Do you know what is the main concern of EV owners in the Indian market? It’s the battery price. In October 2023, the cost of renewing an electric car battery began falling between ₹2 lakh to ₹5 lakh. However, it is important to realize that the figure stated above does not reflect the actual cost that one might have to pay in order to replace one or both batteries because the cost may vary slightly depending on one or another aspect including the type of an electric car, the capacity of the battery in question, or the geographic location of an authorized service center.
The cost of the EV batteries still remains one of the key determinants that govern the uptake of EVs in India. Battery replacement is among the key subcategories of the total cost of ownership of electric cars in the market. But before we move directly into the aspect of electric vehicle battery pricing, let’s try to understand what forces are at play here.
Overview of Electric Vehicle Battery Price and Replacement in India
- Are Battery Prices Evolving?
- The Need for Battery Replacement
- Replacing Your Old Batteries – Is It Worth It?
- Factors that come into play when determining whether to replace an old battery
- Factors contributing to the overall cost
- Can I reduce my total electric vehicle battery price during replacement?
- FAQs
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- How much does an electric car battery replacement cost in India?
- What is the cost of battery replacement in Tata Tiago EV?
- Why are EV batteries expensive in India?
- What is the cost of a Tata EV battery after warranty?
- How long will EV batteries last before replacement?
Are Battery Prices Evolving?
As estimated by the Society of Indian Automobile Manufacturers or SIAM, there are also the variations that can occur in the context of electric vehicle battery cost per lithium-ion battery packs. Thus, under the above introduced assumptions, price ranges are expected to fluctuate in the region of ₹15,000 to ₹20,000 per KWh in the year 2024. Looking into the future ahead to the year 2025, we can extend our imagination to a still more elaborate price prediction of ₹10,000/ kwh to ₹15,000/ kwh. These cuts are believed to further drive down battery costs for electric cars, the so-called battery ‘sweet spot,’ from the current estimated range of ₹4.5-₹6.5 lakh.
Prospects like electric vehicle battery price reductions may one day give the electric vehicles an upper hand in India. With such measures in place, the government wishes to achieve an increase in the overall usage of electric cars in the country by ensuring they will be within the financial reach of the citizens of India.
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The Need for Battery Replacement
But why do the owners of electric cars have the need to replace EV batteries frequently? First of all, the initial lead-acid batteries that were applied in electric automobiles are large-sized, have low energy storage capacity, and compared to lithium-ion batteries, they have a small energy density. Lithium-ion batteries are lighter in weight, last longer, have more than double the density of energy, which leads to why they are more common.
Moreover, concerning the unit cost of the older lead-acid batteries per kilowatt hour (kWh), the costs are considerably higher as compared to current lithium-ion batteries. This is a leading reason for battery replacement for a car or most EVs that we see in the market today. Like any other consumable part which is used in construction of electric cars, even batteries are not an exception and their efficiency drops with time as the ability to store charge reduces electric range of the vehicle and performance.
New battery is not only more efficient in coordinating and enhancing the vehicle’s functions but also is powerful enough to crank the engine and allow it to run. When batteries become old, it cannot deliver the desired energy particularly to the EVs that tend to consume a lot of power.
Replacing Your Old Batteries – Is It Worth It?
Relative to the old electric car batteries, there are several indications to consider that will warrant battery replacement. However, another factor that customers should consider when purchasing batteries is the ‘age’ of the battery. Presently it is predicted that an electric car battery lasts between 10 years or about 150,000 miles before it requires replacement. And this means that if you have been using your electric vehicle for about five years, or up to approximately fifty thousand miles, then you need to consider replacing the battery.
Factors that come into play when determining whether to replace an old battery
Battery Age: Batteries usually have a lifespan of 2-3 years but this can vary based on the type of the battery and how it is being used.
Battery Condition: Signs of wear and tear are more prominent such as having difficulty starting the vehicle or even a weak battery light. This can also indicate the need for battery replacement.
Cost of a New Battery: The new electric vehicle battery price can vary based on the battery type and the make and model of the car.
Budget: For budget-conscious users, extending the lifespan of an old battery is one way to avoid breaking the bank. It can be done by following specific maintenance tips such as avoiding deep discharges and keeping the battery clean and dry.
