The Types of Batteries Used in Electric Vehicles

2024 BMW iX driving down the lake front

As the popularity of electric vehicles grows in North Canton and Massillon, so does the technology supporting these models. That includes the types of batteries used in electric vehicles. If you’ve been wondering about EV battery technology, and what goes into making an electric vehicle battery, BMW of North Canton can help! Find out everything you need to know about the latest types of batteries used in electric vehicles from our service team. 

 

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Facts About the Electric Vehicle’s Battery

The type of Electric vehicle batteries varies based on whether your chosen vehicle is all-electric or plug-in hybrid electric. The EV battery technology was designed for an extended life that’s about eight years or 100,000 miles. However, some batteries can even last for 12 to 15 years in moderate climates.

 

With that said, there are four types of batteries used in electric cars: nickel-metal hydride, ultracapacitors, lead-acid, and lithium-ion. Let’s further explore these batteries below!

 

Nickel-Meta Hydride batteries — These types of batteries are commonly found in hybrid-electric vehicles, but they can be used in some all-electric vehicles. These types of vehicles don’t get power from the external plug-in since they use fuel to recharge the battery. Facts about nick-metal hydride batteries include:

 

  • Have a longer life-cycle than lead-acid or lithium-ion batteries
  • High-cost
  • High self-discharge rate
  • Generates significant hear

 

Because they’re less effective for rechargeable vehicles, they are mainly used in hybrid electric vehicles.

 

Ultracapacitor batteries — These are not your traditional batteries, they’re mainly used as a secondary storage device in electric vehicles since they help electrochemical batteries level their load. They also offer extra power when accelerating and regenerating braking. 

 

Lead-acid batteries — These types of batteries are only used in electric vehicles to supplement other battery loads. They’re inexpensive, safe, reliable, and high-powered. However, their shorter life and poor cold-temperature performance make them harder to use in other electric vehicles. High-powered batteries are currently in development, but they’re not only used as secondary storage in commercial vehicles.

 

Lithium-ion batteries —This is the most common type of battery used in electric cars, and they’re known for having a high power-to-weight ratio, excellent temperature performance, and high energy efficiency. They can store a lot of energy for their weight, which is vital because it allows electric cars to drive further on a single charge. Due to having a low “self-discharge” rate, they can hold a full charger longer than other batteries over time.

Save on Your All-Electric BMW at BMW of North Canton

One thing’s for certain: No matter what kind of electric vehicle battery is in your BMW, you’re going to save on fuel costs. Not only that, you can start saving now. Check out the new vehicle deals at BMW of North Canton of special pricing on the BMW models you love and want to drive home to Green.