Key things to know about electric vehicle batteries

For example, the smart lines are equipped with 66 kWh ternary lithium batteries, known for their high-energy density, efficiency and durability. But what makes the difference with this electric vehicle battery? A ternary lithium battery, also called a ternary lithium-ion battery, is a type of rechargeable battery that uses a ternary, or three-component, cathode material in its construction. This variant of the commonly used lithium-ion battery has a higher energy density, which means that the battery can store more energy for the same size or weight so you can travel further on a single charge. Ternary lithium batteries also have a higher power density, which allows for faster charge and discharge rates. In addition, the use of ternary cathodes can improve the overall stability and safety of the battery. But EV batteries don't just get you from A to B. You can also save considerable costs. Learn how to save costs here.

Charging an electric vehicle battery can be done in different ways and places, which offers you flexibility and convenience.

One common way of charging an e-vehicle battery is at home. This involves installing a charging station where you live, usually in the garage or driveway. Home charging is convenient because it allows you to charge your car overnight while it is parked. This ensures that the vehicle starts each day with a full or nearly-full battery, providing sufficient range for the daily commute and other trips. Residential charging stations can vary in charging speed, some charging stations offering slower charging speeds and other charging stations offering faster charging times. Read more about how to charge your electric car at home.

Public charging stations are usually located in public areas such as car parks, shopping centres and along major roads. These stations are convenient for electric vehicle owners who need to charge their vehicle while on the road. They offer the opportunity to recharge the EV battery during longer journeys or when additional range is needed. Public charging stations can range from AC chargers to more powerful DC chargers that allow super-fast charging speeds and significantly reduce charging times.

AC chargers (Level 1 and Level 2) are the most common charging options and are suitable for overnight charging or for longer periods when the vehicle is not in use. They are widely used and offer convenience for both residential and commercial charging. DC fast chargers (Level 3), on the other hand, offer fast-charging capabilities that are ideal for long-distance trips and significantly reduce charging times. They are often found in public charging networks and meet the needs of EV owners who require fast charging.

It's also good to know that fast charging is only possible up to a capacity of 80%. There are several reasons for this. Firstly, it is due to the ion chemistry: the higher the state of charge of the battery, the greater the resistance the ions encounter during their movement, which leads to a slower charging speed. This phenomenon is more pronounced as the battery approaches full capacity. Secondly, as little heat as possible should be generated, as this also increases as the battery becomes more charged. Another reason is to protect the battery from degradation. You find everything you need to know about charging your EV in our detailed article on the topic.

Although the exact lifespan of an electric car battery can vary, modern batteries are designed to last as long as the car itself, with the warranty usually covering a specific capacity maintenance period. By following recommended charging procedures, maintaining proper temperature control and adapting to future developments, electric vehicle owners can maximise the life of their batteries and enjoy the benefits of electric mobility for a longer period.

It becomes even clearer how long an EV battery lasts when you see that they sometimes even outlast the car they were installed in. Used EV batteries can be installed as energy storage solutions for homes, for example. They can store electricity generated by solar panels during the day and discharge it in the evening or when solar production is low. Homeowners can benefit from reduced dependence on the grid, greater energy independence and potential cost savings by using the stored energy during peak hours. There are also more and more recycling initiatives that allow valuable materials to be recovered and reused from the batteries.

If the battery can no longer be used as a whole, it is disassembled into its component parts for reuse. Recycling an EV battery is a process, which involves many steps due to its complex composition. However, ongoing research and advances in recycling technologies are helping to overcome challenges that occur in the process. Various innovative techniques are used to recover and purify valuable materials from spent batteries quickly and effectively.

The recycling infrastructure for electric car batteries is expanding worldwide, with dedicated facilities and companies emerging to meet growing demand. Governments and regulators are also implementing measures to promote and enforce proper recycling practices, including setting recycling targets and providing financial incentives.

Efficient recycling of electric car batteries not only conserves valuable resources, but also helps reduce the environmental impact of extracting raw materials and producing new batteries. It also mitigates the potential risks associated with improper disposal or the release of hazardous substances.

Recycling electric car batteries is an important part of the sustainable role of electric cars and ensures that the environmental footprint of electric vehicles is reduced. As technology advances and recycling processes improve, the industry is moving towards a circular economy where materials are recycled and reused, further promoting the sustainability of electric mobility.

Safety is crucial when it comes to driving, and EV battery safety is no exception. It is a good thing to know that all batteries for electric vehicles are subjected to rigorous testing and certification procedures before they are even allowed to be installed. This includes extensive performance, durability, and safety testing to meet stringent industry standards. This ensures that the batteries can withstand various operating conditions and provide reliable and safe performance throughout their lifetime. On top of this, the smart #1 for example, has an advanced battery management system (BMS). This serves as a critical control unit that constantly monitors the battery's temperature, voltage and overall health. It helps prevent overcharging, over-discharging and excessive temperature fluctuations, which are crucial for maintaining the EV battery's safety and longevity. In the event of any abnormalities or potential issues, the BMS can automatically isolate or shut down the affected cells, mitigating any risks.

To act quickly in critical situations, high voltage parts in electric vehicle (EV) batteries are marked using specific labelling and colour-coded schemes. This is done to clearly identify and differentiate these components, alerting technicians, emergency responders and people working on the vehicle to the potential hazards associated with high voltage systems.

In minor accidents with low impact, the batteries are usually well protected and remain unharmed. The smart #1 is equipped with a robust battery case that can survive such accidents without damage. As a result, the battery pack will continue to function normally and keep the vehicle operational.

To further protect the EV battery, the smart #1, for example, is equipped with reinforced structures and additional safety features. These features include impact sensors that detect impact, automatic battery disconnect switches that isolate the battery in the event of an impact, and physical barriers that prevent or minimise the spread of damage within the battery pack. If you are wondering which electric car is the right one for you, we have summarised the different aspects here.