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Factors contributing to the overall cost
Make and Model of the Car: The replacement costs could depend on the type and brand of the electric car being used. New batteries can be easier and cheaper to replace depending on the type of car in question.
Size and Capacity of the Battery: As it has been noted, larger and more powerful batteries are typically more costly to replace than those that are comparatively smaller and less potent. The complexities especially in their design necessitate more raw materials and technology which simply means “high replacement costs.”
Brand of the Battery: Reputable companies that manufacture batteries provide products that cost more than their less popular but equally effective counterparts.
Battery Age: Some batteries may need to get replaced earlier than others, depending on its age. Moreover, since old batteries are not easily accessible, this may lead to higher replacement charges.
Warranty: If the battery is still under warranty, there are chances that you might take it back to the seller and have it replaced for free of charge & that would be determined by the warranty’s policies.
Labor Cost: This electric vehicle battery price also depends on the labor cost too. And this depends, of course, on the particular mechanic or the particular service center. With regard to direct costs, labor expenses are known to influence the overall replacement cost in a big way.
Can I reduce my total electric vehicle battery price during replacement?
Plus, these are some of the steps you can take to reduce the cost of replacing your EV battery:
Choose a Vehicle with a Generous Battery Warranty: A majority of EV makers offer the battery warranty that extends for at least a decade or up to 8 years from the initial purchase. It can be most advisable to opt for a vehicle with a longer warranty period.
Caring for your battery cannot be overemphasized as this can drastically help in extending the battery life. To achieve this, consider the following:
Temperature Consideration: Battery degradation is accelerated when EVs are exposed to higher temperatures. So avoid parking your EV in direct sunlight.
Optimal Charging: Even though it may appear pertinent to fully charge your battery to 100%, it is always advisable to consider partial charging whenever possible. Reducing the charge to a lower level, such as to 80%, can also be useful in the preservation of the battery life.
Prevent Complete Discharge: Apart from not letting your EV battery charge fully, you should also avoid letting your battery go completely dead.
Explore Refurbished Batteries: Another opportunity is the consideration of remanufactured batteries as a cheaper option. These batteries are usually cheaper than absolutely new ones, and are perhaps accompanied by a warranty, which makes them suitable when one is planning on battery replacement.
Conclusion
Now with the increasing popularity of electric cars in India, the electric vehicle battery price and its replacement cost will be one of the primary driving factors which will probably influence the decision of the customers. This gives a hint that as time goes on, the costs in batteries are bound to come down and there is more to expect from batteries which is a good speculation for the electric vehicles Industry. In addition, electric vehicle sales have been on the rise and this trend is also expected in the near future which is bound to eventually improve the affordability of the electric cars for the consumers in the country.
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FAQs
1. How much does an electric car battery replacement cost in India?
Presently, the expense of electric car battery replacement ranges from ₹15,000 to ₹20,000 per KWh. To put this into perspective, a typical mid-range electric car is equipped with a battery of 30-40 KWh. Meanwhile, in the case of electric scooters, the current replacement cost hovers around ₹30,000.
2. How much does it cost to replace an electric scooter battery?
The cost of replacing an electric scooter’s battery varies based on the brand and battery capacity, typically ranging from 30,000 to 50,000 rupees. Generally, the replacement cost falls within the range of 10,000 to 15,000 rupees per kilowatt-hour (kWh) of battery capacity.
3. Why are EV batteries expensive in India?
At present, India heavily relies on imports for the machinery, minerals, and pre-assembled lithium-ion cells, imposing a substantial import burden on the nation. Approximately 50-60% of an electric vehicle’s cost is attributed to battery cells, which are predominantly sourced from China or Taiwan and subsequently assembled within India. Current statistics reveal that India is dependent on imports for 70% of its lithium-ion cell needs, contributing to high electric vehicle costs.
4. What is the cost of an EV battery after warranty?
The cost of replacement may fluctuate based on your choice of service center and its location. Typically, the average cost for replacing an EV’s battery falls within the range of approximately Rs. 2 lakh to 7 lakhs depending upon the type and brand of EV. This encompasses both the expense of the new battery and the associated labor charges for installation.
5. How long will EV batteries last before replacement?
Many manufacturers typically offer a battery warranty spanning five to eight years. Nevertheless, the prevailing projection suggests that an electric car battery is expected to endure anywhere from 10 to 20 years before requiring replacement.
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