What is the best battery for an electric car? This question was analyzed by the mechanics at EV Clinic, a garage that specializes in electric vehicles. They examined defective cells from electric cars, which helped them identify the leading technologies and brands in the market.
Faulty batteries // Source: EV Clinic
Many people believe that electric car batteries have a limited lifespan and encounter numerous issues over time. However, battery life can actually exceed the lifespan of the car. Well-designed batteries can last for multiple millions of kilometers and more than ten years without significant problems. In the worst-case scenario, they can be repurposed or recycled.
EV Clinic is a Croatian garage focused on the repair of batteries and motors in electric cars. It frequently appears in discussions on Survoltés, as the garage often shares analyses of its repairs online. Notable topics include “Hybrid cars scrapped due to irreparable batteries: these models should be avoided” and “‘Battery Stops Working at 80,000 km’: The Significant Reliability Issue of Toyota Hybrid Cars (and Proposed Solutions)“.
Three Different Battery Sizes
This time, EV Clinic focused on a crucial question (via X, formerly Twitter): What is the most reliable and durable battery technology (or format)? They based their findings on repairs conducted over the last five years. It’s important to note that there are three primary battery technologies: cylindrical cells (held in hand in the photo), pouch cells (light gray in the photo), and prismatic cells (dark gray in the photo).
A pouch cell battery
Historically, electric car battery manufacturers primarily used pouch and prismatic formats. However, Tesla aimed to innovate by adopting cylindrical formats, similar to “traditional” batteries used by the public. This format is employed for the so-called revolutionary 4680 cells for Tesla electric cars, which have posed challenges for the American manufacturer.
Ultimately, EV Clinic’s conclusion is clear: cylindrical cells are the most efficient and reliable, exhibiting the fewest issues. Over five years of operation, the garage has only encountered four faulty cells (from two different Tesla batteries), compared to numerous issues with pouch and prismatic cells.
Tesla battery with 4680 cells
Of course, the cell format is not the sole factor influencing reliability. The overall design of the battery, which combines dozens or even hundreds of cells, also plays a significant role, as evidenced by some plug-in hybrid vehicles. Chemistry (NMC, NCA, or LFP) is another crucial element.
Cylindrical Cells Are the Most Reliable and Efficient
EV Clinic confirms that cylindrical batteries are the most efficient and the least prone to rapid degradation, as their design allows them to endure higher charging power (during charging) and discharge power (during acceleration). According to the specialists, car manufacturers should prioritize this choice for high-performance and luxury applications.
This may partly explain why Tesla boasts impressive battery lifespan. The American company reports minimal degradation: about 12% capacity loss after traveling 312,800 km.
According to the Croatian team, prismatic or pouch batteries should primarily be used for more conservative applications, where charge or discharge power is less critical. This can help lower costs and subsequently reduce the prices of electric cars. However, EV Clinic notes that prismatic LFP or Blade cells (such as those from BYD, which we found in some Tesla Model Y) are among those that have encountered the fewest issues and, therefore, appear as reliable as cylindrical cells.
What is the best battery for an electric car? This is the question that the mechanics at EV Clinic, a garage specializing in electric cars, tried to answer. To do this, they studied, among other things, defective cells from electric cars. This gave them an idea of the best technologies and battery brands in the sector.
A large part of the general public thinks that electric car batteries have a limited lifespan and experience many problems during their lifetime. But the reality is that battery life may exceed car life. Well-designed, they can hold several million kilometers and more than ten years without experiencing major problems. In the worst case, second life or recycling is, of course, possible.
EV Clinic is a Croatian garage specializing in the repair of batteries and motors of electric cars. It is often discussed on Survoltés, as the garage frequently publishes analyses of its repairs online. Notably, they covered subjects like Hybrid cars scrapped due to irreparable batteries and the issue of Toyota hybrid batteries failing at 80,000 km.
Three Different Battery Sizes
This time, EV Clinic looked into a fundamental question (via X, ex-Twitter): What is the most reliable and durable battery technology (or rather format)? To do so, the garage based its conclusions on extensive repairs conducted over the past five years. It’s essential to outline that there are three primary battery technologies: cylindrical cells, pouch (pocket-sized) cells, and prismatic cells.
Historically, manufacturers of batteries for electric cars relied on pouch and prismatic formats. However, Tesla sought innovation by adopting cylindrical formats, akin to conventional batteries used by the public. This is exemplified in Tesla’s revolutionary 4680 cells, which present challenges for the American manufacturer.
EV Clinic’s findings reveal that cylindrical cells are the most efficient and reliable type. During its five years of operation, the garage reported only four cells (from two different Tesla batteries) malfunctioning, compared to dozens of issues with pouch and prismatic cells.
Cylindrical Cells: The Most Reliable and Efficient
EV Clinic confirms that cylindrical batteries are the least prone to rapid degradation. Their design allows them to withstand high charging and discharge powers effectively, making them suitable for performance-oriented use cases. This could explain Tesla’s admirable battery longevity, as the company reports minimal deterioration—approximately 12% loss in capacity after 312,800 km driven.
According to EV Clinic, prismatic or pouch batteries are more suitable for less demanding applications, primarily where charge and discharge power is less critical. This choice often results in cost savings, reducing the price of the electric vehicles. However, EV Clinic notes that prismatic LFP or Blade cells (such as those found in BYD vehicles and some Tesla Model Y) exhibit minimal issues, rivaling the reliability of cylindrical batteries.
Benefits of Using Cylindrical Cells
- Higher Efficiency: Cylindrical cells maintain peak performance longer than other formats.
- Better Thermal Management: Their structure allows for improved heat dissipation.
- Durability: Fewer reported failures during EV Clinic’s analyses.
- Versatility: Suitable for various electric vehicle applications, from compact cars to high-performance models.
Case Studies: Real-World Experiences
Tesla Model 3
Many Tesla Model 3 users report minimal battery degradation over extensive mileage. Through EV Clinic’s analysis, only a handful of cylindrical cells were found to be defective, emphasizing the reliability of Tesla’s battery technology.
BYD Tang EV
In BYD’s case, their prismatic Blade battery cells experienced minimal to no issues, showcasing another reliable battery technology. Users have reported excellent range retention after several years of use.
Practical Tips for Electric Car Battery Care
- Avoid Extreme Charges: Try not to charge your battery to 100% frequently; aim for 80% where possible.
- Keep it Cool: Park in shaded or indoor locations to manage battery temperature.
- Regular Maintenance: Schedule routine checks, especially for older electric vehicles.
- Use Smart Charging: Utilize charging schedules to avoid peak hours and save on costs.
Understanding Battery Chemistry
The chemistry of electric car batteries is also crucial in determining their reliability and efficiency. The most common chemistries include:
| Chemistry Type | Description | Common Uses |
|---|---|---|
| NMC (Nickel Manganese Cobalt) | Offers a high energy density with balanced durability. | Used in high-performance EVs. |
| NCA (Nickel Cobalt Aluminum) | Excellent energy density and thermal stability. | Tesla’s roadster models. |
| LFP (Lithium Iron Phosphate) | Lower energy density but enhanced safety. | BYD and other economical EVs. |
