EV Batteries
An essential element to all electric cars are the batteries which power their motors, these come in a variety of different sizes depending on the style of car you have, similar to the fuel capacity on petrol & diesel vehicles. Smaller city versions will generally have less KWh storage than bigger SUV’s & luxury models which in turn will affect the distance you can travel between charges.
We've answered your questions about electric vehicle batteries:
1. How long do electric car batteries last?
2. How much is an electric car battery?
3. How much are electric car batteries to replace?
4. What happens to electric car batteries?
5. Do electric cars have batteries?
6. How big is an electric car battery?
7. Do you own the battery in an electric car?
1. How long do electric car batteries last?
- Car manufacturers generally have a warranty that will cover the battery for a defined number of years or miles.
- The majority of warranties will cover up to 100,000 miles but this may vary between manufacturers so best to check when purchasing your electric car
- You will find over time that the effectiveness will deteriorate, resulting in decreased range & more regular charging, which is standard for all battery types.
2. How much is an electric car battery?
- The costs start at approximately £1,500 for smaller units (18KWh) in September 2022.
- The price goes up as the size increases reaching over £10,000 for the largest option (120KWh) in September 2022.
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3. How much are electric car batteries to replace?
- The cost will be based on your car model with prices starting at approximately £1,500 (September 2022). However, the larger the battery the more it will be.
4. What happens to electric car batteries?
- An EV battery has a second life after performance falls below 70% on specific EV models, this occurs between 100,000 & 200,000+ miles.
- They can then be used as storage cells for renewable energy sources such as solar panels.
- Electric car manufacturers are also making investments in large battery storage systems.
- These are already being used to provide back-up power to large national arena’s & to power fridges, freezers & food warmers in supermarkets.
5. Do electric cars have batteries?
- Yes, all electric cars have batteries as this is the main source of energy to power the motors on the vehicle.
- Most electric cars will also have a 12v battery that is used to start the car & allow other onboard electronics to function.
6. How big is an electric car battery?
- Sizes vary between manufacturer & model.
- The details of a car’s battery pack will be listed in the specifications.
- As it stands, the smallest on the market is 18KWh with the largest being 120KWh (September 2022).
7. Do you own the battery in an electric car?
- Generally, when buying most modern EV’s you own the battery & it is part of the purchase price of the vehicle – but check with the manufacturer you’re purchasing an EV from for clarification.
Other EV guides
EV Charging
Adding electricity to your electric car is becoming easier, with an ever-expanding network of public charging points in the UK the opportunities to power your vehicle on the move is at an all-time high. Add into the mix the ability to top up your car at home from an internal 3 pin socket or a dedicated charging station, it all helps to quash those range anxiety fears.
EV FAQs
Over the last few years, there’s been a noticeable shift on the roads in terms of the types of cars we’re seeing; you’ll have likely noticed a rise in electric cars, which may have been driven by new government regulations set to hit the UK in 2030 banning the sale of new petrol and diesel cars. We have put this guide together to give you a better understanding of these vehicles.