How Often Should EV Batteries Be Checked for Degradation?
Checking the degradation of electric vehicle (EV) batteries is essential to ensure they perform optimally and maintain their lifespan. Here’s a structured approach to monitoring EV battery health:
1. Regular Checks:
- EV batteries typically lose about 20% of their capacity within 7 to 10 years or 100,000 to 200,000 miles.
- It’s recommended to perform capacity tests at least once a year to monitor any significant changes in battery health.
2. Monitoring Methods:
- Full Charge and Range Test: Fully charge your EV and drive it until the battery is nearly discharged. This helps assess how much energy the battery holds and the car’s driving range.
- Battery Management System (BMS): Most modern EVs have a built-in BMS that tracks battery condition. Use the dashboard display or the car’s app to access this information.
3. Factors Affecting Battery Health:
- Temperature: Extreme temperatures can accelerate degradation. Regular checks are more important in hot or cold climates.
- Charging Practices: Avoid frequent DC fast charging and extreme state-of-charge levels.
- Software Updates: Ensure your vehicle and charging software is up-to-date for optimal battery performance.
By regularly monitoring battery health, you can identify any issues early and take proactive measures to minimize degradation.
Summary of Key Points
- Frequency: Check battery health at least annually.
- Methods: Use capacity tests and BMS data.
- Factors to Watch: Temperature, charging habits, and software updates.
Original article by NenPower, If reposted, please credit the source: https://nenpower.com/blog/how-often-should-ev-batteries-be-checked-for-degradation/
