High temperatures significantly accelerate EV battery degradation through increased chemical reaction rates, including unwanted side reactions that permanently reduce battery capacity. Excessive heat during charging or storage promotes faster growth of the passivation layer (SEI) on anodes, irreversibly consuming lithium ions and increasing internal resistance. Cold temperatures below 10°C (50°F) induce lithium plating during fast charging, permanently reducing capacity and raising safety risks from dendrite formation.
Key temperature effects:
- Heat impacts:
- >21.5°C (70°F): Peak range performance occurs at moderate temps, but sustained heat accelerates calendar aging through SEI growth.
- Charging in heat: Degrades batteries faster by amplifying unwanted electrochemical side reactions.
- Cold impacts:
- <10°C: Li-plating risk during fast charging, requiring slower charge rates.
- <0°C: Capacity loss from ion mobility reduction, plus energy diverted to battery heating reduces range.
- <-20°C: Prolonged exposure can damage battery structural integrity.
Optimal operation occurs near 21.5°C (70°F), where EV batteries often exceed rated range. Thermal management systems are critical to mitigate these effects.
Original article by NenPower, If reposted, please credit the source: https://nenpower.com/blog/what-role-does-temperature-play-in-the-degradation-rate-of-ev-batteries/
