Types of Batteries Used in Electric Vehicles

With the increasing popularity of electric vehicles, many drivers are interested in learning more about the benefits and features of EV battery technology. Sunshine Chevrolet, LLC has your guide to the electric vehicle battery details and how it can enhance your overall driving experience. Learn more, then explore our inventory to find the new or pre-owned EV that’s best suited for your Asheville commute. Feel free to contact our team if you have any questions.

Facts About the Electric Vehicle’s Battery

The type of electric vehicle battery you end up with depends on whether your chosen vehicle is all-electric or plug-in hybrid electric. Generally, EV battery technology was designed for an extended life of about eight years or 100,000 miles. However, some batteries can last as long as 12 to 15 years in moderate climates.

With that said, there are four types of batteries used in electric cars: nickel-metal hydride, ultracapacitors, lead-acid, and lithium-ion. Let’s further explore these batteries below!

Nickel-metal hydride batteries — These batteries are commonly found in hybrid-electric vehicles but can be used in some all-electric vehicles too. These types of vehicles don’t get power from an external plug-in since they use fuel to recharge the battery. Some important facts to understand about these batteries are that they:

• Have a longer life cycle than lead-acid or lithium-ion batteries
• Have a relatively high cost
• Have a high self-discharge rate
• Generate significant heat

Because they’re less effective for rechargeable vehicles, they are mainly used in hybrid electric vehicles.

Ultracapacitor batteries — These are not your traditional batteries and are mainly used as a secondary storage device in electric vehicles since they help electrochemical batteries level their load. They also offer extra power when accelerating and assist with regenerative braking.

Lead-acid batteries — These types of batteries are only used in electric vehicles to supplement other battery loads. They’re inexpensive, safe, reliable, and high-powered. However, their shorter life and poor cold-temperature performance make them harder to use as a primary power source. High-powered batteries are currently in development, but they’re only used as secondary storage in commercial vehicles.

Lithium-ion batteries —This is the most common type of battery used in electric cars. Lithium-ion batteries are known for having a high power-to-weight ratio, excellent performance across various temperatures, and high energy efficiency. They can store a lot of energy for their weight, which is vital because it allows electric cars to drive further on a single charge. Due to having a low “self-discharge” rate, they can also hold a full charge longer than other types of batteries over their lifetime.

Explore Our Hybrid Inventory in Arden!

Are you ready to enhance your Hendersonville and Fletcher commute and overall driving experience with a premium vehicle that’s also excellent for the environment? Stop by our dealership, and we’ll get you behind the driver’s seat for a test drive! Between our competitive prices and new vehicle specials, you’re in excellent hands with our team. It’s time that you find your dream vehicle without breaking the bank. Give us a call to get things started!