Electric vehicles (EVs) continue to gain ground in the automotive industry and a recent study conducted at the SLAC-Stanford Battery Center has revealed that the batteries in these cars could last up to 40% longer than originally thought.
The study, which involved scientists from Stanford University and the SLAC National Accelerator Laboratory, revealed that real-life driving patterns could have a positive impact on the durability of electric vehicle batteries .
How does actual usage affect battery life?
Battery studies often rely on laboratory tests that simulate ideal discharge and recharge conditions. However, the researchers in this study found that real-world driver behavior—with frequent acceleration, braking that allows batteries to partially recharge, and periods of inactivity—could actually extend battery life .
For experts, this discovery contradicts previous hypotheses, indicating that sudden accelerations do not accelerate the aging of batteries, but rather reduce it .
For more than two years, the research team tested 92 commercial lithium-ion batteries using discharge profiles that mimicked everyday driving conditions. The results were clear: batteries that were used under more realistic conditions showed greater longevity , compared to those subjected to standard laboratory testing.
Technology to maximize longevity
Based on these findings, the researchers suggest that EV manufacturers could update battery management software to optimize battery performance and durability under real-world driving conditions. This breakthrough opens up new possibilities for consumers, who may not need to replace their battery packs for more years than previously predicted.
The future of electric vehicle batteries
The principles of the study, which has been published in the journal Nature Energy, could be applied to other energy storage systems , such as solar cells, plastics and other materials used in industries that depend on long-term durability and strength.
The research conducted by the Stanford team highlights the importance of developing new evaluation methodologies for electric vehicle batteries that allow for more accurate and reliable characterization of their performance. This discovery could have a major impact on the automotive industry , driving greater acceptance of electric vehicles and extending the life of the batteries that are key to their operation.
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Source and photo: EurekAlert
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