EVs have become more and more popular in Centennial, allowing drivers to make their commute more efficient while lowering their carbon emissions. If you’re looking to make an environmentally friendly choice but want to first explore EV battery technology, we can help. With the help of our guide below, you can learn more about the types of batteries used in electric vehicles to better understand the various types of EVs. Read on and then visit us in Parker to explore our inventory to find a new-to-you model that perfectly suits your Aurora lifestyle and budget.
The type of electric vehicle battery you end up with depends on whether your chosen vehicle is all-electric or plug-in hybrid electric. Generally, EV battery technology was designed for an extended life of about eight years or 100,000 miles. However, some batteries can last as long as 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-metal hydride batteries — These batteries are commonly found in hybrid-electric vehicles but can be used in some all-electric vehicles too. These types of vehicles don’t get power from an external plug-in since they use fuel to recharge the battery. Some important facts to understand about these batteries are that they:
Because they’re less effective for rechargeable vehicles, they are mainly used in hybrid electric vehicles.
Ultracapacitor batteries — These are not your traditional batteries and are 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 assist with regenerative 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 as a primary power source. High-powered batteries are currently in development, but they’re only used as secondary storage in commercial vehicles.
Lithium-ion batteries —This is the most common type of battery used in electric cars. Lithium-ion batteries are known for having a high power-to-weight ratio, excellent performance across various temperatures, 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 also hold a full charge longer than other types of batteries over their lifetime.
We know navigating the market to find the right vehicle for your needs can be a bit daunting, but it doesn’t have to be. Contact us at Rocky Mountain Eurosport Parker today and we’ll help guide you through the car-buying process to find the model that’s right for your Elizabeth commute. We’re here to answer any questions you may have about what to look for in a used car or schedule a test drive in Parker when you’re ready to take the next step.