Electric cars have taken the world by storm. There are plenty of those in the street but one thing to notice is that they are kind of heavier than conventional cars.
One of the reasons behind the heaviness lies in the batteries they use. So, how heavy are electric car batteries?
The batteries are made of lithium-ion and the materials used in it are heavier than usual batteries. However, the average weight is around 385-544 kg.
Let’s check more about this query below.
Electric Car Battery
The first thing to understand is what does an electric car battery means. An electric car battery (also known as a traction battery) is a type of battery that is used to power the electric engines of an electric car or hybrid electric vehicle (HEV).
These are generally rechargeable batteries that are lithium-ion in nature. These batteries are built with a substantial ampere-hour (or kilowatt-hour) capacity in mind.
Electric-vehicle batteries vary from starting, lights, and ignition (SLI) batteries in that they are deep-cycle batteries that provide power for extended periods.
Electric car batteries are distinguished by their considerably large power-to-weight ratio, specific energy, and power density; smaller, lighter cells are preferred since they lower car weight and hence enhance performance.
Most contemporary battery technologies have considerably lower specific energy when contrasted to liquid fuels, which frequently affects the maximum all-electric range of the vehicles.
Types Of Electric Car Battery
There are various types of batteries for electric cars. However, because of their high energy density compared to weight, lithium-ion, and lithium polymer batteries are the most popular battery types in current electric cars.
Lead-acid (“flooded,” deep-cycle, and valve-controlled lead acid) batteries, nickel-cadmium, nickel-metal hydride, and, less often, zinc-air and sodium nickel chloride (“zebra”) batteries are also used in electric cars.
The quantity of electricity (or electric charge) contained in batteries is calculated in ampere-hours or coulombs, with total energy estimated in kilowatt-hours.
Developments in lithium-ion battery technology have been driven since the 1990s by demand from portable devices, laptop computers, mobile phones, and power tools. The BEV and HEV markets have received the advantages of these advancements in performance and energy density.
Unlike older battery chemistries, such as nickel-cadmium, lithium-ion batteries may be drained and recharged on a regular basis and at any level of charge.
How Much Does An Electric Car Battery Weigh?
This is kind of a vague question. Different batteries weigh differently. However, the average weight is around 385-544 kg.
Let’s think about GM’s electric car the EV1. It was one of the most popular EVs you can find, and those who appreciate their vehicles will remember it fondly.
It was a fantastic car that pushed the industry forward, maybe laying the groundwork for electric vehicle supremacy.
From the standpoint of a spectator, it was more of a well-funded first-entry in a scientific fare by a collegiate team.
The weight of the automobile was the most noticeable feature. It weighed about 3000 pounds, although that may have been done on purpose. The vehicle was designed with weight and aerodynamics in consideration.
The battery produced a whopping 1175 pounds from this weight. Though subsequent versions utilized lithium batteries, the battery that powered the vehicles was as hefty as a compact car.
As a result, every other aspect of the car was reduced.
From the beginning, it appeared that the fate of all-electric and hybrid-electric cars was determined by the weight of the battery. And it’s been that that ever since.
It appears unusual that EV makers have suddenly set aside weight concerns. And the majority of users prefer larger cars. Consider the Audi e-tron, which weighs in at a staggering 6000 pounds.
This only shows that the rise of heavy electric cars is coming worldwide.
Why Are Electric Car Batteries So Heavy?
There are some conditions and factors that are responsible for determining the weight.
The Capacity of the Battery:
To move, EVs require a significant amount of electric energy. As a result, EVBs are typically bigger, ensuring the energy necessary to move a car weighing two tons or more.
The energy stored in these batteries is defined in kWh, which reflects the battery’s energy storage over a given time. That is, a 100kWh battery like the Tesla Model S discussed above can provide 100 kW of electricity in one hour.
The bigger the battery, the more powerful it is, and hence the heavier it is.
Duration
Another consideration while creating EVBs is how long they can survive in a single-use. A battery that is large enough to meet one’s demands should be chosen.
A Honda E, for example, comes with a smaller battery. Its 35kWh battery will only get you approximately 130 kilometers. That can only be useful for getting around town.
Heavier batteries are more powerful and last longer. Weight also has a significant impact on safety.
The bigger the battery, the more powerful it is, and hence the heavier it is.
Lifesaver
It’s a basic issue of physics. When two moving objects collide, the heavier one tends to continue in the same direction it was traveling. The lighter one, on the other hand, will abruptly shift course.
Even if the lighter car is not crushed in, the jarring deflection is harmful to the persons within. Meanwhile, the added weight in the larger vehicle that just pushes its way through can be a lifeline for the passengers inside.
Conclusion
Knowing your cars is informative and helpful for people. Some people might want to learn more about electric cars as there are many already on the market.
That makes you curious to know why electric cars are heavy and how heavy are electric car batteries. In this article, I have covered that information and I hope that will help you pick the right car for you.
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