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For most drivers, buying an Electric Vehicle (EV) for the first time comes with questions and doubts. The battery is perhaps one of the biggest concerns, as their usage is surrounded by a lot of misconceptions. However, the truth is more positive and surprising than you’d expect. As more Electric Vehicles (EVs) hit the road, you’ll be amazed to know some interesting aspects about its battery.

How much the EV battery weighs to how long it lasts and ways it can be repurposed or recycled, we run you through amazing facts in this article. If you didn’t know about it earlier, this’ll surely make you grow more appreciative of electric cars for a sustainable world.

EV batteries weigh a lot and it’s a good for safety

Interestingly true, EV batteries weigh more than combustion engine cars, all because of their battery. On average, the batteries weigh around 454 kg (1,000 pounds) while bigger models weigh around 900 kg (2,000 pounds) and some even up to 1,800 kg (4,000 pounds).

While EVs gain weight from their battery, they lose some of that excess due to their much smaller and lighter motors than the internal combustion engine. Additionally, lightweight materials such as magnesium – aluminum alloys, carbon fiber and polymer composites in modern EVs drastically reduce the weight by up to 50 percent.

But a heavier battery isn’t necessarily a cause for worry. Infact, because EV batteries are typically placed under the chassis, the added weight makes them much more stable and safer on the road. This means fewer roll-overs when turning at higher speeds or riding in wet and slippery conditions.

EV batteries last longer than you think

Drivers new to EVs not only suffer from range anxiety (worry of running out of power before reaching one’s destination) but also dread its battery going kaput early on. However, this concern is unwarranted as on an average the EV batteries last 15-20 years and by contrast, the average life expectancy of a car is only 12 years.

To ensure the battery lasts longer EVs have built-in battery management software (BMS) to control charging, discharging and preservation of cells. Also, a number of good practices maximize battery life, such as keeping it charged between 20 and 80 percent for daily use, avoiding charging in extreme heat or cold, and not charging every night.

EV batteries are recyclable

Like all batteries, even the best EV battery will eventually reach the end of its life cycle. Even when it can no longer be repurposed or reused, recycling of batteries would allow up to 95 percent recuse of the raw materials within. Thus, this ensures circulation of materials in the supply chain instead of ending up in landfills.

I hope these facts have left you intrigued. As more drivers consciously opt for eco-friendly electric charged transportation, we’ll witness significant improvements in battery technology over the years.