Don’t let these 6 battery myths stop you

Buying a new car needs to be well thought out, especially if it is going to be an electric car for the first time. In the process, potential buyers keep coming across myths such as the risk of fire from electric batteries. We’ve collected 6 battery myths for you and explain what’s really behind them.

Choosing the right vehicle when buying a car is not easy. However, there is much to suggest that drivers with an e-car make the better choice. If it weren’t for these myths about electric cars and their batteries, which are still causing uncertainty. fire hazard? After a short time the battery is dead? The situation with electric car batteries is not nearly as bad as one might think at first glance.

Myth no. 1: After a short time, all that remains of the battery is electronic waste

Yes, Batteries don’t last forever like so many things. The batteries in electric cars also lose capacity over time and the vehicle thus loses its range. But the fact is: Even if the battery in an e-car wears off after a while or has to be replaced due to a defect, the environmental balance of the vehicle is not yet over.

On the contrary, the manufacturers are working on complex recycling processes, with the help of which more than 90 percent of the raw materials in a battery can be reused. But before that happens, after the time in the car, the second life of a battery usually begins. In Second Life usage E-car batteries will continue to be used as power storage devices – just no longer in the car, but collected, for example, as additional storage for industry or to store surpluses from the home photovoltaic system.

Myth No. 2: Expensive battery replacement ruins the cost advantage of e-cars

If the battery is actually destroyed through your own fault and no insurance pays – yes, then it can actually be financially painful to replace the battery in an e-car. The battery is still the most expensive component. But this is also known to manufacturers and a solution is provided twice.

For one, the manufacturers give generous guarantees on the capacity of their batteries. 70 percent battery capacity after eight years or 150,000 kilometers driven – whichever comes first – is the industry standard. Toyota even goes well beyond that with its electric cars. With the manufacturer’s specifications for appropriate use and if you as the driver follow the instructions for charging the battery, the car manufacturer will have to bear the costs for a new battery if the worst comes to the worst.

On the other hand, electric car batteries are built in such a way that they can be repaired: If you discover a defect or if the performance drops unexpectedly early or sharply, this can often be remedied by replacing a battery module, not the entire battery. Even then, of course, the guarantee can still apply. If not, you’ll get away cheaper than with a whole new battery.

Myth #3: EV batteries are a high fire hazard

There were several recalls last year because e-cars caught fire. However, these could not be traced back directly to the battery. experts of ADAC generally rate the safety of modern cars as high. In the event of a fire hazard, for example after an accident, the type of drive is not important. That means: Combustion engines or e-cars make no difference when it comes to the risk of fire. Even if the fire brigades have to work differently, the following applies: “E-cars burn differently, but it is not decisive for the exit whether there is a high-performance battery or 80 liters of fuel on board,” explained Karl-Heinz Knorr, Vice President of the German Fire Brigade Association (Source: dpa via Time).

Myth No. 4: Anyone who accelerates in an e-car will immediately drain the battery

The range is such an issue: so far, the average electric car has been even shorter than that of many combustion engines. But in recent years it has already been increased significantly and manufacturers are working on new maximum values. A driving style has a much greater influence: If you drive at full throttle all the time, you not only drain the battery in an e-car more quickly, but also the tank in diesel and petrol engines. The new technology doesn’t change that.

That’s why the battery isn’t empty if you drive faster for a few minutes. By the way: It is also better for the battery not to always use recuperation to get more range. sailing often brings further, even at higher average speeds.

Why you should switch to an electric car better today than tomorrow:

Myth #5: In winter, range melts away

Basically, there is something to it: After all, in winter you want it to be warm in the car and the heating is also supplied with energy from the battery. But as with fast driving, the same applies here: This is not just an e-car problem. Consumption in winter is also slightly higher for combustion engines. In addition, the air conditioning needs electricity in the summer. So there is no guarantee that an e-car would be a better choice in the hotter months.

Experts advise not to calculate the full range according to the manufacturer’s information. With a few tips, however, it can be more pleasant without wasting too much battery: That’s how it is, for example more effective to keep warm with the seat heater, than heating the entire interior via ventilation.

In general, however, temperatures outside the battery’s comfort zone can occur in both summer and winter. During operation it is around 20 °C, for storage it can be up to 10 °C. Modern e-cars use the software with battery management systems to ensure that these areas are adhered to as far as possible. So when the temperatures drop in winter, the battery sometimes has to be heated.

Myth no. 6: The long wait for an e-car

A charging stop with an e-car takes longer than just filling up. Although fast chargers and batteries are becoming more and more powerful, nothing will shake this truth as soon as possible: charging takes longer. But it is also true: The break at the fast charger should do many drivers good, it is not wasted time. Also, constant fast charging can wear out the battery faster.

If you want to do something good for yourself and your e-car, you should enjoy the charging break on the way – and if it is not important to continue driving soon, charge at the home wall box or a public charging station with less power. Your battery will thank you.