United Kingdom
Country / Language
United Kingdom English
A stand-out feature that sets electric cars apart from traditionally fuelled vehicles is how they’re powered. Cars with internal combustion engines are fuelled by petrol and diesel, but electric cars are battery-powered.
An electric-car battery is hidden out of sight, but it’s an essential part of an electric car. Knowing more about EV batteries, what they’re made of and how long they last can be helpful when learning more about electric vehicles and how they operate. Find out more about how EV batteries power electric cars below.
Unlike traditionally powered cars with an internal combustion engine, electric cars are powered by rechargeable batteries that provide energy for the motor.
In most electric vehicles, batteries are located within the floor; this helps with weight distribution and improves space efficiency. Individual cells are stored in the battery, and their energy powers the motor and turns the wheels.
An EV battery pack features thermal management systems to regulate temperature. This helps to ensure optimal performance from the EV battery. The key features of thermal management include:
Electric-car batteries are recharged by plugging them into an external charger. Find out more in our guide to how to charge an electric car.
Typically, how long your EV battery lasts will depend on the make and model of the car you choose. Batteries eventually wear out over time, and an electric-car battery is no different. While there is more research needed to determine exactly how long an EV battery will last, there are elements that will have an impact on this, including charging and driving habits.
Unlike some other EV brands, you don't need to worry about how you charge your BYD electric car. You can charge it up to 100% whenever you like, and charge via DC rapid charging whenever you want, with no worries.
In general, standard electric-car batteries will inevitably degrade over time, so knowing how to keep them in the best condition is crucial for your vehicle and the environment.
One of the easiest ways of doing this is to reduce your driving speed. To improve EV battery longevity, ease off the accelerator and try to take journeys slowly and steadily. The faster you drive, the quicker your battery drains, which may impact your EV battery's lifespan.
Most electric vehicles are powered by lithium-ion batteries; including BYD vehicles. BYD has developed a stronger, safer and more durable EV battery. The BYD Blade Battery uses lithium-iron-phosphate (LFP), which has undergone rigorous testing to ensure that it’s one of the most advanced batteries on the market. The Blade Battery increases space utilisation by over 50%, is safe and strong, with a long range, and a long lifecycle. Plus, it doesn't require any Nickel or Cobalt.
Lithium-ion batteries are used in most electric cars as they have a high energy density. They’re suited to quick charging which works well in an electric car. They also retain energy density over thousands of charge cycles.
An electric-car battery is made up of hundreds of individual cells. They work together within the battery to power the electric motor. When you drive, the EV battery discharges (loses charge) as electrons move from one cell to another, generating an electric current. The current drives the car and moves the wheels.
When you recharge your battery by plugging it into the charger, electrons move in the opposite direction to when they’re discharging, recharging the battery.
Unlike cars with internal combustion engines, electric cars are powered solely by an electric battery, and instead of topping up with petrol or diesel, they’re charged externally. But how does the battery inside the car work? There are a few components to consider:
The battery pack stores electric energy in interconnected cells. The cells in battery packs are most often lithium-ion batteries, known for rechargeability. Specifically, BYDs use lithium-iron-phosphate (LFP) batteries.
When you turn on an electric car, the energy stored in the battery sends power to systems within the car, including the electric motor, lights, and heating and cooling systems. BYD cars also have a 12v battery that powers in-car technology.
The energy stored in the battery moves the wheels, propelling them forward by converting electrical energy into mechanical energy.
Your electric-car battery will need to be recharged when depleted. When plugged into a power source, electricity flows into the battery and replenishes the stored energy.
To learn more about terms specific to electric cars, read our Every Electric Vehicle Term Explained glossary for more information.
Typically, EV batteries tend to range between 454kg and 900kg, but this typically depends on the make and model of the vehicle.
An EV battery can take up around 25% of the vehicle's overall weight. This makes electric vehicles heavier than traditional cars, but EV manufacturers make up for this decrease in weight elsewhere. It also makes for a more controlled drive through a lower centre of gravity.
An electric-car battery is an essential component of an EV. It keeps the car running, similar to the way an internal combustion engine works. Powered by electricity, EV batteries allow drivers to benefit from zero-emission driving to benefit the planet, save money on fuel and experience the most advanced automotive technology on the market.
Find out more about BYD and the benefits of electric cars with our range of guides.
