When it comes to electric vehicles, the Mitsubishi i-MiEV has been a pioneer in the industry. However, one question that often comes up in discussions about EVs is, “What does it cost to replace the battery?”
In this article, we will delve into the details of Mitsubishi i-MiEV battery replacement cost, addressing common misconceptions, actual costs, and the factors that affect battery longevity.
Misconceptions about EV Battery Life
There is a common misconception that electric vehicle batteries don’t last very long, and replacing them is prohibitively expensive. These beliefs have perpetuated fear, uncertainty, and doubt (FUD) about EVs.
While there is a grain of truth behind these misconceptions, the reality is quite different.
Battery Degradation in Older EVs
Some owners of older EVs, such as the Mitsubishi i-MiEV and early Nissan LEAF models, have experienced battery degradation. For example, a Mitsubishi i-MiEV that initially had 160 km of range might see that range reduced to 120 km after some years of use.
In such cases, a battery upgrade becomes necessary. The cost of battery replacement for the Mitsubishi i-MiEV can be substantial, with quotes reaching up to $8,000
However, it’s important to understand that this does not represent the entire EV landscape. These early instances of battery degradation have led to the misconceptions about EV battery longevity. The reality, as we will explore, is more encouraging for modern EVs.
Important: EV battery replacement can cost $1000s. To avoid high-voltage battery replacement, there are some things you can do. Read this article to find out the 10 best ways to maximize EV battery life and save tons of money!
Actual Battery Longevity Data
Recent research conducted by Recurrent has provided valuable insights into real-world EV battery longevity. Analyzing data from 15,000 EVs, they found that battery replacements are relatively rare, occurring in only about 1.5% of cases, and are often covered under warranty.
Most EVs come with an 8-year battery warranty, offering peace of mind to buyers.
Battery degradation is not a straightforward process either. It’s not as if the battery capacity continuously declines over time.
Typically, there may be a slight initial loss of capacity, but then it stabilizes, leading to a very gradual decline in capacity. This means that your EV battery remains quite reliable over the years.
Also read: EV Battery in Hot Temperature: 5 Things to Know
Real-World Experiences
To emphasize the point further, real-world experiences of EV owners showcase the impressive longevity of modern EV batteries. For example, some Tesla Model 3 owners have reported that their battery capacity increased after an over-the-air update.
After four years and 120,000 km (about 80,000 miles) of driving, they have seen no battery degradation, even after using various charging methods.
Uber drivers have logged over 240,000 km with no battery degradation, highlighting the robustness of EV batteries. These examples underscore the fact that modern EV batteries are designed to endure a long lifespan.
Battery Chemistry Matters
It’s crucial to dispel the misconception that EV batteries are akin to the lead-acid batteries found in traditional internal combustion engine (ICE) vehicles.
While lead-acid batteries require replacement every few years, EVs use advanced lithium-ion batteries similar to those in smartphones and laptops. Unlike Apple’s encouragement to replace electronic devices every few years, EVs are engineered to stand the test of time.
EV Battery Evolution
The progress in battery chemistry and battery management has significantly enhanced the durability of EV batteries. Manufacturers have made considerable strides to ensure that battery life exceeds the warranty period, contributing to a thriving second-hand market for EVs.
Apart from a few notable battery replacement recalls by GM for the Chevrolet Bolt and Hyundai for the Kona, there has been a decline in battery replacements over the years since EVs were first introduced.
Longevity of Prominent EV Models
For instance, the Nissan LEAF, one of the early mass-market EVs, had some battery issues in its initial versions. Still, Nissan has reported that almost all the batteries they’ve produced are still functioning in vehicles, even after selling electric cars for over a decade.
In 2019, an estimate from Renault-Nissan Energy Services suggested that LEAF batteries might last up to 22 years, a testament to their durability.
Additionally, the BMW i3, with its 22 kWh battery, has maintained around 80% of its battery capacity even after covering more than 1,000,000 miles. Even early model Tesla Model S sedans with smaller batteries show minimal degradation, as indicated by research from Recurrent Auto.
Conclusion
In conclusion, the cost to replace the battery in your Mitsubishi i-MiEV, or any modern EV, is not the daunting expense that some misconceptions suggest.
While early EV models did experience some battery degradation issues, advancements in battery chemistry and management have significantly improved battery longevity.
For most EV owners, the cost of battery replacement will likely be minimal, or even zero, as modern EVs are designed to stand the test of time, outlasting the cars themselves