Long-Term Impacts of Frequent Heatwaves on EV Batteries
1. Accelerated Battery Aging and Capacity Loss
High temperatures (around or above 40°C/104°F) increase the rate of chemical reactions inside lithium-ion EV batteries. This heightened chemical activity causes unwanted side reactions that degrade the battery cells faster than normal, thus accelerating battery aging and reducing overall capacity and range over time.
2. Thermal Damage to Battery Cells
Extreme heat can cause the battery systems to overheat, damaging the internal cells. This damage is partially due to the ions inside the battery moving faster at higher temperatures, which can create small cracks in the electrodes. These cracks degrade the battery’s ability to hold and deliver charge effectively, resulting in irreversible capacity loss.
3. Electrolyte Evaporation and Internal Corrosion
Heat leads to evaporation of the liquid electrolyte inside the battery, disrupting the internal chemical balance. Additionally, elevated temperatures accelerate corrosion of internal battery components such as lead plates and battery terminals, further decreasing battery life.
4. Impact of Heat During Charging
Charging an EV battery at high temperatures worsens battery degradation. The elevated temperature during charging cycles accelerates the aging process significantly, impacting battery longevity and performance. Moreover, heat can interfere with the vehicle’s voltage regulation, causing potential overcharging and further battery damage.
5. Thermal Management System Limitations
While most modern EVs are equipped with active thermal management systems to cool the battery and prolong its life, these systems are not always operational, especially when the vehicle is idle and unplugged. This leaves the battery vulnerable to heat-induced degradation during frequent heatwaves.
Summary
Frequent heatwaves expose EV batteries to persistently high temperatures, causing accelerated chemical degradation, electrolyte evaporation, corrosion, and structural damage to battery cells. This results in reduced battery capacity, shorter range, and ultimately a shorter battery lifespan. Heat during charging amplifies these effects. Although thermal management systems mitigate some risks, they may not fully protect batteries when vehicles are parked or idle in extreme heat conditions.
This underscores the importance of avoiding prolonged exposure to high temperatures, minimizing charging during heatwaves, and relying on effective battery cooling systems to preserve EV battery health in hot climates.
Original article by NenPower, If reposted, please credit the source: https://nenpower.com/blog/what-are-the-long-term-impacts-of-frequent-heatwaves-on-ev-batteries/
