MG Electric - Managing Battery Life

Published Date: 16th Mar 2023

Image of an Electric Car Battery The rise of electric cars over recent years has been remarkable. In the UK, sales of battery electric cars have soared, with the popularity of the MG electric car being no exception. However, understanding how long electric car batteries last is one of first-time EV buyers' biggest worries. Along with range, the way an electric car's battery might degrade over time is a big concern for potential electric car buyers. This article will explore how MG electric car batteries have evolved since their introduction in the UK.

What are electric car batteries made of?

Most electric car batteries are made from lithium-ion, much like batteries in household appliances, mobile phones, and laptops. Lithium-ion batteries are lightweight and rechargeable, making them perfect for travelling vehicles. However, this means that their power capacity will decline over time, resulting in approximately 80% of the original capacity after eight years of daily use.

Knowing your electric car's range

Knowing the range of an electric car is essential to ensure it is always charged and ready to go. As with anything that's battery-powered, electric car ranges vary between models and manufacturers. For example, MG's range of hybrid and electric vehicles has varying ranges:

MG5 EV Long Range: 250 miles

New MG ZS EV: Up to 273 miles

MG HS Plug-in Hybrid: 32 miles (EV only mode)

Once you know the range of your electric car's battery before it needs full recharging, you will be able to plan journeys accordingly and eliminate any potential range anxiety.

Travelling daily to a single place of work and having charging capability at both ends will remove range anxiety issues completely.

How long do electric car batteries last?

The lifespan of electric car batteries is one of the main factors that makes drivers reluctant to switch to an electric vehicle. The batteries undergo cycles of discharge that occur when driving and charge when the car is plugged in. Repeating this process over time affects the amount of charge the battery can hold. This decreases the range and time needed between each journey to charge. Most manufacturers have a five to eight-year warranty on their batteries. However, the current prediction is that an electric car's battery life will last from 10 to 20 years before they need to be replaced.

Advancements in technology mean that the latest electric car batteries have a longer lifespan than ever before. The New MG ZS EV comes with a seven-year warranty. While a couple of years might be acceptable in a phone, it's not good enough for a car designed to last many thousands of miles, so electric car manufacturers go to great lengths to make the batteries last longer.

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How to make your car battery last longer

There are several tips that you can use to try and increase your electric car battery life:

Charge the electric car battery between 20% and 80% - You can extend the life of the batteries by only charging them between 20% and 80% and trying not to let them drop below 50% too often. Going beyond these limits can increase the rate that the battery deteriorates over time.

Avoid overcharging - Overcharging can cause chemical changes inside the battery itself, which again could negatively affect how efficiently it can store energy. Ultimately, you want to reduce the number of charging cycles your battery goes through in its lifetime.

Reduce exposure to extreme temperatures - Extreme cold or heat can negatively affect your car's battery and the range you can travel.

Why does an electric car battery lose charge?

Image of an Electric Car Battery Dashboard Almost all the batteries in electric cars are of the lithium-ion variety. These batteries undergo cycles of discharge (when you're driving your car) and charge (when you plug your car in), and over time, those cycles can reduce how much charge the battery can hold and, therefore, how far your electric car can travel before needing to be recharged.

In the event of a battery replacement, the cost can be significant, as the battery pack is one of the most expensive components of an electric car. However, with the advancements in technology and the increasing popularity of electric cars, the cost of batteries is expected to fall in the coming years.

As electric car batteries have evolved over the years, they have become more efficient, with longer ranges and faster charging times. This has helped alleviate some of the range of anxiety concerns many people have when considering buying an electric car. In addition, advancements in battery technology have led to lighter and more compact batteries, which can help improve electric cars' performance and handling.

Another factor that has helped to increase the appeal of electric cars is the availability of charging infrastructure. There are now over 25,000 charging points in the UK, making charging an electric car on the go easier than ever.

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When it comes to buying an electric car, the battery is an important consideration. However, with the advancements in battery technology and the increasing availability of charging infrastructure, electric cars are becoming more viable and attractive to a wider range of buyers. The MG electric cars, with their long ranges and innovative battery management systems, are a great example of how electric car batteries have evolved and are helping to drive the transition to a more sustainable and environmentally friendly form of transportation.

In conclusion, the lifespan of an electric car battery is a common concern for new car buyers. While the battery will lose some of its capacity over time, advancements in technology have led to longer battery lifespans, faster charging times, and improved ranges. By following a few simple tips to extend the life of your battery, you can help to ensure that your electric car is always ready to go when you are. And with the increasing availability of charging infrastructure, electric cars are becoming an increasingly attractive option for car buyers who are looking for a more sustainable and environmentally friendly mode of transportation.

When choosing a replacement battery for your MG car, it's important to select one that's compatible with your specific model and meets your performance and reliability needs.

Finally, investing in a high-quality battery and maintaining it properly can help you avoid costly repairs and ensure your MG Electric Car runs smoothly and reliably for years to come.

The battery is an essential component of your car's electrical system, and it's responsible for powering everything from the headlights to the stereo system.
MG cars use a variety of battery types, including traditional lead-acid batteries and newer lithium-ion batteries, which offer improved performance and efficiency.
Depending on the model, your MG car may have a standard 12-volt battery or a more powerful 48-volt battery used in hybrid models.
To ensure optimal battery performance and longevity, keeping it properly maintained, which includes regular charging and cleaning, is important.
You should also be mindful of the age of your battery, as older batteries may be more prone to failure and can compromise your car's performance and reliability.
If you're experiencing issues with your MG car's battery, such as slow starting or electrical problems, it's important to have it inspected by a qualified mechanic to diagnose the issue and determine whether a replacement is necessary.

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