With U.S. electric vehicle sales expected to hit 2.46 million by 2028, it's no secret Americans are starting to see the light when it comes to EVs.

But once you own your electric car, how do you keep it in good condition? Your EV battery is the beating heart of your vehicle, and understanding how to maintain it is vital to your car's longevity.

Fortunately, there are several great ways you can keep your car battery healthy. From charging habits and renewable energy adoption to driving routines and temperature control, here we’ll explore the methods you can use to keep your car charge high and your replacement battery costs low.

But first, let's run through the basics. How does your battery work, and which factors affect its longevity?

Battery Basics

Electric vehicles have been revolutionizing the automotive industry for years now, and for good reason. Reduced emissions and lower running costs are making EVs more attractive than ever before. But how do they work?

Most traditional gasoline-powered cars run by burning either petrol or diesel. This internal combustion releases carbon dioxide and other harmful pollutants into the atmosphere, negatively impacting air quality and the environment.

Electric cars solve this problem by running entirely on electricity. The secret to this lies in an electric car's battery. These rechargeable batteries contain the electricity that serves as the fuel for electric vehicles, providing the energy needed to propel them forward.

Understanding the Different Types of EV Batteries

While most EVs use the same type of battery, there are some other emerging technologies on the market that are important to discuss. Let's explore the different variations of EV batteries available today.

Lithium-Ion Batteries

Lithium-ion battery packs are the most common type used in electric vehicles.

These remarkable products are widely used because of their efficiency, high energy density, lightweight design, and long-lasting performance. In addition, most of the components of a lithium-ion battery can be recycled, making them even better for the environment. These batteries strike the perfect balance between power and capacity, though the initial cost of production can be relatively high.

Alternative Battery Types

While lithium-ion batteries are the primary choice for EVs, there are other battery types worth mentioning, such as:

• Nickel Metal Hydride Batteries: Though less common in modern battery electric vehicles, nickel metal hydride batteries are known for their safety and reliability, making them a notable choice for some hybrid vehicles.

• Lead Acid Batteries: These batteries are inexpensive, reliable, and safe, meaning they are commonly found in older electric vehicles. That said, their heaviness and low energy density mean they have been largely replaced by lithium-ion batteries in most modern cars.

• Ultracapacitors: These batteries offer rapid energy storage and acceleration, making them an excellent choice for powerful EVs. Unfortunately, their relatively low energy density makes them poorly suited to long-range driving.

Factors Affecting EV Battery Life

Unfortunately, EV battery lifespans are finite. While technology is constantly improving to make batteries more efficient and durable, battery degradation is still a key concern for EV manufacturers and consumers alike.

Fortunately, there are steps you can take that can extend your electric car's battery life. Before we look at solutions, let's explore the different factors that may be affecting your battery pack longevity.

Extreme Temperatures

Both the heat generated within your battery and the ambient heat of the air can significantly impact your electric car's battery life. EV batteries work most effectively at an optimal temperature of around 70°F. Hot or cold temperatures that fall outside of this range can significantly impact your battery's longevity.

Vehicle Usage

Your electric car battery life can vary depending on how you use and charge your vehicle. Aggressive driving behaviors, such as rapid acceleration and hard braking, decrease battery power and place additional strain on your car.

Charging Habits

Your charging habits can significantly impact the lifespan of your battery. Using fast chargers too frequently and leaving your car on low battery more than necessary can contribute to wear and tear.

Time

Although there are many ways to extend your EV's battery life, it's normal for your battery to degrade with time. Most EV batteries degrade at a rate of 2.3% each year, meaning that, after four years, you can expect to have lost nearly 10% of your battery's original capacity.

How do I extend my EV battery Life?

Maintaining your EV's battery is crucial when it comes to ensuring longevity and optimal performance. Here are some tips to keep your battery technology in good condition.

• Minimize exposure to hot or cold temperatures: Parking your car in the shade on hot days or in a garage during the colder months helps regulate your vehicle's temperature, reducing the risk of battery degradation.

• Avoid fast charging: Fast charging forces a high current into your car's battery at a rapid pace. This accelerates wear and reduces overall battery life. Opt for standard home or renewable energy charging where possible.

• Aim for the charging sweet spot: Try to keep your charge between 20% and 80% for optimum battery health. Extreme charge levels, such as 0% and 100%, can negatively impact battery longevity.

Charging into the Future with SunPower

The future of electric car batteries is charged with possibility. As we've explored, longevity is a vital consideration, and several factors influence it. Whether it's temperature control, charger usage, or driving habits, there's a lot to consider if drivers want to extend their battery life expectancy.

If you're searching for a better way to power your EV, SunPower's solar panel solutions can help. Fueling your car with renewable energy isn't just a less expensive way to charge. It's also a great way to improve your carbon footprint.

Our Wallbox EV charger integrates seamlessly with your solar system to provide low-stress, consistent charging. This can help you extend your battery's usable life, all while saving you money.

Ready to learn more about how you can power your home and your car with clean, renewable solar energy?

SunPower is changing the way our world is powered by making solar and storage more accessible to everyone. With nearly 40 years of dedicated solar experience, we're the top-rated U.S. solar company with over 15,000 five-star reviews.^*Based on public solar providers in the U.S. Includes average of BBB, Yelp, ConsumerAffairs, BestCompany, Google, Solar Reviews and Energy Sage review scores as of 10/22/23. 15,000+ reviews based on reviews from BBB, Yelp, ConsumerAffairs, BestCompany, Google, Solar Reviews and EnergySage review scores as of 10/22/23. If you're considering installing solar panels, energy storage, or EV charging at your home, make sure you talk to SunPower.

Schedule your free, no-obligation consultation with SunPower by calling 1-800-SUNPOWER. Or click the Get Started button and we'll get in touch with you! Our team of Solar Advisors is here to help make your transition to a sustainable lifestyle.