Electric cars are becoming more prevalent and will only grow in popularity in the future. Despite their widespread use, many people lack basic knowledge about electric vehicles. That’s why we’ve collected and answered six of the most common questions about electric cars and the batteries that power them.
1. How Long Do Electric Car Batteries Last?
Most estimates indicate that an electric car battery can have a lifespan of up to 20 years or 200,000 miles. Many potential electric car owners are concerned about the lifespan of their electric car’s battery, but modern EV batteries are comparable to, or even better than, their non-electric counterparts.
2. How Long Does an Electric Car Battery Take to Charge?
Several factors affect charging time, including battery size and age, as well as the charging device used. As models of batteries change, you’ll get different results. However, an average electric car battery (most are about 60kWh) will take between eight and 20 hours to charge using the charging cord that comes standard with the car.
3. How To Dispose of Electric Car Batteries
Electronic waste is handled differently than normal household waste, and electric car batteries are no different. Ask your local dealer about their battery disposal options. As more EV batteries reach the end of their lives, people will be asking “Are electric car batteries recyclable?” They are; in fact, around 80% of the materials in EV batteries are recyclable.
4. What Are Electric Car Batteries Made Of?
Electric car batteries commonly contain nickel, lithium, and cobalt. These elements are used to make the positive and negative electrodes. A lithium salt solution is the electrolyte or medium that carries the electrical current.
5. How Long Do Electric Car Batteries Last on One Charge?
How long an electric car battery lasts on a single charge primarily depends on the size of the battery in kWh (kilowatt hours). A kWh is determined by how many kilowatts are used multiplied by how many hours total they will be used. For example, if you used 20 kilowatts for 10 hours, the device’s total draw would be 200 kWh. The largest electric car battery is 100kWH, which can provide over 300 miles per charge in some models. Most electric car batteries will give you nearly 200 miles per charge.
6. Can I Get an Electric Car Battery Warranty?
Many electric car batteries come with an eight-year or 100,000-mile warranty. Exact terms of warranties will vary depending on the manufacturer, but federal regulation mandates coverage of at least eight years.
Bonus Question: Who Installs Electric Car Charging Stations?
The other big question many homeowners have about an electric car is, “how can I get a charging station installed in my home?”. The answer to this question is Mr. Electric. We can add a dedicated circuit and install a new level 2 charger in a location that is convenient for you. To get a charging station added to your garage or carport, trust your local experts at Mr. Electric. Give us a call us or request an appointment online.