Would-be electric-vehicle patrons have lots of issues. And that is smart 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 rising variety of proprietor experiences again that up.
However not all homeowners are Tom Moloughney, our good pal, OG EV knowledgeable and host of the State of Cost YouTube channel. Tom put his 2022 Ford F-150 Lightning by way of the ringer when he first obtained it simply over three years in the past. And, for a current 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 patrons 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 info and figures.
In an early 70-mph vary check, 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 features to worn tires and hotter climate.
Charging checks present that the Lightning’s battery capability is unchanged as properly. When he first obtained the Lightning, it took a bit over 136 kWh to fill it up from flat to full. In Tom’s most up-to-date check, it took a bit over 135 kWh. Contemplating that charging losses and climate can impression that stat, as soon as once more we will say that the outcomes are virtually similar.
It is essential to notice right here that there must be some capability loss taking place over time—similar 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 should 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 it’s worthwhile 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 e mail. I would love to listen to about it!
Contact the writer: Tim.Levin@InsideEVs.com
