Batteries in electric cars last longer than expected
In addition to range, battery life is a common concern before switching to an electric car. The ADAC has carefully examined manufacturer promises and comes to the conclusion: E-car buyers can rest assured.
ADAC reassures e-car drivers: Batteries have a long service life
Many buyers are familiar with the problem from smartphones or laptops: after a while, the battery simply runs out. The battery can no longer be charged properly and it ends much faster than at the beginning. That the battery capacity decreases with the years of use, can also hit e-cars. But they are prepared quite differently for it. The ADAC says: “A long service life is realistic.”
In several tests, the experts from the German Automobile Club examined several first-generation electric models that were already for several years are on the road. Using the example of the BMW i3, built in 2014, the calculation is carried out: After 100,000 kilometers in five years, the battery still has a charge capacity of 86 percent of the maximum value (source: ADAC).
Manufacturer promises about batteries are realistic
The threshold of 70 percent, which most manufacturers guarantee after 8 years or 160,000 kilometers, would not have been reached until 200,000 km. The industry has now established this value as the unofficial standard. Among the brands that give corresponding guarantees are BMW, Mini and Nissan as well as Mercedes with the exception of the new EQS (10 years / 250,000 km). The brands of the VW Group also guarantee 70 percent battery capacity after 8 years or 160,000 km. According to ADAC Nobody here promises too much.
The modern optimization systems that monitor the battery and ensure ideal conditions make the battery expensive – after all, it is the most expensive component in an electric car – but ensure a long service life.
There are many myths about electric cars, for example about range and battery. We have five common mistakes in the Video listed for you:
If you want to make a warranty claim in case of doubt, you should make sure to follow the manufacturer’s instructions, for example for correct loading. The so-called deep discharge caused by long periods of standing should also be avoided. All drivers know the problem from the classic on-board battery. It is also important to adhere to the maintenance intervals (inspection) and Perform software updatesto keep the e-car up to date.
