Recent Statistics and Trends
According to a recent study, only 2.5% of electric car batteries have been replaced due to defects. This is excellent news for drivers, especially since this percentage could decrease in the coming years. Currently, electric car sales are stable, representing 17% of the market in France. The range of available models is constantly expanding, supported by financial incentives and an increase in charging infrastructure.
Reassurance for Hesitant Drivers
Despite these reassuring figures, many motorists remain reluctant to adopt electric vehicles. The price and perceived insufficient range are common barriers, as well as concerns about battery lifespan. Knowing that a battery accounts for about 40% of the price of an electric car, the fear of having to replace it is understandable. However, a study by an American site shows that battery replacement is rare, affecting only 2.5% of the vehicles analyzed.
Influence of Age and Mileage
Older cars are naturally more prone to battery replacements, with a rate of 30% for those from 2011, compared to only 1% for models after 2016. Like smartphone batteries, those of electric cars degrade over time. Tesla stands out, with only a 15% capacity loss after more than 321,860 kilometers for its Model 3 and Model Y.
Battery Technologies and Thermal Management
The age of a vehicle is not the only factor. Battery technologies also play a crucial role. Older models often use air-cooled packs without integrated thermal management, making them more susceptible to overheating and degradation. Newer batteries benefit from better thermal regulations and more robust chemistries, thus slowing the rate of degradation.
We can expect a decrease in battery replacement rates in the coming decades thanks to technological advances. Solid-state batteries, for example, promise greater capacity and reduced production costs.
Some batteries have been replaced following recall campaigns for failures, as was the case with Hyundai’s Kona and GMC’s Hummer EV. Most replacements were carried out under warranty, with manufacturers covering the costs. After the warranty period, it is possible to replace only the defective cell, significantly reducing expenses.
