What is an electric car battery?
Before understanding the causes of a battery's weight battery in an electric car, let's take a look at what this part is made of.
Whether it's a combustion or an electric car, the vehicle is powered by a battery, and it's this element that ensures the smooth running and stability of all the car's equipment: the radio, windows and sensors.
What's also important to know is that there are several types of battery in an electric car:
- Lead-acid battery: this type of battery is found in both internal combustion and electric cars. Today, this type of battery is only used for traction. It is used to power the electrical circuit of accessories and equipment, such as the heater.
- Nickel-Metal Hydride battery: Nickel-Metal Hydride batteries are free from heavy metals and pollutants such as cadmium and lead, and therefore offer ecological advantages.
- Lithium-ion battery: this is the most widely used battery in today's electric cars. As well as being an innovative technology, it is durable over time and conserves a significant amount of energy.
This explains the weight of an electric car battery
Lithium-ion batteries
Most electric car batteries have an accumulator to power the car's engine: this is called the lithium-ion battery.
The principle of this battery is that it releases electricity by exchanging lithium ions between two electrodes. It is thanks to these two elements that the current flows. This exchange of ions takes place via a liquid called theelectrolyte.
If this type of battery is the most widely used for electric cars, it's because it offers a number of advantages, such as :
- High energy efficiency: this battery can store large quantities of energy.
- Improved charging efficiency: the battery supports partial charges well, and in 30 minutes can reach 50% charge.
- Service life: lithium-ion battery lasts 3 to 4 times longer without loss of efficiency
- Safety: this type of battery is highly resistant to the harshest environments. This is due to the IP67 protection rating, which is dust- and water-resistant.
So when you use an electric car with a lithium-ion battery, the vehicle promises good performance and optimum range.
Read also: How long does an electric car battery last?
Battery weight by electric car model
In general terms, electric car batteries weigh between 250 and 300 kg. Depending on the model of car chosen, the battery weight will vary according to the size and composition of the battery, and the type of use (short or long distance).
Here are some examples with 2 different car models:
- Battery weight for Renault Zoé
The Renault Zoé is definitely the best-selling electric car in France.
If your next project is to buy a Renault Zoé, you should know that the lithium battery of this electric car weighs in at 326 kg for 79 kWh lithium-ion, offering great range and performance. It comprises 12 modules and 192 cells. Its weight authorizes a range of 395 on the WLTP cycle.
- Battery weight for the Tesla Model 3
For the Tesla Model 3, 2022 is synonymous with new features:
The new battery for this electric car promises better performance than the lead-acid battery. Not only does this mean greater range, it also considerably reduces the car's weight.
Read also: All electric cars without battery rental.
Electric car range
Nowadays, to keep electric vehicles on the road as long as possible, a long range necessary. Generally speaking, an electric car needs to cover an average of between 150 and 600 km, and must be equipped with at least 50 kWh. However, it's important to point out that range varies according to a number of factors:
- The electric car model.
- Driving style: from sporty to eco-friendly.
- Road topography: range can change if you use your electric car for city or freeway driving.
As you can see, the range of an electric car varies according to the driver's needs. What's more, the greater the range of an electric vehicle, the greater the weight of the battery.
The importance of a battery's power-to-weight ratio
Why is the power-to-weight ratio important?
Power-to-weight ratios are important to consider. As we saw earlier, the weight of a battery alone can be in excess of 300 kg. This weight has a negative impact on the electric car as it becomes heavier and consumes much more energy. This is a challenge for electric car battery manufacturers, as they look for alternatives to build electric vehicles while maintaining good performance.
How do I maintain an electric car battery?
Whatever happens, the battery of your electric car. To prevent this from happening sooner, let's take a look at how to maintain your car.
The secret is to check the condition of the battery regularly. battery. There's something called SOH (State of Health), which is the ratio between the current maximum capacity and the maximum capacity of the battery when first used. To find out, contact the manufacturer of your electric carThey'll give you a full battery diagnosis, so you can adopt the right reflex.
What's more, there are a few tricks you can use to extend battery life battery life:
- Avoid overcharging the battery : a charge of between 20% and 80% is recommended.
- Reducing speed on the road: this is calledhypermiling. This means driving more gently in town or on freeways.
- Regular use of your car: if you leave it parked in your garage for too long, the battery of your electric car to age more quickly.
- Pay attention to the weather: it's advisable to keep your vehicle out of the sun when it's hot.
- Charge normally rather than rapidly: the more your battery is charged normally, the less it heats up and the less it wears out.
- Check the condition of your tires: if your tires are deflated, your energy consumption will increase.
Things to remember
It's true that the weight of your future car is very important, especially if you want to cover long distances. But the weight of the battery will also have an impact on the car as a whole, on your energy consumption and, above all, on the environment.
In the meantime, engineers are constantly working to improve the battery's performance. battery of electric car while reducing its weight.
Soon, we hope, it will no longer be necessary to choose between the range of an electric battery and its power.
