Alongside the motor, e-car batteries are the most important element in an e-car, as they supply the energy that powers the motor. Almost all batteries for e-cars are so-called lithium-ion batteries. A few models on the market use nickel-metal hybrid batteries. Older models may still be equipped with nickel or lead-cadmium batteries.
E-car battery: the capacity
The storage capacities of e-car batteries on the market vary considerably in some cases. Batteries with around 25 to 35 kilowatt hours are installed in small electric cars with a short range. Depending on the weight, around 15 to 25 kilowatt hours are required for 100 kilometers. Large e-car models can charge over 100 kilowatt hours and can travel up to 600 kilometers on a single charge.
E-car battery: the service life
The service life of the electric car battery depends on several factors. The number of charges, driving style, external influences such as temperature and the type of charging are decisive.
Electric car batteries don't usually really break down, but they lose capacity over time and need to be recharged more and more frequently. An electric car battery is usually expected to have a service life of eight to ten years.
E-car battery: the price
Around 15 years ago, a kilowatt hour of an electric car battery cost around 600 euros, but today the price is expected to be around 200 euros per kilowatt hour. A battery with a capacity of 100 kilowatt hours therefore costs around 20,000 euros, while a battery with 25 kilowatt hours costs just 5,000 euros. In order to keep the purchase price of the electric car as low as possible, many manufacturers offer to rent the battery instead of buying it.
