Buying an electric car involves a big expense - and this is not the end of the costs resulting from betting on electromobility. As a result of intensive use, replacing the battery in an electric car may be necessary sooner than you think! What is good to know about battery life and when will a service visit be necessary? What is the cost of replacing batteries in an electric car and who is entitled to a warranty? We check.
Replacing batteries in an electric car - how does it work?
Charging the battery as part of using an electric car is not without consequences for its service life. As a result of use and increasing mileage values, the range per charge decreases - the most common signal of the need to replace the battery. Electric car manufacturers maintain that a battery with a life span of up to 1,000 charge cycles is now the standard, which on average translates into a range of 250,000-300,000 kilometres.
This theory is borne out by users who follow the recommendations and take proper care of their batteries without leading to a rapid loss of capacity. If, despite following certain rules, you notice drops of less than 60-70% of the initial value, you can make use of the guarantee. The usual condition is not more than a few years from the date of purchase and a maximum mileage of 160,000 kilometres. If this is not the case, you will have to replace the battery in the "electrics" on your own.
When might it be necessary to replace the battery in an electric car?
The high cost of replacing the battery in an electric car will put a severe strain on the owner's budget, so it is worth knowing what signals may herald the inevitability of service. The battery of an electric car can vary - the ability to continue using its individual cells depends on several factors. A vehicle with a high annual mileage, which is not charged in accordance with the manufacturer's recommendations when visiting a filling station, will be less efficient than a car of an average driver who follows the rules of proper operation and drives an average of around 40 kilometres per day.
The loss of battery capacity can also be affected by the climate: here, as with batteries in telephones, capacity can decrease when overheated, which is why some manufacturers use extensive cooling systems in electric cars. Individual batteries also differ in their initial capacity, which, in addition to their lifetime, also affects the price of batteries for electric cars.
According to experts who assume proper use of an electric car battery, it can last from 15 to even 25 years. If the battery quickly loses capacity with proper use, you can replace it fully free of charge under the terms of the manufacturer's warranty; this type of service usually covers a period of several years from the purchase of a new car.
Price of battery replacement in an electric car
How much does an electric car battery cost? Those planning to buy a low- or zero-emission car should find out even before making a decision that when replacing an electric car battery, the price will be financially acute. This is because it consists of both parts and service - although the biggest bane for the wallet is the former. Depending on the car model and brand, batteries for "electrics" can cost between PLN 40,000 and even PLN 150,000. Replacements of original batteries for electric cars are a cheaper option, but not always proven. Buying a new battery is often unnecessary - depending on the design of the system, sometimes it is enough to replace selected cells, i.e. regeneration of batteries for electric cars. The cost will be from several to several thousand zlotys (depending, among other things, on the car model and the degree of battery wear).
Where can you replace the battery in an electric car?
You already know how much it costs to replace batteries in an electric car, but where can you get such a service? Service is best carried out at a workshop that specialises in electric vehicles. The wisest choice, however, will be to bet on an authorised manufacturer's showroom - even despite the higher cost.
