important debate around BEV battery recycling and second-life options.”
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