Unveiling the lifespan of automotive batteries: How long can the "heart" of traditional and new energy vehicle models beat

As one of the core components of vehicles, the lifespan of automotive batteries directly affects the cost and experience of using them. However, there are significant differences in battery types, usage scenarios, and lifespan between traditional fuel vehicles and new energy vehicles, which consumers need to pay close attention to when purchasing and using. This article combines industry data and real cases to deeply analyze the life cycle and maintenance points of automotive batteries.

Traditional fuel vehicle batteries: the "2-8 year law" of lead-acid batteries

Traditional fuel vehicles are commonly equipped with lead-acid batteries, which typically have a lifespan of 2-8 years, depending on battery quality, usage habits, and maintenance measures.

Original factory batteries are more durable

The lifespan of the original battery is generally 3-5 years, while that of a regular battery is 2-3 years. If properly maintained (such as regular cleaning and avoiding excessive discharge), some batteries can even last up to 8 years.

Short lived 'killer'

Frequent short distance driving, using car appliances such as air conditioning and radio after turning off the engine, and long-term parking without starting can accelerate battery depletion. For example, if a vehicle is parked for more than two months, the battery may be completely depleted.

Differences in vehicle models

Taxi batteries need to be replaced after about 10 months due to high-intensity use; If a household car is properly maintained, it can last up to 4 years, and it is recommended to have it checked every 2 years thereafter.

Maintenance suggestions
Regularly clean the dust and acid corrosion powder on the surface of the battery to reduce electrostatic discharge. ​
Disconnect the negative pole during long-term parking or start the vehicle at idle charging every week. ​
Avoid multiple consecutive startup failures and prevent battery overload.

New energy vehicle power battery: 8-year warranty and "degradation dilemma"
The lifespan of lithium-ion power batteries for new energy vehicles is usually designed to be 8-10 years or 100000-30000 kilometers, but in actual use, capacity degradation and maintenance costs become pain points for car owners.

The gap between warranty and reality
According to the regulations of the Ministry of Industry and Information Technology, vehicles produced after 2016 are required to provide an 8-year or 120000 kilometer battery warranty. However, most batteries experience a capacity decay of less than 80% after 8 years and face retirement.
 

High replacement costs
Power batteries account for 40% of the total vehicle cost, and replacement costs can range from tens of thousands to hundreds of thousands of yuan. For example, a car owner needs to pay a replacement fee of 220000 yuan for an aging battery, which far exceeds the residual value of the vehicle.

Consumer coping strategies: extending lifespan and avoiding risks
Both traditional and new energy vehicle models have a strong correlation between battery life and user habits.

Traditional car users
Prioritize maintenance free batteries (with a lifespan of about 3 years) to reduce the risk of self inspection. ​
When installing on-board electrical appliances, avoid overloading and turn off the automatic start stop function to save electricity.

New energy vehicle owners
Pay attention to the warranty terms of the three electric systems and prioritize selecting models with long warranty periods. ​
Avoid frequent fast charging and excessive discharging to slow down battery degradation. ​
Regularly check the health of the battery and make timely claims during the warranty period.

The lifespan of automotive batteries is not only a game of technology and time, but also a test of user habits and maintenance awareness. Consumers need to rationally consider the law of battery degradation, choose car models based on their own needs, and extend the beating cycle of the "car heart" through scientific maintenance. For the industry, only by combining technological innovation with policy support can we solve the dilemma of battery life and promote the sustainable development of the automotive industry.