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What’s the difference between kW and kWh?
The abbreviation kW (kilowatt) is the unit for the power of electrical energy. The abbreviation kWh (kilowatt hour) is the amount of electricity produced or consumed in an hour. The battery size is indicated in kWh and the capacity of an electric car or charging station in kW.
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Can batteries from electric cars be recycled?
Yes, the batteries can be recycled. The batteries last longer than the electric car itself. That means that the battery can be used in another electric car or for energy storage in a household. In theory, after this, about 90% of the battery can be recycled. The EU directive is that at least 50% of the battery must be recyclable.
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How long does the battery of an electric car last?
The life of the battery pack depends on several factors, including the make and model of the car, the conditions of use, and how it is charged. Manufacturers usually have warranties for battery packs ranging from 8 to 10 years or a certain number of kilometres. Often with minimal capacity residual warranty.
There is no ready answer to the question of how often you can recharge the battery. Estimates range from 1,000 to 2,000 full charge cycles. But this may vary between different models. It is good to know that a “charge cycle” does not necessarily mean charging the battery from 0% to 100%; it can also be a partial charge. Regularly charging to 100% or discharging to 0% can adversely affect the life of the battery pack.
The capacity of the battery pack may gradually decrease over time – even if the battery is still usable. Technological developments are continually taking place, potentially improving the lifespan of battery packs in future electric cars.
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How does temperature affect range?
Temperature affects the range of an electric car. In general, extreme heat or cold can adversely affect battery performance. At low temperatures, the battery may operate less efficiently. At high temperatures, the battery may overheat. If you are planning a longer drive in your electric car, it is important to consider the temperature whilst doing so.
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Can you replace a battery pack?
Electric car batteries are made so that you can travel many hundreds of thousands of kilometres with them without much “degradation” (decrease in capacity). Replacement is therefore actually not necessary. Moreover, it is complex and expensive. For example, the battery of a Renault Zoe already costs about €8,000. For larger EVs, the price is easily double that. The Chinese car brand NIO has its own Power Swap Stations, where you can swap the battery of your NIO as an alternative to charging yourself.
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What exactly does the number of kWh mean?
The abbreviation kWh stands for kilowatt hour. The number of kWh in an electric vehicle (EV) refers to the capacity of the battery. It indicates how much electrical energy the battery can store and deliver before it needs to be recharged. The higher the number of kWh, the greater the capacity of the battery.
The number of kWh plays an important role in determining the range of your car. That range also depends on several other factors. The energy consumption of the vehicle, the driver’s driving style, the tyre pressure, the terrain, and the environmental conditions all play a role.