Electric vehicle battery health and charging technology advancements

Recent data and technological developments are addressing key concerns regarding electric vehicle (EV) battery longevity and charging speeds.

A study conducted by the Center for Transport Research and AURES Holdings, analyzing 3,171 electrified vehicles across the Czech Republic, Slovakia, and Poland, indicates that battery degradation is often less severe than anticipated. Using the Aviloo Flash Test to measure State of Health (SoH), researchers found that pure EVs under three years old maintained a median SoH of 96.1%. Even in the oldest category (six years or older), the median SoH for pure EVs remained at 90.0%. In contrast, plug-in hybrids showed a steeper decline, with older models dropping to a median SoH of 83.2%.

Simultaneously, Geely has introduced the fifth-generation Smart Charging station, capable of delivering up to 2,250 kW. The system aims to mitigate battery wear caused by rapid charging through advanced management and electrical micro-pulses, which the company claims can extend battery life by up to 20%. In manufacturer tests using Lynk & Co 10 and Zeekr 001 models, the system charged batteries from 10% to 70% in approximately 4.5 minutes.