What is the battery degradation situation of new energy vehicles?
2 Answers
New energy vehicle battery degradation is an unavoidable issue; as long as the battery is in use, degradation will occur. Additionally, different driving habits can have varying impacts on the battery pack. There are two main scenarios for new energy vehicle battery degradation: lithium battery abuse and temperature factors. Lithium battery abuse: Lithium batteries do not show significant capacity loss when the State of Charge (SOC) is below 120%. 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 lithium battery lifespan. Excessively high or low temperatures can reduce the content of active lithium ions, damage the structure of electrode materials, and cause metal ion dissolution, leading to severe battery capacity degradation. Precautions for using new energy vehicle batteries: Do not use the battery in environments where the temperature exceeds 60°C. High temperatures can cause cooling issues for the power battery, motor, and control system, leading to system fault codes. In severe cases, it may cause short circuits and even fire risks. Many electric vehicle fires are due to inadequate thermal management systems or improper usage. Avoid exposing the battery pack to water. Although battery packs have a certain level of waterproofing (generally meeting the IP67 standard), there is no guarantee they will remain completely waterproof. During water immersion, water pressure can create pressure differences, making it easier for water to enter the battery. Water ingress can prevent the battery from functioning properly and may cause internal short circuits, posing 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, do not continue driving and contact a service station for assistance immediately.
I've been driving this car for over three years, commuting 80 kilometers daily. Now the full-charge range is about 25 kilometers less than when it was new. Battery degradation is quite normal, mainly depending on battery type and usage habits. LFP batteries degrade slower but suffer more noticeable winter range reduction, while NCM batteries have higher energy density but degrade slightly faster long-term. I mostly use slow charging, only fast charging occasionally for long trips. Mechanics say frequent fast charging impacts battery lifespan more. Here's a lesser-known tip: avoid regularly charging below 20% or always charging to 100% - maintaining 30%-80% is best for battery health. The manufacturer guarantees 70% battery capacity retention over 8 years for my model, and currently the degradation curve appears stable.
