The Types of Batteries Used in Electric Vehicles

Electric vehicles and plug-in hybrid vehicles are becoming a common sight on Bakersfield and Thousand Oaks streets as EV battery technology continues to improve. The EV battery technology changes so rapidly that it can be difficult to stay up to date on the types of batteries used in electric vehicles, which leaves shoppers with a lot of questions. At Coastal Chevrolet, our team is well-versed in the latest electric vehicle batteries, their warranties, and the ways they’ll change the way you drive. 

Facts About the Electric Vehicle’s Battery

The type of electric vehicle battery varies based on whether your chosen vehicle is all-electric or plug-in hybrid electric. The EV battery technology was designed for an extended life of about eight years or 100,000 miles. However, some batteries can even last for 12 to 15 years in moderate climates as you’ll find in Ventura.

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 types of batteries are commonly found in hybrid-electric vehicles, but they can be used in some all-electric vehicles. Facts about nickel-metal hydride batteries include:

• Have a longer life cycle than lead-acid or lithium-ion batteries
• High cost
• High self-discharge rate
• Generates 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. They’re mainly used as secondary storage devices in electric vehicles since they help electrochemical batteries level their load. They also offer extra power when accelerating and regenerating 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 in other electric vehicles. High-powered batteries are currently in development.

Lithium-Ion Batteries —This is the most common type of battery used in electric cars, and it’s known for having a high power-to-weight ratio, excellent temperature performance, 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 hold a full charge longer than other batteries over time.

Learn More About Electric Vehicles and Batteries with Coastal Chevrolet

We hope our guide to electric vehicle batteries has helped you understand some of the benefits of driving an EV from Coastal Chevrolet. Our team is ready to help you discover if the EV or hybrid lifestyle is right for you. Contact us today with any questions you have about Chevrolet EVs, from setting up home charging to EV tax credits and more. We want to make it easy for you to make the switch from gasoline to a clean-driving Chevy Equinox EV or Silverado EV.