Electric vehicle batteries may last significantly longer than expected due to real-world driving conditions, according to a new Stanford study.
Sharon Udasin reports for The Hill.
In short:
- Stanford researchers found EV batteries last 40% longer when tested under real-world conditions, like stop-and-go traffic and long trips.
- Traditional lab tests use constant discharge and recharge rates, which underestimate battery lifespan.
- The study suggests EV software updates could optimize battery management and delay costly battery replacements.
Key quote:
“To our surprise, real driving with frequent acceleration, braking that charges the batteries a bit, stopping to pop into a store, and letting the batteries rest for hours at a time, helps batteries last longer than we had thought.”
— Simona Onori, associate professor of energy science and engineering at Stanford
Why this matters:
Longer-lasting EV batteries could reduce costs for EV owners and lower environmental impacts by decreasing battery production and waste. Improved testing methods may also lead to better battery designs and longer-lasting vehicles.
Related: Electric vehicle batteries find second life powering rural businesses
