Understanding the Lifespan of New Energy Vehicle Batteries: Key Insights and Factors

How Long Do New Energy Vehicle Batteries Last? The Truth is Here!
Reports indicate that Mr. Zhang, a car owner in Shanghai, purchased a Model S for 800,000 yuan eight years ago. Now, replacing the battery costs 220,000 yuan, while selling the car as a used vehicle only fetches 160,000 yuan. So, how long do new energy vehicle batteries actually last? How can one check the battery report? Let’s explore these questions.

<b>What is the Lifespan of New Energy Vehicle Batteries?</b>
The lifespan of new energy vehicle batteries is not fixed; it varies depending on battery type, usage habits, and environmental factors. Generally, it ranges from <b>5 to 8 years</b>.

<b>Battery Type Determines Basic Lifespan:</b> Currently, the mainstream power batteries used in new energy vehicles in China are lithium iron phosphate (LiFePO4) batteries and ternary lithium batteries. LiFePO4 batteries typically have a service life of around <b>5 years</b> and can achieve over <b>3,500 cycles</b>, with some high-quality products exceeding <b>5,000 cycles</b>. Ternary lithium batteries usually last about <b>6 years</b>, and their capacity decreases to 80% after approximately <b>2,500 cycles</b>.

<b>Usage Habits Can Accelerate or Delay Decline:</b> Driving habits significantly impact battery life. Aggressive driving behaviors, such as rapid acceleration and hard braking, can cause the battery to undergo rapid charge and discharge cycles, increasing internal resistance and accelerating aging. Frequent fast charging, while convenient, can also harm battery health by reducing its ability to recover and decreasing the number of charge-discharge cycles.

<b>Environmental Temperature Affects Battery Performance:</b> Batteries are sensitive to temperature extremes. High temperatures can halve the battery's cycle life when external temperatures reach <b>40°C</b>. In low-temperature environments, the rate of internal chemical reactions slows down, increasing internal resistance and leading to capacity loss.

<b>Manufacturer Warranty Provides Lifespan Reference:</b> According to regulations from the Ministry of Industry and Information Technology, manufacturers must provide a warranty of <b>8 years or over 120,000 kilometers</b> for core components like batteries. This warranty ensures that, under normal usage, the manufacturer guarantees stable performance within the warranty period.

<b>How to Check the New Energy Battery Report?</b>
<ol>
    <li><b>Step 1:</b> Locate the Vehicle Identification Number (VIN). The VIN can be found in three common locations: at the lower left corner of the windshield (below the wipers), on the nameplate under the front passenger seat, or on the "Vehicle Identification Code" in the vehicle registration document.</li>
    <li><b>Step 2:</b> Open the "Quick Vehicle Status Check" app, follow the prompts, and click on "I want to check."</li>
    <li><b>Step 3:</b> Select the "New Energy Battery Report" query item, input your information, and wait for the results.</li>
</ol>

When you receive the report, pay attention to the following items:
<ul>
    <li><b>Basic Information:</b> The ternary lithium battery has a higher energy density but relatively lower safety, while LiFePO4 batteries are safer but may have slightly lower energy density. Additionally, a larger battery capacity typically translates to a longer theoretical range.</li>
    <li><b>Performance Indicators:</b> Check the charging and discharging times and efficiencies. A significant decrease in discharging efficiency will shorten the vehicle's range.</li>
    <li><b>Health Status:</b> Battery capacity gradually declines with use, and internal resistance is a key indicator of the battery's internal condition. Consistency among parameters like voltage, capacity, and internal resistance is crucial; significant discrepancies among individual battery cells can cause imbalances during charging and discharging, affecting overall performance and lifespan.</li>
</ul>