How Does Battery Degradation Occur in New Energy Vehicles?
2 Answers
Battery degradation in new energy vehicles is an inevitable phenomenon; as long as the battery is in use, degradation will occur. Additionally, different usage habits of vehicle owners can have varying impacts on the battery pack. There are two primary scenarios for battery degradation in new energy vehicles. Lithium battery abuse: When the state of charge (SOC) of a lithium battery is below 120%, there is no significant capacity loss. However, at excessively high SOC levels, the decomposition rate of the electrolyte accelerates, forming a thick deposition layer on the graphite anode. This layer contains precipitated lithium. Temperature factors: Temperature is one of the key factors affecting the lifespan of lithium batteries. Excessively high or low temperatures can reduce the content of active lithium ions, damage the structure of electrode materials, and dissolve metal ions, leading to severe battery capacity degradation. Precautions for using new energy vehicle batteries: Avoid using the battery in environments where the temperature exceeds 60°C. High temperatures can cause issues with heat dissipation in the power battery, motor, and control systems, leading to system fault codes. In severe cases, it may cause short circuits, posing a fire risk. Many electric vehicle fires occur due to inadequate thermal management systems or improper usage. Minimize exposure of the battery pack to water. Although battery packs have a certain level of waterproofing—typically meeting the IP67 waterproof rating as required by national standards—there is no guarantee they will remain completely watertight. During water submersion, water pressure can create pressure differentials, making it easier for water to penetrate the battery. Water ingress can render the battery inoperable and may cause internal short circuits, posing significant risks. If the vehicle experiences a strong collision while driving, park in a safe area and inspect the chassis wiring and battery pack area for damage. If any damage is detected, it is not advisable to continue driving. Contact a service station for assistance immediately.
As a veteran EV owner with five years of experience, I'm quite qualified to talk about battery degradation. My car has a nominal range of 500 kilometers, but now in winter with heating on, it can only manage around 430 km at most. There are two key factors: First, the battery material - NMC batteries degrade faster in the first two years but then stabilize. My family car has lost 12% capacity over five years. LFP batteries last longer but are more sensitive to cold. Second, usage habits matter - frequent fast charging harms the battery. I have a friend who drove 200,000 km in two years as a ride-hailing driver, and his battery health dropped to 85%. Manufacturers promise 70% health retention over eight years, but in reality, family cars can easily last a decade. Just remember - don't panic if you lose 5% in the first two years; after that, it's only about 1-2% annually, way more durable than smartphone batteries.
