How Can EV Battery Life be Extended by 23% With AI's Help?
Battery longevity in EVs could determine how quickly the transport sector reduces its carbon footprint.
A new study from researchers in Sweden suggests that artificial intelligence may offer a method to extend battery life by nearly a quarter.
According to Chalmers University of Technology, an AI-based charging system could slow degradation in lithium-ion batteries by optimising current during fast-charging cycles.
The findings were published by the Institute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers (IEEE).
AI adjusts charging patterns
The method could represent a way to reduce electronic waste and improve the environmental case for EV adoption.
By extending the usable life of existing batteries, the technology addresses one of the key sustainability challenges facing widespread EV adoption.
Meng Yuan, a researcher at Chalmers University of Technology's Department of Electrical Engineering, says the system changes how batteries are managed over time.
He says: "This work introduces the first explicit formulation of a lifelong battery fast charging problem. The proposed method achieves a significant improvement in performance, where battery lifespan is extended to 703 equivalent full cycles…representing a 22.9% improvement over the standard baseline."
The technology uses reinforcement learning within the battery management system.
This machine learning technique allows the system to adjust voltage based on the battery's chemistry and state of health.
As components like the anode, cathode and electrolyte age, the AI modifies the charging current to reduce stress during fast-charging cycles.
The adaptive nature of this system means it continuously learns and improves its charging strategy as the battery ages, potentially offering greater benefits over time.
Extending vehicle lifespan reduces waste
Frequent fast-charging can accelerate battery degradation through a process called lithium plating.
This occurs when ions accumulate on the anode during high-powered charging.
The AI-powered approach aims to prevent this by learning optimal charging patterns through trial and error.
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The researchers conducted the experiment in laboratory conditions rather than on physical batteries in vehicles.
According to a 2024 study by Geotab, the average annual degradation of an EV battery is only around 1.8% per year.
This could mean an EV battery lasts at least 20 years or 200,000 miles.
Some estimates suggest a Tesla battery can last from 300,000 to 500,000 miles, depending on usage and charging patterns. A 23% improvement could translate to nearly 70,000 extra miles on the low end and more than 100,000 additional miles on the high end.
The environmental implications extend beyond individual vehicle ownership. Reducing the frequency of battery replacements could significantly decrease the demand for raw materials such as lithium, cobalt and nickel, which require energy-intensive mining operations.
Real-world testing remains pending
The authors of the study say: "The proposed approach maintains comparable charging efficiency while largely extending battery lifespan, demonstrating that lifespan enhancement can be achieved without compromising charging speed".
According to the Federal Highway Administration, Americans drive about 13,476 miles each year on average. For drivers who use fast-charging frequently, this AI-enabled method could allow them to keep their vehicles for several more years.
Longer battery life could reduce the environmental impact of manufacturing replacement batteries.
It could also strengthen the used EV market by providing buyers with more confidence in battery health.
The research has not yet been tested on physical batteries in real-world conditions.
If validated outside laboratory settings, the technology could influence battery warranties and the lifecycle assessment of EVs. Commercial implementation would require integration with existing charging infrastructure and battery management systems across different vehicle manufacturers.
