Recurrent Auto's study highlights a significant decrease in battery replacement rates in newer EVs compared to older models. Vehicles made before 2015 saw a 13% battery replacement rate while those from 2016 onwards reported less than 1%. The oldest EVs from around 2011 had about one-third needing new batteries due to factors like age and obsolete technologies in battery chemistry and thermal management.
Comparative data shows an improvement over previous findings by Recurrent Auto, which in an earlier study cited a 1.5% replacement rate. The progress is attributed to advancements in battery technology, particularly better chemistries and more effective thermal management systems that improve the battery's resilience and charging speed.
Further scaling up of capacity has also contributed significantly to the extended life spans of modern electric car batteries. From 2015 to 2022, the capacity of batteries has increased by more than double, suggesting that newer vehicles start with bigger energy reserves that delay the need for replacements longer than their predecessors.
Looking ahead, continuous improvements are expected as automotive companies focus on developing solid-state batteries and other technological enhancements. These innovations are supported by major manufacturers and specialized tech firms aiming to further extend EV battery life.
Recurrent Auto's report offers a promising outlook for current and prospective electric vehicle owners, significantly easing concerns about frequent and costly replacements associated with vehicle batteries.
Source: InsideEVs
