Introduction:
Why is the battery life of an electric vehicle so short? This article tells you the truth
Have you ever been in such a situation? The electric car has only been bought for more than a year, and the battery has begun to fail to strength, and even directly scrapped. You may think it's a battery quality problem, or even question the merchant's promise. Actually, the problem may lie in your usage habits! Lead-acid batteries, as the most commonly used battery type in electric vehicles, can theoretically last for 2 to 3 years, but many users find that the life of their batteries is far below this standard. Why is this happening? This article will provide an in-depth analysis of the key reasons that affect battery life, and teach you how to properly maintain your battery so that its life can be greatly extended.
1. The core advantages and limitations of lead-acid batteries
1. Why are lead-acid batteries still the first choice for electric vehicles?
Although new batteries such as lithium batteries have gradually emerged in the market in recent years, lead-acid batteries are still the mainstream choice for electric vehicles. This is mainly due to its (mature technology, low price, simple manufacturing process). Compared with lithium batteries, lead-acid batteries have lower production costs and are suitable for large-scale applications, especially in the price-sensitive electric vehicle market, where the cost-effective advantages of lead-acid batteries are obvious.
2. The working principle and use limitations of lead-acid batteries
Lead-acid batteries produce electricity through the electrochemical reaction of lead and sulfuric acid, and it has the characteristics of "repeated charging". However, lead-acid batteries also have obvious limitations, which are mainly reflected in "low energy density", "large volume and weight", and "life is obviously affected by usage habits". Especially when the user does not operate properly, lead-acid batteries are prone to sulfation and other problems, which directly affect their service life.
2. Why is the battery life short? - Five "invisible killers" The design life of lead-acid batteries for electric vehicles is generally 2 to 3 years, but many users have found that the battery starts to have problems after less than a year of use. This is not a problem with the quality of the battery, but a significant reduction in battery life due to the user's daily usage habits. The following five common reasons are the culprits behind the "short life" of batteries.
1. Overcharging: The "invisible killer" of batteries
Many car owners are accustomed to plugging the battery directly into the charger after each electric vehicle ride, and charging it for a long time, or even unplugging it when it is full. In fact, overcharging for a long time can cause the battery to heat up internally, (overheating will accelerate the aging of the battery plates and "salting"). Especially in hot weather, overcharging can more easily cause the battery to overheat inside, which can damage battery life.
2. Deep discharge: the "fatal blow" of the battery
In contrast to overcharging, some car owners are accustomed to waiting for the battery to reach its limit before charging. "Deep discharge" causes the active material inside the battery to be rapidly depleted, and the plate structure is damaged, resulting in a rapid decrease in the capacity of the battery. Batteries are not designed to experience such "full load" on a regular basis, and each deep discharge will exacerbate the loss of the battery and shorten its lifespan.
3. Fast Charging: The "Time Bomb" of Batteries
For convenience, many car owners will use "fast chargers". While fast charging can greatly reduce charging time, lead-acid batteries are not suitable for fast charging. High-current fast charging can accelerate the chemical reaction inside the battery, causing the battery to overheat up, affecting its performance and lifespan. After long-term fast charging, the battery plates are easily damaged, which greatly shortens the service life.
4. Charger mismatch: the "hidden risk" of the battery
Using a mismatched charger is also a significant factor affecting lead-acid battery life. For convenience, many car owners mix chargers for different electric vehicles, or even use different brands of charging equipment. Different models of batteries have different requirements for voltage and current, and the use of mismatched chargers may cause the battery to be "overcharged or undercharged", which directly affects the life of the battery.
5. High temperature environment: the "death hotbed" of the battery
The high-temperature environment is the natural enemy of lead-acid batteries. At high temperatures, the chemical reaction inside the battery will be accelerated, resulting in excessive battery heating and accelerated plate damage. Especially in summer, if the owner charges at high temperatures, the battery is very prone to expansion, bulging, and even causing the battery to explode in serious cases.
3. How to effectively extend battery life?
Four Practical Tips Now that we understand the reasons for the short battery life, the next part is how to effectively extend the battery life. Here are four practical tips to help you maximize the life of your battery.
1. Proper charging method
First of all, it is necessary to develop good charging habits. Don't wait until the battery is fully discharged to recharge, you can charge it when you have 20%-30% of the battery left. At the same time, try to avoid charging overnight, and the battery should be powered off in time after it is fully charged.
2. Avoid frequent use of fast charging
Although fast charging saves time, it is more damaging to the battery. In order to protect the battery, it is recommended to use the "original slow charging charger" as much as possible, which can effectively reduce the problem of battery overheating and prolong the battery life.
3. Regular maintenance
Battery maintenance is also an important part of extending its life. Every two to three months, the battery can be "deep discharged" (i.e., fully discharged and then refilled), which can help the battery regain its capacity. At the same time, regularly check the positive and negative electrodes of the battery to ensure that there is no loosening or oxidation at the wiring.
4. Control the charging ambient temperature
High temperatures are the "killer" of batteries, so try to avoid parking your electric vehicle in direct sunlight during the summer heat. When charging, you should also choose a cool and ventilated environment to avoid the battery temperature being too high and affecting the lifespan.
4. Lead-acid battery VS lithium battery: who is more suitable for electric vehicles?
With the development of lithium battery technology, more and more electric vehicles have begun to use lithium batteries. However, lead-acid batteries still occupy the mainstream market. (Lithium batteries have the advantages of light weight and long life), but they are expensive and have high requirements for ambient temperature. In contrast, (lead-acid batteries are cheaper, structurally stable, and perform better at low temperatures). Although lithium batteries are the trend of the future, lead-acid batteries are still the main choice for electric vehicles in the short term, especially in the mass consumer market, where cost performance is its biggest advantage.
5. Summary: The battery life is in your hands The root cause of the short lead-acid battery life of electric vehicles is not only the product quality problem, but also the user's habits.
By understanding how the battery works, paying attention to charging skills, and avoiding improper operation, you can completely extend the life of your lead-acid battery. Taking good care of your battery will not only save you a lot of money, but also keep your electric vehicle in tip-top condition at all times. Finally, remind everyone that the battery of an electric vehicle is as important as the engine of a car, and reasonable maintenance and use habits can greatly extend the battery life and let it accompany you longer.