Would-be electric-vehicle consumers have a variety of issues. And that is sensible for any new and scary expertise. There’s vary nervousness. There’s charging nervousness. There’s sticker shock to cope with, too.
One factor you in all probability should not fear about? Battery degradation. Research present that trendy EV batteries can final a helluva very long time with out significant deterioration. And an growing variety of proprietor experiences again that up.
However not all house owners are Tom Moloughney, our good buddy, OG EV skilled and host of the State of Cost YouTube channel. Tom put his 2022 Ford F-150 Lightning via the ringer when he first bought it simply over three years in the past. And, for a latest video, he ran again these checks once more after placing 38,000 miles on the truck.
The outcomes ought to present some reduction to EV consumers affected by battery-longevity panic. From a battery and vary perspective, Tom’s F-150 is indistinguishable from the day he took it house. For Tom’s full take, try his video. However I am going to run down the essential details and figures.
In an early 70-mph vary take a look at, Tom’s F-150 Lightning with the Prolonged Vary battery went 270.3 miles. Three years later, on the identical route, it went farther: 286.7 miles. Tom chalks up the positive aspects to worn tires and hotter climate.
Charging checks present that the Lightning’s battery capability is unchanged as properly. When he first bought the Lightning, it took a bit over 136 kWh to fill it up from flat to full. In Tom’s most up-to-date take a look at, it took a bit over 135 kWh. Contemplating that charging losses and climate can influence that stat, as soon as once more we will say that the outcomes are virtually an identical.
It is essential to notice right here that there needs to be some capability loss taking place over time—identical to you’d discover with a cellphone or laptop computer. However the finish consequence is similar: Drivers will not see any distinction after placing this quantity of mileage on their Lightnings. That is very true as extra automakers construct “buffers” into their batteries, permitting them to slowly unlock extra of the battery to counteract any degradation.
“Ford have to be slowly opening up extra capability,” Moloughney says within the video. “However that basically ought to give folks confidence that electrical car batteries final. They don’t seem to be one thing that after 4 or 5 years you’ll want to purchase a brand new battery.”
Do you might have your personal experiences with EV battery longevity—or lack thereof? Let me know within the feedback beneath or shoot me an electronic mail. I would love to listen to about it!
Contact the writer: Tim.Levin@InsideEVs.com
