Articles tagged with "battery-degradation"
CATL Batteries Stand Out For Minimal Degradation In EVs And Long-Term Energy Storage Systems - CleanTechnica
Morgan Stanley conducted research on battery degradation in China by analyzing data from 100 electric vehicles across 12 models used by ride-hailing firms. The study revealed significant differences in battery capacity decline among the vehicles, with two models equipped with CATL batteries exhibiting the slowest degradation rates. Although the specific EV models tested were not disclosed, CATL’s batteries clearly outperformed others in terms of longevity. Additionally, Morgan Stanley evaluated long-term battery performance at the Zhangbei National Wind–Solar–Storage Demonstration Project, a pioneering large-scale energy storage system in China. Among four lithium iron phosphate (LFP) battery suppliers, only CATL’s batteries maintained about 90% capacity after 14 years without needing replacement, while competitors faced large-scale replacements or early retirements. This durability likely contributes to CATL’s position as the world’s largest battery manufacturer, known for producing high-quality, long-lasting batteries.
energybatterieselectric-vehiclesenergy-storageCATLbattery-degradationrenewable-energy1.25 million miles EV test: CATL batteries beat rivals with record low degradation
Morgan Stanley Research data reveals that Contemporary Amperex Technology Co. Limited (CATL) leads the electric vehicle battery market in minimizing degradation. In real-world tests involving 12 EV models and 100 batteries across four Chinese cities, CATL batteries retained about 400 km (250 miles) of range after 2 million kilometers (1.25 million miles), outperforming competitors whose batteries retained 350 km (218 miles) or less. This superior durability aligns with previous field data from projects like the Zhangbei Wind-Solar-Storage Demonstration and Jinjiang’s LFP battery system, which demonstrated over 12,000 cycles and projected 20+ years of operation. Managing battery degradation is increasingly recognized as a critical metric for evaluating battery and energy storage system quality. In response to this, CATL began mass production in June 2025 of its 587Ah energy storage cell, designed to optimize degradation control, safety, and system efficiency rather than just increasing battery size. Manufactured at CATL
energybattery-technologyelectric-vehiclesenergy-storageCATLbattery-degradationrenewable-energyWhy single-crystal EV batteries crack, fade, and sometimes fail
Researchers from Argonne National Laboratory and the University of Chicago have uncovered the underlying cause of degradation in single-crystal nickel-rich lithium-ion cathodes used in electric vehicle (EV) batteries. While single-crystal cathodes were initially expected to outperform traditional polycrystalline cathodes by avoiding grain boundary-related cracking, they still exhibited unexpected cracking and performance fade. Using advanced synchrotron X-ray and electron microscopy techniques, the team discovered that reaction heterogeneity within single-crystal particles causes internal strain, leading to nanoscale fractures from within the particles, a degradation mechanism distinct from that in polycrystalline materials. This insight challenges previous assumptions and conventional design principles that were based on polycrystalline cathodes. Notably, the study found that cobalt, which in polycrystalline cathodes tends to promote cracking but prevents structural disorder, actually improves durability in single-crystal cathodes, whereas manganese causes more mechanical damage. These findings suggest that new design strategies and material compositions are necessary to enhance battery longevity and safety.
