Is there a risk of battery degradation over time?

Causes of Battery Degradation

Battery degradation in electric vehicle (EV) modules is primarily caused by deep discharge cycles, high temperatures, and improper charging techniques. Repeatedly taking an EV battery from 100% to 0% charge and back up can lead to degradation, especially if it’s done frequently. For example, a study by the National Renewable Energy Laboratory (NREL) found that repeated deep discharges can reduce a battery’s capacity by up to 20% over a period of time.

Temperature and Degradation

Temperatures also play a significant role in battery degradation. High temperatures can cause the battery’s internal chemistry to break down, leading to a loss of capacity and overall performance. In extreme cases, temperatures above 120°F (49°C) can cause a battery to degrade at an accelerated rate, reducing its lifespan by up to 50%. Conversely, low temperatures can also affect battery performance, but to a lesser extent.

Best Practices to Minimize Degradation

To minimize battery degradation, it’s essential to follow best practices when charging and using an EV. This includes avoiding deep discharge cycles whenever possible, keeping the battery at a healthy state of charge (typically between 20% and 80%), and avoiding extreme temperatures. It’s also crucial to use the correct charging technique, which typically involves using a Level 2 charger and avoiding rapid charging whenever possible. By following these best practices, EV owners can help extend the lifespan of their battery and maintain optimal performance.