How long an EV car battery lasts is often a key concern for many drivers when buying an electric car. Knowing what impacts the decay of your battery and how to look after it can not only help to extend its life, but also ensure top performance for as long as possible.
MG has been a forward-thinking manufacturer of electric vehicles since the release of the MG ZS EV in 2018. Since then, MG cars have set a standard for performance in electric vehicles with a focus on reliable batteries that are ready for any journey.
In this blog, we’ll explain how the batteries inside MG EVs work, how long they last, and how to keep yours running at its best.
What batteries are used in EVs?
Like the batteries in our mobile phones, electric vehicle batteries are made from lithium-ion. These batteries are lightweight, rechargeable, and eco-friendlier and more efficient than alternatives like lead-acid.
You may have heard of lithium-ion batteries before, as they are common in most appliances and mobile phones. Like an EV, over time your phone battery will wear with use, causing it to drain faster. EV batteries are similar, utilising lithium-ions to hold and release charge to power your vehicle.
How do electric car batteries work?
When you charge your EV, energy is stored by moving ions from one side of the battery to the other. When you drive, these ions move back over, resulting in a flow of electrons that powers your vehicle. Each full movement of these ions within the battery is known as a charge cycle.
Just like any lithium-ion battery in an appliance, the more charge cycles the battery goes through, the less charge it can store. Unlike the battery in your phone, EV batteries are much larger and developed with systems to allow more charge cycles before the battery begins to wear.
How long do MG electric batteries usually last?
On average, an MG EV battery is expected to last between 10 and 20 years before needing to be replaced. How you use your EV will affect how long it lasts and looking after your battery will help to extend its lifespan.
As mentioned, the number of charge cycles an electric vehicle’s battery experiences impacts its efficiency. After daily use, it is expected that after 8 years, around 20% of the original battery capacity can be lost.
To minimise wear, many EV car manufacturers like MG have developed methods such as ‘buffers’. Buffers stop your EV battery from being fully drained, reducing the number of charge cycles and prolonging its life. These systems work together to help your EV battery last as long as possible, and for extra peace of mind, new MG cars also come with a 7-year warranty to ensure you can enjoy your vehicle without worries.*
Improving the lifespan of your EV battery
Charge your battery between 20% and 80%
Although it may seem inefficient, keeping your battery charge above full depletion and below full charge helps to keep your battery healthy. By keeping your car at a below 80% charge, you minimise the number of charge cycles your battery experiences, prolonging its lifespan.
For added longevity, running your car on a charge above 50% can also help to slightly decrease the wear and tear of the battery. When your battery is above 50% but below full charge, the battery is under less stress, reducing strain and long-term wear.
Don’t overcharge
Although starting your journey on a 100% charge might seem to get you most of the range, it can wear out your battery faster. At 100% charge, the battery is at maximum voltage, making the internal materials less stable, speeding up the chemical reactions and wearing the battery down quicker.
Keeping your battery at the mentioned 20% to 80% ‘sweet spot’ prevents strain, keeping your battery healthier for longer.
Limit harsh temperatures
Very hot and cold weather can slow down the internal chemical reactions of the battery. When these reactions are not performing efficiently, the battery’s ability to store and release energy is reduced, leading it to wear out faster.
To prevent battery damage from the cold or heat, try to park your car in the shade on hot days or in a garage during colder months.
Avoid ‘bricking’ your battery
If you leave your vehicle out of use for long periods of time with no or very low charge, this can cause ‘bricking’. ‘Bricking’ is an issue where the battery no longer accepts a charge due to the voltage falling below a safe level. At this point, the battery automatically ‘shuts down’ to prevent damage, turning it into a ‘brick’. Once this happens, there’s no repairing the battery, and the only solution is replacement.
To avoid this, if you’re planning on leaving your car standing for several weeks, ensure it is charged at a healthy mid-charge of 40% to 60%. Alternatively, check your car every few weeks and top it back up to around 50% charge to maintain sufficient charge.
Luckily, as mentioned, MG EV batteries have safety systems to stop the battery from being fully drained, ensuring there is always a minimum charge in the battery. Because of this, bricking is rare unless your car is left neglected for a long period of time.
Find the right MG EV for your next journey in our What Electric Car Should I Buy? Guide.
Have more questions? Speak to a friendly member of the Eric Stead team on 0114 245 4404.
*Warranty information is correct at the time of writing.