Types of Batteries Used in Electric Vehicles

If you’re an electric vehicle driver in the Kansas City area, it may be a smart idea to grasp the technology behind EV batteries. At Hendrick Chevrolet Shawnee Mission, we’re your go-to source for an in-depth understanding of EV battery technology and how it impacts your driving experience. Dive into the intricacies of electric vehicle battery technology and how it can revolutionize your daily commutes in Merriam. Then explore our inventory to find the EV model that best suits your lifestyle. Our expert team is ready to assist, so please don’t hesitate to get in touch.

EV Battery Technology Insights

Your electric vehicle battery type hinges on whether it’s an all-electric or a plug-in hybrid. These batteries are designed for an extended life, typically around eight years or 100,000 miles, with some enduring for up to 12 to 15 years in moderate climates.

Electric cars employ four primary types of batteries: nickel-metal hydride, ultracapacitors, lead-acid, and lithium-ion. Here’s a closer look at each:

Nickel-Metal Hydride (NiMH) Batteries: Often found in hybrid-electric vehicles, NiMH batteries can also be used in some all-electric cars. These vehicles don’t rely solely on external plug-in charging as they use fuel to recharge the battery. Key characteristics include:

• Longer lifespan compared to lead-acid or lithium-ion batteries
• Higher cost
• High self-discharge rate
• Generates significant heat

Given their limited effectiveness for rechargeable vehicles, the electric vehicle battery used in hybrid models is primarily a NiMH battery.

Ultracapacitors: These unconventional devices serve as secondary storage in electric vehicles. They assist in balancing the load on electrochemical batteries and provide extra power during acceleration and regenerative braking.

Lead-Acid Batteries: Found in EVs to complement other battery systems, lead-acid batteries are cost-effective, safe, reliable, and offer high power. However, their shorter lifespan and poor performance in cold temperatures limit their use in electric vehicles. High-powered alternatives are under development and are mainly utilized as secondary storage in commercial vehicles.

Lithium-Ion Batteries: The most prevalent electric vehicle battery type, lithium-ion batteries are renowned for their high power-to-weight ratio, excellent temperature performance, and superior energy efficiency. Key attributes include:

• High energy storage capacity relative to their weight, enabling EVs to cover more distance on a single charge in Overland Park
• Low self-discharge rate, allowing them to hold a full charge longer than other batteries over time

Explore Our EV Inventory in Merriam Today! 

Now that you know more about EV battery technology, are you ready to revolutionize your everyday drives around Shawnee Mission while also playing a part in environmental conservation? Contact us to schedule a test drive in Merriam to get started on your EV journey today. You can even take advantage of our 10-second trade-in evaluator to see how you can use the value of your current car to secure your new EV!