Why are EV batteries the most important component in an Electric Vehicle?

The electric vehicle is a gradually expanding market that is leading to an increased interest in EV batteries. Wouldn't it seem silly to plunge into the importance of EV batteries for electric vehicles without first knowing what EV batteries are? So, let's keep things simple and follow a step-by-step approach.

What are EV Batteries?

Electric vehicle (EV) batteries are rechargeable batteries, and the power source for electric vehicles is the EV battery, an energy carrier to drive the vehicle's motor. Its voltage potential determines the electric vehicle's absolute working potential.

        In other words, the battery capacity is the deciding factor in determining how continuous the journey would be. Lithium polymer and lithium-ion batteries are widely used battery types in the latest electric vehicles due to their high energy density compared to weight.

The importance of EV Batteries

EV batteries are the energy source for driving electric vehicles and hence the most important component of it. They are considered the life of electric vehicles because the energy stored in EV batteries is the primary source for driving vehicles.

         Electric vehicles only operate once provided well with enormous power with intensity thousands of times more potent than a smartphone requires. And this hugeness of power can only be met with EV batteries. That's why they are considered electric vehicles' soul or lifeline.

Battery Manufacturing

We have understood what EV batteries are; now, let's explore what EV batteries are made of. They are made using various raw materials such as graphite, carbon, Lithium, and metal oxides. However, Lithium is the most common component. These different components serve differently as positive and negative electrodes and are combined with electrolytes to produce current.

          Moreover, these batteries are composed of many small cells setting up battery modules which are elementary units of each battery. In this way, this arrangement benefits easier installation, management, production, and maintenance. It helps to reduce the expansion rate in the event of a fire. The modules can also be replaced if necessary.

How Long Does an Electric Car Battery Last?

In general, the life expectancy of EV batteries is 10 to 20 years. Almost all electric vehicles include a battery warranty of 10 years and 100,000 miles. For example, Tesla offers a similar warranty. Manufacturers ensure an additional spare capacity of EVs to compensate for a breakdown over time to conserve the vehicle's life. So as electric vehicles age, this extra capacity takes up the charge and gets used up. Consequently, this empowers many vehicles to stay the same throughout their lives.

           But some factors reduce their lifespan:

1.        As heat doesn't pair well with EVs, batteries may degrade in the hotter climate.

2.        The battery is overheated by charging at the level 3 station because the charging operation is speedy.

Although these factors negatively affect a battery's lifespan, there are some protective measures to avoid them.

The weight and capacity of the battery

The average weight of an EV battery is 1,000 pounds. Some batteries weigh 2,000 pounds. The weightiest battery is Hummer EV Battery which weighs about 2,900 pounds. The weight depends on the type and size of the battery.

           The capacity of EV batteries is measured in kilowatt-hours (kWh). The average capacity is around 40 kWh. But some of them have up to 100 kWh.

Conclusion:

Now you have most of the information about EV batteries and their fundamental importance for electric vehicles. The continuous electrification of the automotive industry is the crucial factor forcing the increased expansion of EV batteries to meet the tremendous energy needs of electric vehicles. That's why the importance of EV batteries for electric vehicles is inevitable.