energyelectric-vehicleslithium-ion-batteriesbattery-degradationsingle-crystal-cathodesmaterials-sciencebattery-safetyScientists curb battery degradation by tuning nickel-rich cathodes
An international research team from SLAC National Accelerator Laboratory and the Korea Institute of Science and Technology has developed a method to extend lithium-ion battery lifespan by preventing a key structural failure in nickel-rich cathodes called c-collapse. This failure occurs due to sudden lattice contraction during high-voltage cycling, causing particle cracking and reduced battery life. Instead of maintaining a perfectly ordered crystal structure, the scientists introduced controlled atomic disorder through an electrochemical activation process, transforming the cathode into a disordered layered (DL) structure. This new imperfect crystal arrangement reduces anisotropic strain, thereby enhancing both capacity and cycle life. The researchers demonstrated their approach using a high-energy nickel-rich material, LiNi₀.₉Mn₀.₁O₂, closely related to commercial cathodes. Batteries with the modified cathodes retained high energy capacity and showed improved structural stability during repeated charge-discharge cycles by preventing sharp lattice contraction. The electrochemical tuning method reduces internal strain, limits particle cracking, and suppresses voltage loss
energylithium-ion-batteriesbattery-degradationnickel-rich-cathodesmaterials-scienceelectrochemical-activationenergy-storageTesla Model 3 Standard Range — 6-Year, 60,000-Mile Review - CleanTechnica
The article presents a 6-year, 60,000-mile owner review of a 2019 Tesla Model 3 Standard Range Plus (SR+), highlighting the vehicle’s durability and consistent performance over time. The owner notes that the car still drives like new, with no noticeable decline in drive quality despite a change in personal driving style from aggressive acceleration to a more relaxed approach. The white vegan leather seats have held up well, showing only minor creasing and slight discoloration in some fabric areas, which the owner finds to be a minimal issue. The vehicle has maintained its aesthetic appeal, especially the white seats, which remain cooler in Florida’s heat and are preferred over black seats. Regarding maintenance and costs, the owner reports minimal expenses beyond replacing a tire damaged by a nail, totaling about $3,200 over six years—averaging roughly $43 per month. Battery range and degradation have not been closely monitored, as the owner believes concerns about range and battery life are often overstated. Charging
energyelectric-vehiclesTesla-Model-3battery-degradationsustainable-transportationelectric-car-reviewvehicle-rangeTEST EV Building Confidence in Pre-Loved EV Purchases - CleanTechnica
The article discusses the growing importance of certified battery health testing for used battery electric vehicles (BEVs) as more EVs enter their second and third ownership cycles. Since the battery can represent up to one-third of the vehicle’s value, buyers need assurance about its condition to make informed purchases. TEST EV Pty Ltd, founded by EV entrepreneur Nathan Gore-Brown in Australia, has partnered with AVILOO to provide a standardized, independent battery health testing service using the AVILOO Flash Test. This test quickly assesses the State of Health (SoH) of an EV battery in about three minutes via a plug-and-play device, generating a certificate that helps build buyer confidence. During a demonstration, Nathan tested a six-year-old Tesla Model 3, revealing some discrepancies between the WLTP (Worldwide Harmonized Light Vehicle Test Procedure) certified range and the real-world range experienced by the owner. Nathan explained that WLTP figures are lab-based and generally overestimate real-world range by 10-30% due
energyelectric-vehiclesbattery-healthEV-battery-testingbattery-degradationsustainable-transportationclean-energy6 Years & 160,000+ Miles on My 2019 Tesla Model 3 Long Range — Where Do I Stand Now? - CleanTechnica
The article recounts the experience of a 2019 Tesla Model 3 Long Range owner after six years and over 160,000 miles of driving. The owner highlights the vehicle’s reliability and performance, noting that it remains smooth, quiet, and quick in acceleration. A key advantage is Tesla’s extensive Supercharger network, which enables long-distance travel with minimal charging concerns, exemplified by an annual 1,551-mile trip from Wisconsin to Utah. Maintenance costs have been low, with only two notable repairs in nearly three years: a $112 replacement of the 12-volt lead-acid battery after five years (newer Teslas now use longer-lasting lithium-ion 12-volt batteries) and a $294 seatbelt repair. Battery degradation is a central focus, with the owner reporting a loss of about 19% in EPA-rated range (from 310 miles new to approximately 250 miles at 164,595 miles). This degradation rate suggests the battery’s capacity is declining steadily
energyelectric-vehiclesbattery-degradationTesla-Model-3lithium-ion-batteryEV-chargingrenewable-energy2022 Ford Lightning With 38,000 Miles Has No Range Loss In 2025 Range Test - CleanTechnica
A 2022 Ford Lightning Lariat with the Extended Range Battery was retested in 2025 after 38,000 miles to assess battery range degradation. Using the same New Jersey turnpike course and testing methodology as in 2022, the tester found that the truck’s range had not decreased; in fact, it slightly improved. The original 2022 test showed a range of 270 miles on a full charge with a 131 kWh battery capacity. In 2025, despite warmer temperatures and worn tires (which can reduce rolling resistance), the truck achieved about 286.7 miles on a full charge, with a midpoint range slightly higher than before. The fast charging test also indicated no measurable battery capacity loss, as the charger delivered roughly the same amount of energy as when the truck was new. The tester attributes the lack of degradation partly to Ford’s battery management system, which may adjust the battery buffer over time, and to conservative DC fast charging speeds. Comments from other
