It costs a lot to replace EV batteries, but how many times do you need?

Electric vehicles It has become more affordable every year, with the purchase prices now approaching the prices of gas car, as stated by Washington Post.

However, the discussion continues between EVS and the internal combustion engine vehicles in heating, especially on platforms such as I respondedWhere the users compare the total The cost of ownership For both types of vehicles over time. In these rough accounts, EVS often comes out as cheaper option. But there is still an adherent point for potential EV buyers is the cost of replacing the battery.

A A recent study It indicates that less than 13 % of the vehicles from 2015 and before it underwent battery alternatives. This number decreased to less than 1 % for cars from 2016 and above. This raises the question: Are electric cars really the best deal when you deal with the cost of the alternative battery? We have talked to a battery expert for an insight into the cost of replacing the EV battery and whether EVS or ICE CARS offers the best long -term value.

How much does it cost to replace the EV battery?

Nadim Malouf, CEO and one of his founders, said that a new EV battery can range between $ 10,000 and $ 20,000, according to manufacturing and model Qnovo,, A company that develops a program to improve battery performance.

“The cost of replacing the EV battery is not cheap,” Malov said. “But this does not mean that you have these great expenses that go down in comfort.” In fact, he said that the possibility of replacing the battery does not necessarily lead to a high cost of an electric vehicle. This is because today’s battery packs lasts so long that you may not need one.

How long does EV batteries continue?

Batteries Do not last foreverBut large batteries tend to continue for a longer period than Cheap Model AAA.

“The batteries have improved a lot in the past decade, and they are still improving,” Malouf said. He said that although most car makers offer guarantees for eight years or 100,000 miles for batteries in EVS, today’s technology means longer guarantees of 150,000 miles or more in the near future.

With longer batteries than the longest standard of industry, the owner of EV is likely to have a long time enough to need an alternative battery. “I think the vast majority of consumers will get rid of their car before they need to change the battery,” Malov said. “If you buy a good reputable car maker, you are unlikely to need to change the battery, unless there is a defect, but this is a warranty problem.”

If the intermediate car buyer keeps a car for about 12 years – and pays it anywhere from 100,000 to 150,000 miles – there is a good opportunity to upgrade before they get sick in battery problems. the Average life of the car Or the light on American roads is 12.6 years old, a report issued by the S & P Global Mobility that was found earlier this year.

In addition, there are best practices to extend the life of the EV battery, such as reducing the use of Fast shippingWhile keeping the battery between 20 % and 80 % charged, avoiding empty storage, and reducing exposure to high temperatures.

If you are buying EV used, the cost of replacing the battery enters more than one person who buys a new EV. However Law of reducing inflationAdd up to large savings that can exceed the cost of an alternative battery.

Battery replacement costs

the The cost of EV batteries It has decreased over time. The cost per kilowatt hour for lehium ion Battery packages that energy EVS decreased dramatically in recent years, from $ 1,355 per kilowatt in 2008 to $ 153 per kilowatt hour in 2022, according to the US Department of Energy. The developments in battery technology and the increase in production that caused the low cost of EV batteries to reduce the total price of electric cars.

In fact, Malouf said that the transformations in the industry indicate the replacement of batteries that become something of the past. He said: “I think the idea of ​​replacing the EV battery will disappear over time. The move is the so -called cell to the chaso, where the battery is placed in the structure on the first day.”

“After five years from now, replacing the battery will be very difficult, if not impossible,” Malov said.

Factors that are included in the costs of replacing the battery

These are some factors that exceed the manufacturing costs that contribute to the alternative EV battery price.

Make

Evs will come from different makers with their battery replacement costs. Battery replacement estimates in the oldest Nissan Leafs, which are outside the guarantee range between $ 5500 and $ 7500, while Teslas alternative batteries start from $ 13,000.

model

Battery replacement costs can vary between models. Below is a look at the costs of replacing the battery for three different signs.

Timing	The cost of replacing the battery (including employment)	a guarantee
S model		8 years or 150,000 miles
Model X Premium Suv		8 years or 150,000 miles
Form 3 then		8 years or 100,000 miles 8 years or 120,000 miles for long -term model

Battery size

The size of the EV battery is one of the biggest factors in its replacement cost. For example, Kona Electric Hyundai is available with a 48.6 kWh battery with a length of about 200 miles, or a larger 64.8 kW battery, which ranges between 260 miles.

On the other hand, the EV, such as the Ford F-150 Lightndended group, has a 141 kW battery. This large truck will take about 320 miles. The most powerful and long -range battery will cost a much larger car to replace it from the battery to get a smaller EV.

Labor costs

The replacement of the EV battery is a very difficult and technical task, and not the type of thing that a neighborhood neighborhood mechanic can deal with.

“You will need to transfer it to the automotive maker for safety, integration, complexity, correct assembly, and the appropriate program,” Malov said.

Battery recycling

EV makers must workers The cost of disposal Old EV batteries at a new cost. EV recycling batteries can be a complex and expensive process, which increases the total cost of replacement for car owners.

“The EV batteries are still relatively new, but many old batteries from Nissan Leaf went to waste burials, reselling or tearing them up for possible recycling,” Malov said. “It is still a small folder today, but it will become a bigger problem as EVS begins to reach the end of their lives.”

Margins

In addition to all these costs, the manufacturer and the agent need to make a profit on the EV battery and the services they provide, which increases the cost of replacement.

The bottom line: Is it still worthy of this effort?

When you deal with the cost of the alternative battery for EV, is the cost effective to buy a gas -powered car?

Reddit users who have estimated the cost of EV will be less than those in the ICE vehicle. Of course, the unlikely probability you need to replace the battery does not change this estimate.

The cost of ownership consists of the age of any car from the initial purchase price, the cost of fuel, and the cost of maintenance. With the price equivalence of EVS and ICE cars, the cost of acquisition has become a lower factor. The cost of fueling the car with a gas car is generally more expensive than charging EV, although the prices per gallon of gas and every kilo of an hour of electricity varies from one state to another and changes over time.

This leaves maintenance, which, even with the potential cost of the alternative EV battery, is usually more expensive for the ice car. In general, it requires battery -run cars Least From ice cars, according to the US Department of Energy. Unlike gas -run cars, EVS does not need oil changes, and there is much less warden than brakes, according to the agency.

For Maluf, the answer to whether EVS still deserves it. “Certainly,” he said. “Especially today, when there are a lot of incentives to buy EV.”

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