What is the lifespan of an EV battery?

Full EV is the abbreviation of the English term "Electric Vehicle", which is called "pure electric vehicle" in Chinese. It refers to a vehicle that is completely powered by electricity, without a traditional fuel engine. Its power system consists of a battery pack, an electric motor, and an electronic control system. Such vehicles obtain energy through external charging, produce zero exhaust emissions during operation, and have the characteristics of low noise, high energy efficiency, and environmental friendliness. They are the core direction for the transformation of the automotive industry towards sustainable development. Technically, pure electric vehicles use a single-speed transmission to simplify the drive structure, with the electric motor directly driving the wheels. They are also equipped with a kinetic energy recovery system, which converts part of the energy into electrical energy for storage during braking. Currently, the range of pure electric models on the market generally reaches 300 to 600 kilometers, and fast-charging technology can replenish 80% of the battery capacity within 30 minutes. However, the coverage of charging infrastructure and battery life are still factors that users need to consider. Unlike the EV mode of hybrid models, pure electric vehicles do not switch between fuel and electricity and always operate in an all-electric drive state.

Currently, the range of mainstream electric vehicles on the market generally falls between 345 km and 520 km, with specific figures varying by model and battery capacity. For example, Proton e.MAS7 offers two versions with WLTP ranges of 345 km and 410 km respectively, and it adopts CTB battery integration technology to improve space utilization. The MG4 EV is equipped with 49kWh and 64kWh battery packs, corresponding to ranges of 415 km and 520 km, and its MSP pure electric platform optimizes energy efficiency performance. The local brand Perodua QV-E uses a 52.5kWh lithium iron phosphate battery, with an NEDC-rated range of 445 km, and controls its starting price at 80,000 ringgit through a battery-swapping model. It should be noted that the actual range is affected by driving habits, climate and road conditions, and there are differences between the WLTP and NEDC testing standards, with the latter usually being about 15% higher than actual road driving. With the development of battery technology, the range of new models is expected to exceed 600 km by 2026, and the popularization of fast charging technology will allow 50% of the battery to be recharged in 30 minutes, effectively alleviating range anxiety.

The working principle of an electric vehicle (EV) is to convert electrical energy into mechanical energy through an electric drive system, thereby propelling the vehicle forward. Its core components include a traction battery, an electric motor, a speed controller, and a transmission device. The traction battery (such as a lithium-ion battery) stores electrical energy, which is delivered to a power regulator via electric current. After precise regulation, the power regulator drives the electric motor to operate, and finally, the power is transmitted to the wheels through the transmission system. Unlike fuel-powered vehicles, EVs do not require a clutch because the electric motor can start directly with a load, and their structure is simpler with lower maintenance costs. The energy recovery system converts kinetic energy into electrical energy and recharges the battery during braking or coasting, improving cruising efficiency. The advantages of EVs include zero emissions, low noise, high energy efficiency (conversion efficiency exceeding 90%), and the ability to balance the peak-valley difference of the power grid. In the Malaysian market, mainstream EV models such as BYD Atto 3 use permanent magnet synchronous motors, with a cruising range of up to 480 kilometers and the ability to charge to 80% in 30 minutes with fast charging. When choosing an EV, factors such as battery type (e.g., lithium iron phosphate or ternary lithium), charging facility coverage, and climate adaptability (e.g., battery heat dissipation design in tropical regions) need to be considered.

The maintenance cost of electric vehicles is usually lower than that of traditional fuel vehicles. The annual average maintenance cost of pure electric models is about 666 Malaysian Ringgit, mainly focusing on the basic inspection of the three-electric system (battery, motor, and electronic control). The price of regular minor maintenance ranges from 300 to 500 Malaysian Ringgit. For example, the maintenance cost for a Tesla Model 3 is only 382 Malaysian Ringgit every 20,000 kilometers, while the annual cost of a comparable fuel vehicle such as the BMW 3 Series is as high as 4,356 Malaysian Ringgit. Pure electric vehicles do not require the replacement of traditional components such as engine oil and oil filters, and the cost of major maintenance typically does not exceed 3,000 Malaysian Ringgit. Additionally, some brands offer free three-electric system maintenance for the first four years. Hybrid models, which need to accommodate both fuel and electric systems, have an average annual cost of about 2,000 Malaysian Ringgit, which is still lower than that of fuel vehicles. Battery maintenance is crucial. It is advisable to avoid deep discharge and regularly monitor the battery's health status. Most brands provide an 8-year or 150,000-kilometer battery warranty, effectively reducing long-term ownership costs. Furthermore, tires and braking systems require more frequent inspections due to the heavier weight of electric vehicles, but the overall maintenance frequency is lower. Pure electric vehicles only need maintenance once every 10,000 kilometers or once a year. In summary, with their more simplified mechanical structure and longer maintenance intervals, electric vehicles can significantly reduce maintenance expenses over the long term.

Electric vehicles do not require oil changes because their powertrain is fundamentally different from that of traditional fuel-powered vehicles. Electric vehicles are driven by electric motors and do not rely on the combustion process of internal combustion engines, thus eliminating the need for oil for lubrication and cooling. Electric motors are pre-filled with long-lasting grease during manufacturing, which can meet the needs of long-term use. However, electric vehicles still need regular maintenance, focusing on checking the health of the battery pack, motor, and electronic control system, including the battery charging efficiency, cooling system, and the condition of non-oil fluids such as brake fluid and antifreeze. As the core component, the battery is recommended to undergo professional testing every six months to one year to ensure its performance and safety. In addition, regular inspections are also required for conventional components such as tires, braking systems, and chassis wiring. Although the maintenance items for electric vehicles differ from those of fuel-powered vehicles, regular maintenance is equally important, as it can effectively extend the vehicle's lifespan and ensure driving safety.