With an electric vehicle (EV), you’ll never have to go to the gas pump ever again, which is great for your wallet and your well-being. However, just like gasoline and diesel vehicles need major engine service eventually, electric cars need their drive batteries replaced after a certain time. While infrequent, this can be the most expensive maintenance task for EVs.
As the owner of an electric car, making your EV battery last longer will help you save money in the long run. It’s critical to understand how long your EV battery will last so that you are informed of all the expenses related to your car. Learn more about the batteries in electric cars, their life span, and ways to preserve and extend your battery’s range with this Koons Tysons Toyota guide.
When Should I Change my EV Battery?
Although battery life span and resistance to range loss vary depending on the automaker and vehicle, current batteries in electric cars can last for tens of thousands of miles, often up to 100,000 in a new Toyota. Unless you drive an unusually high number of miles per year or put the drivetrain through very rough conditions, your new EV battery shouldn’t need to be replaced for many years. Each electric car sold will have an owner’s manual with specific times to change the battery, usually with a mileage recommendation similar to the warranty coverage limit.
Like with all lithium-ion batteries, there will be some reduction in an EV’s charge capacity over the years. The average range loss for EVs is 2.3% per year, although this considers new and old EVs currently on the road. There are predictions that current electric automotive batteries could last as long as 20 years.
Why Do EV Batteries Need Replacement?
Some people visit a Toyota service center and are surprised to learn that their battery needs replacement earlier than expected. Some motivations for replacing EV batteries include the following:
- Older Technology: Due to a less advanced battery or drivetrain design or the vehicle needing maintenance, your battery may need to be changed more frequently if your car is older.
- Battery Damage or Wear: Your battery will probably need to be replaced if it was compromised in an accident or by some other kind of harm. Certain habits, such as letting the battery get too close to empty or fast charging all the time, can wear down the components necessary to maintain a charge.
- Warranty Coverage: Most EV manufacturers offer a warranty on their electric drivetrain and battery systems, usually eight to 10 years and a set number of miles. If your battery needs to be replaced, ignoring the recommended service window might lead to losing warranty coverage.
The battery pack in your car can be changed for free at the right shop if it’s still covered by warranty, of course, but some automakers will only do so if the battery has lost a significant portion of its range. Since Toyota is known as a hybrid pioneer, their only current all-electric car is the new 2023 bZ4X. This compact SUV is built with just as much attention to detail as the rest of the automaker’s varied lineup. It also gets an eight-year/100,000-mile EV Component Warranty covering the traction battery and all related EV parts.
In some cases, individual battery cells can be replaced, helping restore your car’s range to its factory levels before getting to the point where replacement is necessary. For some drivers, simply waiting to get a replacement may be the better choice, and our team can help you decide.
How Much Does an EV Battery Replacement Cost?
Your EV’s drive battery basically serves as the engine. It’s a critical part and one that has a lot of rare metals and important components. Battery packs for EVs can range in price from $5,000 to $20,000. Luxury electric cars tend to cost the most to maintain.
If you want to save time and money, it’s important where you get your EV serviced. The last thing anyone needs is multiple visits to fix issues caused by an improperly installed EV battery. At generic automotive shops or dealerships not certified to service your vehicle make and model, it’s uncertain what level and quality of work you might get. Schedule a battery replacement and other parts of a much-needed EV service checkup at Koons Tysons Toyota service center.
How Can I Make an Electric Car Battery Last Longer?
Taking care of an electric car battery is fairly straightforward. As with mobile phones and laptop computers, avoid fully charging or fully depleting the battery repeatedly, as going below 20% or above 80% too often can be hard on the system. Some other pointers include gradually accelerating and other defensive driving tips.
When recharging your automobile, try to plan ahead so that you don’t need a fast charge, as repeated fast charging could have consequences. Although EVs often advertise how quickly they can fast charge, it’s still the most intense method. Fast charging repeatedly or exclusively can damage a new electric car battery and may reduce its range and life span sooner. Lastly, try to park under a roof and out of the sun or in a garage to reduce the EV battery’s exposure to extreme heat or cold.
Buy and Maintain Your Next Car at Koons Tysons Toyota
At Koons Tysons Toyota, we’re proud to help folks around Vienna, Virginia, afford their first electric or hybrid car. Apart from getting the most use out of an EV battery, it’s also vital that you find the best deal on each car you purchase, finding opportunities for more generous financing and bigger discounts.
A quality electric car can help reduce your reliance on fossil fuels. However, there are some specifications you should check for to make sure you’re getting the best EV you can afford. Remember Koons Tysons Toyota if you’re after a better deal on an electric or hybrid Toyota car and access to the best service experts in the area. Check out our ToyotaCare plans and get two years or 25,000 miles of no-cost maintenance covering all your vehicle’s needs, whether for EVs or any other model vehicle. You’ll be glad you visited the top Toyota dealership in Vienna.
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