I wanted to revisit something that comes up again and again with EV drivers and people thinking about going electric. Battery degradation.
In this episode, I break down what’s really going on, using a simple comparison we all understand: our phones. From how we charge to when we charge, I explore what actually impacts battery health and what really matters when it comes to keeping your EV running well long term.
What You’ll Discover
- Why EV Batteries Aren’t Like Your Phone: Despite common fears, EV batteries degrade far slower and often outlast the car itself.
- The 80 Percent Rule Explained: For NMC batteries, limiting daily charging to around 80 percent can help preserve long-term battery health.
- How Charging Habits Really Matter: Heat, rapid charging, and frequent full cycles all play a role, but most drivers won’t see major issues in everyday use.
What really stands out to me is how much of the concern around EV batteries is driven by misunderstanding. We’ve all experienced phone batteries degrading quickly, so it’s easy to assume the same thing will happen with a car. But the reality is very different. EVs have far more advanced battery management systems, and the data shows degradation is much lower than people expect.
There’s also a useful mindset shift here. It’s not about obsessing over perfect charging behaviour. It’s about understanding the basics and then getting on with your life. Whether that’s charging overnight, using rapid chargers when needed, or simply knowing your battery type and adjusting slightly.
If you’ve been worried about battery life or know someone who is still on the fence about EVs because of it, this episode is worth sharing. It cuts through the noise and gives you a clear, practical way to think about it.
The EV Musings Podcast is sponsored by Zapmap, the go-to app for EV drivers, helping you find and pay for public charging with confidence.
Episode produced by Arran Sheppard at Urban Podcasts: https://www.urbanpodcasts.co.uk
(C) 2019-2026 Gary Comerford
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Zapmap
The EV Musings Podcast is sponsored by Zapmap, the go-to app for EV drivers, helping you find and pay for public charging with confidence. Zapmap is free to download and use, with subscription plans for enhanced features such as using Zapmap in-car on CarPlay or Android Auto, and discounted charging across thousands of charge points. Download the app from the Apple App Store or Google Play Store or find out more at www.zapmap.com.
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