energyelectric-vehiclesbattery-technologyFord-Lightningrange-testbattery-degradationEV-chargingReal-time imaging shows electrolyte flow in lithium-sulfur batteries
A research team at Helmholtz-Zentrum Berlin (HZB) has pioneered the use of operando neutron tomography to observe, in real time, how liquid electrolytes move within practical lithium-sulfur (Li-S) pouch cells containing lean electrolyte. This breakthrough imaging technique allowed the team to visualize electrolyte distribution changes during battery operation without damaging the cells, providing critical insights into the wetting behavior that affects battery performance and longevity. Li-S batteries, known for their potential to deliver over 700 Wh/kg—more than twice the energy density of conventional lithium-ion batteries—are promising for applications in aerospace, robotics, and electric vehicles, partly due to sulfur’s abundance and low cost. The study revealed that incomplete electrolyte wetting, especially during rest phases, leads to unwetted areas that can accelerate battery degradation. However, charging and discharging cycles improved electrolyte homogeneity and sulfur activation, enhancing capacity. The researchers also identified unique “breath in” and “breath out” wetting patterns corresponding
energylithium-sulfur-batteriesbattery-technologyelectrolyte-flowneutron-tomographyenergy-storagebattery-degradationUS firm's world-largest sodium phosphate battery offers record savings
Peak Energy, a New York-based company, has launched the world's largest grid-scale sodium-ion phosphate (NFPP) battery system in the United States. This innovative energy storage system (ESS) features a patent-pending passive cooling design that eliminates nearly all moving parts, resulting in significant cost savings and enhanced reliability. The system offers at least $1 million in annual operational cost savings per gigawatt hour installed, reduces auxiliary power use by up to 90%, cuts lifetime costs by approximately 20% compared to lithium iron phosphate (LFP) batteries, and decreases battery degradation by 33% over a 20-year lifespan. The launch marks a major step toward onshoring battery manufacturing in the U.S., leveraging the country's abundant natural resources, including the world's largest reserves of soda ash—a key raw material for sodium-ion batteries. Peak Energy is currently piloting the system with nine utility and independent power producer customers, aiming to commercialize sodium-ion battery storage and secure nearly 1 GWh of
energybattery-storagesodium-ion-batterygrid-scale-energy-storageenergy-cost-savingsbattery-degradationenergy-innovationADAC tests ID.3 for 99K miles, battery still holds 91% capacity
After undergoing a rigorous 99,000-mile (160,000 km) endurance test by ADAC over four years, Volkswagen’s ID.3 Pro S electric hatchback demonstrated exceptional battery durability and overall reliability. The vehicle’s 77 kWh battery retained 91% of its original capacity, significantly surpassing VW’s 70% warranty threshold. ADAC subjected the ID.3 to harsh real-world conditions including frequent fast charging (over 40% of sessions), leaving the battery fully charged for extended periods, freezing temperatures, and long highway drives. Despite this aggressive usage, the battery showed minimal degradation, instilling confidence in the long-term viability of VW’s electric platform. The test also highlighted the benefits of a major software update that increased DC fast-charging speeds from around 125 kW to over 160 kW, improved range and efficiency—especially in cold weather—and introduced smarter route planning and battery management. Impressively, the ID.3 completed nearly 400 km in subzero
energyelectric-vehiclesbattery-technologyfast-chargingVolkswagen-ID.3battery-degradationsoftware-updateSupercharged EV battery life may be possible, thanks to Rice’s ‘hot spot’ discovery
Researchers at Rice University have discovered that the internal chemistry of battery materials, rather than just their physical structure, is crucial to improving the durability and capacity of lithium-ion batteries. Using high-resolution X-ray imaging, the team observed in real-time how energy reactions within thick battery electrodes often create uneven “hot spots” near the surface, leaving deeper regions inactive. This uneven reaction causes internal cracking, faster degradation, and reduced energy capacity, which limits the performance and lifespan of batteries, particularly those designed to hold more energy. The study, led by materials scientist Ming Tang, compared two common battery materials: lithium iron phosphate (LFP) and a nickel manganese cobalt oxide blend (NMC). Contrary to prior assumptions that pore structure dictated performance, the researchers found that the thermodynamic properties of the materials primarily determine how evenly reactions spread. NMC electrodes exhibited more balanced and stable reactions, while LFP showed pronounced hot spots near the separator surface. To aid battery design, the team introduced a new metric called the “
energymaterials-sciencebattery-technologylithium-ion-batterieselectric-vehiclesenergy-storagebattery-degradation