Electric car batteries are at the heart of the cars that have the potential to become the future of motoring. Using proven technology, they make it possible to cover distances without the eternal exhaust fumes and noise. But what are they? Are they really environmentally friendly? And can we really call them batteries? Check!
Electric car battery - what is it?
The component that provides the power necessary for the operation of an electric car is called a battery, battery or cell. Because of the differences and similarities between these terms, it is first necessary to explain what they mean. Both a battery and a rechargeable battery are galvanic cells made up of electrodes immersed in electrolyte. Their function is to store and release electrical energy, which is conducted via the electrolyte. The difference between the two types of cells lies in their rechargeability. Rechargeable batteries have this capability, rechargeable batteries cannot. Once the energy is depleted, they must be replaced. For this reason, the cells used in electric vehicles are batteries, not rechargeable batteries. However, the popularity of the term "electric car battery" means that it will be used interchangeably with the terms "battery" and "cell" in this text.
Battery types for electric cars
The battery for an electric car, although it has a significantly longer lifespan than a battery, also degrades through use. The progression of this process depends on the characteristics of the cell in question. Batteries for electric cars are usually lithium-ion or nickel-hydride designs.
Lithium-ion batteries for the car are characterised by a slowly progressive so-called memory effect. This is a phenomenon whereby the original capacity of the cell gradually decreases. This has led to their use in fully electric cars and plug-in hybrids. This is the same type of cell that is used in laptops and smartphones.
An electric car's nickel-hydride battery degrades more quickly if it is not charged regularly. This can be prevented by providing it with a constant supply of energy. This is done by recovering energy from braking, so that it does not need to be recharged. Cells of this type are used in hybrid vehicles.
What is detrimental to batteries in electric cars?
An electric car battery will retain its performance for a long time if it is charged correctly. Among other things, fast chargers are bad for its condition. The battery should also not be left plugged in for too long and should not be recharged. The operating temperature of the cell is also crucial. Lithium-ion batteries for electric cars are now fitted with an active liquid cooling system. To preserve their service life, it is important to top up the coolant regularly.
What does it look like to repair batteries in electric cars?
New batteries for electric cars can only be fitted by an authorised manufacturer's service centre or other specialist workshop. Due to the complexity of the repair and the associated risks (e.g. case leakage), it is not possible to replace the battery in an electric car yourself. Users of "electrics" that are still under warranty should take the opportunity to have the battery fitted at an authorised service centre. This is because the very high prices of new cells make replacement at their own expense uneconomic.
Batteries in electric cars - how much do they cost?
Batteries for electric cars cost thousands of zloty. Batteries used in older car models are cheaper. For example, a new electric battery for a Nissan Leaf is an expense of at least 60 thousand zlotys. Even more expensive is a cell for a Renault Zoe, which costs PLN 80 thousand. A similar amount will come to pay for a battery for the Tesla Model S. Electric cars from the premium segment require even higher expenses. In the BMW i3, you have to pay up to PLN 90 thousand for a new battery. How long does a cell last in an electric car? Regardless of the class of vehicle, manufacturers' warranties are usually given for 8 years or 160,000 kilometres driven.
Are batteries in electric cars green?
Electromobility causes controversy not only because of the price, but also because of the production process and the sources of energy. Unlike driving an electric car itself, they are not environmentally friendly. The production of batteries for electric cars requires the exploitation of rare metals such as lithium, cobalt and nickel. The mines where their ores are extracted destroy the environment and use large amounts of water. The generation of electricity itself is also environmentally unfriendly. The vast majority of electricity is generated in fossil fuel-fired power stations, which harm nature.
Batteries for electric cars show how existing technology can be used for new purposes. Nevertheless, many changes are still needed to make electromobility cheaper and more environmentally friendly. Only then will it be possible to put motoring on a completely new track.
