Introduction

If you are an owner of an electric car, you would agree that to keep your vehicle in top shape, you need to keep its heart, the car’s battery, in prime condition. While most EV batteries are built for an extended life (about 10 to 20 years), following a regular battery repair and maintenance schedule can go a long way in maximising its durability, overall health, and performance.

Factors influencing battery health degradation

All battery types are subject to the process of degradation, and electric vehicle batteries are no exception. It happens for a variety of reasons, all of which lower the battery's capacity and general efficiency.

• Calendar ageing: Over time, even when a battery is not in use, it undergoes calendar ageing – which means the degradation of battery cells independent of its charging-discharging cycles, which occurs due to the continued chemical reactions within the battery. This can eventually result in a gradual reduction in the battery capacity. The extent of calendar ageing depends on various factors, such as the battery's chemistry, state of charge (SOC), temperature, and maintenance.
• High temperatures: Exposing a battery to high temperatures can accelerate the rate of chemical reactions within the battery, causing it to wear out faster.
• Thermal expansion: As batteries go through charge and discharge cycles, they heat up, and the expansion and contraction of the battery materials occur. This repeated thermal cycling can lead to physical wear and tear on the internal components, contributing to overall battery degradation.
• Charge and discharge cycles: One complete charge and discharge is called one “charge cycle” of a battery. It is essential to follow a mindful charging pattern and not let the SOC reduce below 20% to maintain good battery health. 

Understanding the battery State Of Health (SOH)

To assess the health of a battery and its potential impact on an electric vehicle's performance, one critical metric to consider is the "State of Health" (SOH). SOH is a report that provides a comprehensive view of the battery's condition, not just its current charge level. An SOH value below 70-80% capacity may raise concerns about the EV's performance.

Monitoring the SOH is essential for electric vehicle owners as it offers valuable insights into the battery's remaining capacity and helps predict when it might need replacement or servicing. This information is crucial for maintaining the efficiency and range of the electric vehicle, ensuring that it continues to meet the owner's expectations and requirements. Addressing battery degradation through proper maintenance can help extend the life of the electric vehicle and maintain its optimal performance.

What can EV battery service centres do?

To ensure the safety and longevity of your EV’s battery, repairs or replacement should only be carried out by a qualified professional. Battery service centres offer various services to ensure your EV keeps humming smoothly.

The process typically begins with a test and diagnosis at the repair centre to help the experts gauge the extent of the damage and plan the repairs. Skilled technicians identify and replace various components contributing to battery SOH, restoring the battery to its original condition.

Here’s what EV battery repair centres can do for you:

• Battery checks: Service centres can identify hidden damages through advanced techniques like X-rays, CT scans, and visual inspections. It allows them to carry out the appropriate repairs promptly.
• Cell replacement: In cases where individual cells are damaged beyond repair, they can be replaced. This process effectively revitalises your battery and restores it to its full potential.
• Total battery replacement: Sometimes, the damage is too extensive to repair individual cells. In such cases, service centres can provide a complete battery replacement, giving your EV a new lease of life.
• Cooling system maintenance: An often-overlooked aspect of EV battery maintenance is the cooling system. Keeping it in top condition is crucial to prevent overheating, leading to degraded battery performance.

Conclusion

The longevity of electric vehicle batteries is a crucial aspect of ensuring a sustained performance of electric vehicles. Proactive measures and mindful maintenance practices can significantly extend the life of EV batteries.