Empirical Analysis of Electric Vehicle Battery Performance, Charging Behaviour, and Degradation: A Meta-Study of Published Experimental Results

Abstract

The rise of electric vehicles (EVs) has made battery performance, charging patterns, and degradation critical for sustainable transportation. We review published experimental studies to assess these factors. We find that EV energy consumption varies by vehicle type and conditions; for example, heavy-duty electric trucks exhibited consumption from 0.37 to 2.71 kWh/km with ranges of 38-171 km under different driving cycles. In contrast, typical light-duty EVs show much lower consumption (~0.13-0.17 kWh/km) under normal driving. Charging behaviour varies widely: most drivers charge at home, but service vehicles (taxis, buses) create large daytime peak loads. Infrastructure growth has been rapid, with public chargers doubling since 2022. Battery degradation occurs on two timescales: calendar aging (over time, even unused) and cycling aging (from charge/discharge). Lab and field data show that high temperature, fast charging, and extreme state-of-charge ranges accelerate aging. Most EV batteries retain >80% of capacity after 200,000 km, and range loss is often only critical below ~50% state-of-health. We compile experimental results to quantify these effects. Across studies, typical EV batteries lose ~1-2% capacity per year under normal use. Best practices (moderate charge levels, gentle driving) can extend battery life. This meta-analysis highlights that current batteries reliably serve typical needs well beyond warranty periods. Our findings suggest EV batteries generally meet drivers’ range requirements over most of their life, supporting wider EV adoption.