Your EV Battery: Its Life and Afterlife

Your EV Battery: Its Life and Afterlife

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The previous decade introduced us the business availability of electric vehicles (EVs) and in 2025, each main automaker may have some model of EV on the highway. What makes EVs so completely different is the substitute of carbon-dioxide-spewing inside combustion engine with a big battery. The profit is elevated sustainability, assuming you cost your EV battery with electrical energy from clear, renewable energy sources. How lengthy will your battery final, and what are you able to do with it when it’s now not delivering the cost you want?

Most EVs run on lithium-ion batteries, because of their favorable energy-to-weight ratio and longevity in comparison with different batteries. I gained’t get into the basics of batteries on this article, however there are nice articles on lithium-ion battery technology.

Extending the Life of EV Batteries

One of one of the best methods to extend a product’s sustainability is to get essentially the most use out it earlier than giving it one other goal. There are many ways to extend the life of batteries; listed below are some fundamentals it is best to know.

Most importantly, keep away from overcharging and deeply discharging your battery. For one of the best battery lifespan, preserve your battery from 20 to 80 % charged. A cost above 80 % is taken into account overcharging, and underneath 20 % is a deep discharge. When potential, drive your EV till the battery reaches 20 %, after which cost it on a timer to 80 %. Try to restrict 100% fees to long-distance journeys.

High electrical currents additionally create a significant pressure on the battery. Early within the EV period, it was widespread information that one ought to keep away from quick-charging an EV’s battery, however that has modified as battery expertise advanced and Level 3 charging has negligible impact on battery life in 2025.

Other strains on the battery, similar to driving with a lead foot, have turn into much less dangerous to battery life, too. But acceleration can create heat that reduces battery life over time.  A Battery Management System can track and manage battery performance and safeguards it in opposition to the strains talked about above. The BMS additionally supplies steering about when the battery must be changed or serviced.

If you’ve gotten considerations about your battery’s efficiency, get it inspected by a certified technician.

According to analysis revealed in January 2025, EV batteries have an approximate lifespan of up to 195,000 miles. If you drive the U.S. average of 14,489 miles a year, you will want to exchange your EV battery as soon as each 13.5 years.

The Afterlife of an EV Battery

EV battery recycling has advanced considerably however the trade would profit from adopting a standardized design to make altering batteries simpler, in accordance with a January 2025 report from the World Economic Forum.

Several corporations are main the trouble to make lithium-ion battery recycling extra widespread and environment friendly, together with Redwood Materials and  Li-Cycle.  After they dismantle the battery, the lithium will be recovered and elements will be reused to assemble a brand new battery.

So, a battery will be recycled but when an outdated EV battery nonetheless has some life to it, repurposing is the higher alternative.

Repurposing

Even although the battery can now not effectively energy a automobile, it could nonetheless retailer power. By repurposing batteries, corporations can make the most of their remaining usefulness. For instance, they can be utilized to provide backup power storage in the electric grid. RePurpose Energy created a modular battery pack from outdated EV and hybrid batteries that can be utilized for industrial-sized power storage options. Even although the batteries can now not energy automobiles, they’re ideal for stationary energy storage.

Repurposed EV batteries for stationary storage
Used EV batteries will be repurposed to retailer power for a variety of functions.

Make Your EV More Sustainable

It appears possible that electrical automobiles are the longer term, so it’s logical to make them as sustainable as potential. The simplest way so that you can assistance is by adjusting your driving and charging habits to assist prolong the lifetime of your EV’s battery.

By supporting corporations that recycle and repurpose used EV batteries, organizations and governments can encourage the reuse of invaluable supplies — and preserve them out of landfills. With ample analysis, planning, and help, in the future it could be potential to recycle or repurpose a complete automobile.

About the Author

Derek McKee is a R&D chemist within the coatings trade. Because of his background, he actually likes to coach others about private security and environmental safety.

Editor’s Note: Originally revealed on February 4, 2020, this text was up to date in February 2025.