What is the seat belt trick?

The lifespan of electric vehicle batteries typically ranges from 5 to 8 years, depending on the battery type, usage habits, and maintenance conditions. Taking mainstream ternary lithium batteries as an example, their cycle count is approximately 1500 to 2000 times. Assuming each cycle allows a driving distance of 500 kilometers, and with an annual driving distance of 20,000 kilometers, the theoretical lifespan can reach 300,000 to 500,000 kilometers or 6 to 8 years. However, the actual lifespan is affected by various factors. For instance, adverse conditions such as high or low temperature environments, frequent sudden acceleration or braking, and overcharging/discharging will shorten the battery lifespan. In contrast, regular maintenance, avoiding extreme charging/discharging (e.g., charging when the remaining battery level is 20%), and using appropriate charging equipment can extend the service life. Lead-acid batteries have a shorter lifespan of about 1.5 to 2 years, while lithium iron phosphate batteries have a theoretical lifespan of up to 7 to 8 years. Some manufacturers offer long-term warranty services, and it is recommended that car owners regularly check the battery status. If difficulties in starting the vehicle or a significant decrease in driving range occur, battery replacement should be considered. The cost of battery replacement varies greatly depending on capacity and type, usually ranging from a few thousand to tens of thousands of ringgit.

The advantages and disadvantages of electric vehicles versus gasoline vehicles need to be judged based on specific needs. Electric vehicles have a significant advantage in operating costs: taking a small SUV as an example, the annual electricity cost for driving 10,000 kilometers is approximately 1,500 ringgit, and the total cost including maintenance does not exceed 3,000 ringgit, which is much lower than the approximately 7,000 ringgit for gasoline vehicles. Additionally, electric vehicles provide a quieter driving experience due to the characteristics of electric motors, and the flat rear floor design enhances space utilization. Furthermore, starting in 2026, they will enjoy an 85% reduction in road tax as a policy incentive, further lowering ownership costs. However, gasoline vehicles remain irreplaceable for long-distance travel and in remote areas, as their refueling convenience and mature infrastructure network can meet the demands of high-frequency, long-distance travel. Currently, although electric vehicles account for only 2.28% of locally registered vehicles, their annual growth rate reaches 42%, reflecting the gradual increase in market acceptance driven by policies. If daily travel primarily involves urban commuting and charging facilities are accessible, electric vehicles are a more economical and environmentally friendly choice; if one frequently travels across states or is sensitive to range, gasoline vehicles remain a reliable option. Notably, the government plans to evaluate the road tax policy for electric vehicles every five years to continuously optimize the usage environment.

Electric vehicles are quieter than fuel-powered vehicles in most cases, especially when driving at low speeds or idling. Without an internal combustion engine, electric vehicles eliminate engine vibration and intake/exhaust noise, with the main noise sources only coming from the drive motor, air conditioning system, tire-road friction, and wind noise. At low speeds (below 30 km/h), electric vehicles are almost silent, but some low-end models or motors in poor condition may produce slight high-frequency noise. As the speed increases above 50 km/h, tire and wind noise become dominant, and the noise level becomes similar to that of fuel-powered vehicles of the same class. It is worth noting that the quietness of electric vehicles may pose potential risks to pedestrians (especially those with hearing impairments) in urban environments, so some models are equipped with low-speed warning sound systems. Overall, the noise control advantage of electric vehicles is concentrated in the low-speed range, while the noise difference is small at medium to high speeds, but the linear sound frequency of the motor is still more acceptable than the fluctuating noise during gear shifts in fuel-powered vehicles.

After 8 years of use, electric vehicle batteries typically retain 70%-80% of their initial capacity, with the specific condition depending on the battery type, usage patterns, and maintenance practices. Currently, mainstream ternary lithium batteries have a cycle life of approximately 1500-2000 cycles, corresponding to a theoretical service life of 8-12 years, while lithium iron phosphate batteries are more durable, with cycle counts reaching 2000-3000 cycles and lifespans generally exceeding 10 years. When battery capacity degrades below 80%, although the driving range will be significantly reduced, the batteries can still remain in service or enter a cascaded utilization phase, such as being repurposed for energy storage systems or powering low-speed electric vehicles. Batteries in good health may even continue vehicle operation. Notably, battery longevity is significantly influenced by factors including temperature, charging practices (primarily slow charging within a 20%-80% state of charge is recommended), and driving behavior (avoiding rapid acceleration). Extreme temperatures may reduce lifespan by 20%-50%. Most automakers currently provide an 8-year/150,000-kilometer battery warranty, with some brands offering free replacement when capacity deteriorates to 70%. Therefore, for post-8-year battery management, professional health assessment is recommended before deciding between continued use, cascaded utilization, or material recycling. With technological advancements, next-generation solutions like solid-state batteries are expected to further enhance future battery durability.

Electric vehicles (EVs) and hybrid vehicles each have their own advantages and disadvantages, and the choice should be based on specific usage scenarios. Currently, hybrid vehicles may be more suitable for the local market as they combine the benefits of electric motors and internal combustion engines. They can operate in pure electric mode in urban areas to reduce emissions while eliminating range anxiety for long-distance travel. Moreover, with relatively low local gasoline prices (approximately 2.3 Malaysian ringgit per liter), operating costs are further reduced. Additionally, the charging infrastructure remains underdeveloped, primarily concentrated in a few cities like Kuala Lumpur, whereas hybrid vehicles leverage the existing fuel station network, offering greater convenience. Although EVs excel in environmental protection and energy efficiency, they face limitations such as charging duration, battery lifespan, and higher initial purchase costs. Currently, EV sales account for merely 4.3% of the market, significantly lower than conventional fuel vehicles (86.6%). For those with predominantly short commutes and access to home charging, EVs present a more eco-friendly option; however, hybrid vehicles prove more practical when considering long-distance travel or limited charging availability. As charging infrastructure improves and battery technology advances, the viability of EVs is expected to gradually increase.