Optimal Life-Cycle Costs of Batteries for Different Electric Cars

Abstract

As a consequence of the remarkable increase in the production of electric cars, the cost per kWh of battery packs is more decreasing, although it still has a considerable impact on the purchase price of these vehicles.This paper describes the optimal cost analysis of battery packs for different electric cars among full battery electric vehicles (BEVs), plug-in hybrid electric vehicles (PHEVs) and autonomous vehicles (AVs). In fact, the cost optimization of battery use also depends on the type of electric vehicle and not only on battery pack type, operating conditions and driver’s style. Thus, the proposed analysis aims to optimize battery costs over time by considering battery life degradation for various types of electric cars. The results indicate a greater degradation of a PHEV battery, for urban trips with many stops, with respect to a BEV battery, with the consequence of an expected early replacement of the PHEV battery before the warranty expires. In this context, the usage rate of a BEV battery is about 50% of that of a PHEV battery.