If you own an electric vehicle (EV), you may have heard of the term battery degradation. But what does it mean, and how does it affect your EV’s performance and value? In this blog post, we will answer these questions and more. We will also give you some tips on how to prevent or slow down battery degradation and keep your EV running smoothly for longer.

What is EV battery degradation?

Battery degradation is the gradual loss of capacity and performance of the battery pack that powers your EV. It means that your battery can store less energy and provide less range than when it was new.

Battery degradation is similar to cell phone battery health. A cell phone battery has a certain number of charge cycles, which is the number of times it can be fully charged and discharged. Each charge cycle reduces the battery’s ability to hold a full charge, which means it will run out of power faster. This is called battery degradation.

However, there are some differences between EV battery degradation and cell phone battery health. For example, an EV battery does not need to be fully charged and discharged every time, as this can actually accelerate the degradation process. Instead, it is recommended to keep the battery between 20% and 80% of its state of charge (SOC) for optimal performance and longevity. A cell phone battery, on the other hand, can be fully charged and discharged without much impact on its health.

Another difference is that EV battery degradation is not linear, meaning it does not happen at a constant rate. Instead, it tends to slow down over time, as the battery reaches a stable state of equilibrium. A cell phone battery, however, may degrade more quickly or more slowly depending on how often and how long it is used.

What factors influence battery degradation?

There are many factors that affect battery degradation, such as the type of battery, the driving conditions, the charging habits, and the ambient temperature. Some of these factors are within your control, while others are not.

The type of battery: Different types of batteries have different characteristics and performance. For example, lithium-ion batteries are the most common type of batteries used in EVs today, because they have high energy density, low self-discharge rate, and long lifespan. However, they also have some drawbacks, such as sensitivity to high temperatures and overcharging.

The driving conditions: The way you drive your EV can also influence its battery health. For example, driving at high speeds, accelerating or braking hard, or climbing steep hills can put more stress on the battery and cause it to heat up. This can reduce its capacity and efficiency over time.

The charging habits: The way you charge your EV can also affect its battery health. For example, charging at high currents or voltages, charging to 100% or draining to 0%, or leaving the battery plugged in for long periods can damage the battery cells and accelerate their degradation. This can reduce their lifespan and performance over time.

The ambient temperature: The temperature of the environment where you store and drive your EV can also impact its battery health. For example, exposure to extreme heat or cold can cause thermal stress on the battery and affect its chemical reactions. This can reduce its capacity and efficiency over time.

How to prevent or slow down battery degradation?

As you can see, there are many factors that influence battery degradation, but there are also some steps you can take to prevent or mitigate it. Here are some tips to keep your EV battery healthy and long-lasting:

• Keep your EV in a cool and dry place when not in use. Avoid parking it under direct sunlight or in freezing temperatures for long periods.
• Follow the recommended charging guidelines for your EV model. Avoid overcharging or undercharging your battery, and use a compatible charger with the right current and voltage.
• Charge your EV regularly but not excessively. Aim for keeping your battery between 20% and 80% of its SOC most of the time. Avoid leaving your battery plugged in for longer than necessary.
• Drive your EV smoothly and efficiently. Avoid aggressive driving behaviours such as speeding, hard acceleration or braking, or frequent stop-and-go traffic. Use the eco mode or regenerative braking features when possible.
• Schedule regular maintenance checks for your EV at a certified service center. They will inspect your battery’s condition and performance, and provide any necessary repairs or replacements if needed.

Final thought

We hope this blog post has helped you understand what battery degradation is, how it compares to cell phone battery health, and what factors influence it. We also hope you have learned some tips on how to prevent or slow down battery degradation and keep your EV running smoothly for longer.

To learn more about EV battery degradation and how to prevent it, we invite you to visit us at ENS Lexus. We are the leading Lexus dealer in Saskatchewan, and we can help you find the best Lexus EV for you.