Stanford researchers find EV battery life may exceed projections

Researchers at the SLAC-Stanford Battery Center have discovered that the lifespan of lithium-ion batteries in electric vehicles (EVs) may be up to 38 percent longer than current expert projections suggest.

According to lead author Simona Onori, previous industry-standard laboratory tests failed to accurately reflect real-world usage. Traditional testing relied on constant discharge and recharge rates, whereas actual driving involves frequent accelerations, braking, and varying rest periods. The study indicates that these dynamic driving patterns and intermittent usage may actually contribute to increased battery longevity rather than degrading it as previously assumed.

Separately, technical insights into vehicle battery maintenance highlight that 12-volt batteries are essential for stabilizing onboard networks and powering control units in both combustion and electric vehicles. In EVs, a functional 12-volt battery is required to activate safety systems and engage the high-voltage battery, regardless of the high-voltage battery's charge level.