How much does an electric car battery weigh?
Ecology
27 January 2023
How much does an electric car battery weigh? What is its optimum capacity? How many kilometres does one charge of an electric car actually last for? We answer the most common questions for buyers of electric cars. Find out all about electromobility gaining increasing interest among drivers!
What is the average weight of electric car batteries?
How much does an electric car battery weigh? This question cannot be answered unequivocally. The weight of the battery in each electric car is slightly different and depends on what total capacity it offers. However, it can certainly be said that the battery for an electric car is heavier than the engine fitted to a combustion or hybrid model. In classic cars, the power unit weighs more or less 100 kg. In contrast, the smallest 'electrics' use batteries that weigh around 300 kg. More powerful electric cars have batteries weighing 500 kg or more - even a tonne.
Although the battery of an electric car is massive, the weight of the whole vehicle is reduced by design elements that are found in combustion model counterparts. There is no fuel system, transmission gearbox or exhaust system in an electric car. Nor will the weight of an electric car be increased by the additional operating fluids that must be added to the weight of an internal combustion car.
What should be the battery capacity of electric cars?
The battery capacity of an electric car depends on the type of car and its intended use. Cars that are designed for urban driving may have a battery with a relatively small capacity of around 20 kWh. This is sufficient for easy commuting to work, school or the shops on a single charge. However, if the car is to be used as a long-distance means of transport, the battery requirements will have to increase. The battery capacity of electric cars designed for long-distance travel reaches up to 100 kWh. Thanks to the large battery capacity, it is possible to reach charging stations located at more distant locations without any problems.
What do the weight and battery capacity of electric cars depend on?
Batteries used in electric vehicles are made up of modules containing several to a dozen cells. These elements consist of electrodes which are separated by a separator and immersed in an electrolyte - a conductive solution. The combination of a few cells results in a battery of cells, which together give the total capacity of the battery. The total capacity and weight of the battery, on the other hand, results from the quantity and quality of the cells used in the manufacture of the car's components.
Nowadays, lithium-ion cells are most commonly used for rechargeable batteries. The batteries known as Li-Ion are also used in most electronic devices, such as laptops and phones. Modern cells are an optimum solution because they are distinguished by their high energy density. This means that, with the same weight and volume as other battery types, they can offer a higher capacity.
In addition to the number of cells, the weight of the car battery is also influenced by the entire battery design. The components are housed in a housing, and the whole is enclosed by a crash frame that takes care of the battery's safety in the event of a crash. In addition, the components are supplemented by a battery cooling system and a high-voltage cable. All these components add some weight to the cars. However, this weight is not felt while driving, as the battery is located in the floor. Thanks to this solution, drivers can feel a better distribution of weight than in combustion vehicles.
How long does the battery last in an electric car?
The lifespan of electric car batteries depends on several factors. According to popular opinion, after a few years of using an 'electric car', the capacity of its battery drastically decreases and the initial range achieved with a single charge is reduced. However, in reality, the battery in a car that is properly used does not degrade severely at all. So what is proper use of an electric car?
The electric car and the battery inside it do not like high temperatures. Excessive driving in hot weather can cause the battery to overheat and reduce the electric car's range. However, in Poland's temperate climate, temperature is not a major problem.
A more significant role is played by the way the battery is discharged and charged. It is worth knowing that the battery of an electric car does not have to, and should not even be formatted. This means that the battery should not be discharged to zero, nor should it be charged to its maximum capacity.
Properly used batteries for an electric car will allow a good few hundred thousand kilometres to be covered without any significant loss in the initial value of the battery. And how does the endurance of an "electric" battery look like in terms of the range achieved on a single charge? It all depends on the battery capacity of the electric car. In the case of models with a battery capacity of around 20 kWh, it is possible to cover a range of 150 km or so after a charge. On the other hand, the most efficient models can cover a range of up to four times that distance.
Should batteries in electric cars be systematically replaced?
Car batteries are the most important and also the most expensive part of the whole car. How much money do you have to spend to replace a battery? The cost of the battery depends on its initial capacity and the model of car for which it is intended. The price of batteries for electric cars can range from 60 to even 100 thousand zloty. Used batteries cost less, but can still hit your pocket hard. In the case of second-hand components, we are talking about a price of around PLN 30 000.
Changing the battery in a car is therefore not cheap fun. Fortunately, when the battery is functioning properly, it is not at all necessary to change it. The capacity of electric car batteries remains at the initial level for several or even several years of use. Experts estimate that a properly operated battery lasts for up to 800-1000 charging cycles.
What if the battery becomes faulty and further driving is no longer possible? Once a fault develops in a battery, it is unavoidable to replace the components. However, the good news is that it is not always necessary to replace the entire battery, which costs considerable money. The battery of an electric vehicle is made up of modules consisting of cells. If a specific cell is damaged, it is not necessary to buy the entire battery, as individual battery components are available commercially. It is therefore sufficient to replace the dysfunctional component, which will be considerably cheaper than the whole battery.
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