One of the most common questions customers ask when investing in an electric utility vehicle is, “How long does the battery last?”
The answer isn’t always straightforward, as people are often referring to two different things: how long the battery lasts on a single charge and how many years it will last before it needs replacing.
Modern electric utility vehicles are typically equipped with batteries designed to provide reliable, long-term performance. However, both battery runtime and overall lifespan can vary depending on factors such as usage, charging habits, terrain and maintenance.
In this guide, we’ll explain the difference between battery runtime and battery lifespan, what can affect both, and how to get the most out of your electric utility vehicle battery.
Battery lifespan vs Battery Runtime: What’s the Difference?
When we talk about battery life, we’re usually referring to one of two things: battery runtime or battery lifespan.
Battery runtime refers to how long an electric utility vehicle can operate on a single charge. Usually measured in miles or operating hours, this will vary depending on the vehicle, the terrain you’re driving on, the weather conditions and the loads you’re carrying.
Battery lifespan, on the other hand, refers to how long the battery is expected to last before it needs replacing. Usually measured in years or charge cycles, this is influenced by factors such as usage, charging habits and ongoing maintenance.
What Affects the Lifespan of an Electric Utility Vehicle Battery?
There isn’t one fixed lifespan for an electric utility vehicle battery. How long it lasts will depend on a range of factors, including the type of battery, how often the vehicle is used and how well it’s maintained.
Like any battery, it’s natural for performance to gradually reduce over time. However, with the right charging habits, regular maintenance and appropriate use, modern electric utility vehicle batteries are designed to provide reliable performance for many years.
Below, we explore some of the main factors that can affect battery lifespan and what you can do to maximise its service life.
Battery Type
The type of battery fitted to your electric utility vehicle has a greater influence on its lifespan than you might think. Most electric utility vehicles are available with either lithium-ion or lead-acid batteries, each offering different characteristics and expected service lives.
While both can provide reliable performance, lithium-ion batteries generally last longer and require less maintenance than lead-acid batteries, although the exact lifespan will vary depending on the battery quality, application and charging practices.
If you’re unsure which battery type is right for your application, read our guide on comparing lithium-ion and lead-acid batteries.
Charging Habits
Looking after your battery starts with the way you charge it. Following the manufacturer’s charging recommendations and using the correct charger can help maximise battery performance while supporting a longer service life.
Avoiding unnecessary overcharging or allowing batteries to remain fully discharged for long periods, where applicable to the battery type and manufacturer’s guidance, can also help maximise battery life.
Terrain & Workload
The harder your vehicle works, the harder the battery works. From consistently carrying heavy loads to towing trailers across rough, uneven terrain and steep inclines, more demanding applications like farm work naturally place greater demands on the battery.
Electric utility vehicles are designed to perform in these demanding environments. However, following the correct charging practices and keeping up with regular maintenance will help maximise battery performance and support a longer service life.
Maintenance
Like any vehicle, electric utility vehicles require regular maintenance to help maximise their service life. Routine servicing can help identify potential issues early, with battery inspections carried out where appropriate.
Keeping up with the manufacturer’s recommended maintenance schedule will help keep both the battery and the vehicle performing reliably for longer.
Temperature
Extremely hot and cold temperatures can affect battery performance and, over time, contribute to battery degradation. Storing and charging your electric utility vehicle in line with the manufacturer’s recommendations can help protect battery health and maintain reliable performance throughout the year.
How to Maximise the Lifespan of Your Electric Utility Vehicle Battery
While battery lifespan will naturally vary depending on how the vehicle is used, there are several simple steps you can take to help maximise its service life and keep it performing reliably for longer.
- Follow the manufacturer’s charging guidance – The manufacturer knows the vehicle and its battery best, so following their recommended charging guidance is one of the simplest ways to help maximise battery performance and service life.
- Use the correct charger – Always use the charger recommended for your electric utility vehicle to help ensure safe, efficient charging and support long-term battery performance.
- Keep up with routine maintenance – Regular servicing can help identify potential issues before they become bigger problems, helping to keep both the battery and the vehicle performing reliably for longer.
- Use the vehicle within its intended capacity – Choosing a vehicle that’s suited to your workload, whether that’s a platform truck, street cleaning vehicle or utility vehicle, and avoiding consistently exceeding its recommended payload or towing capacity can help reduce unnecessary strain on the battery and other components.
- Address issues early- If you notice reduced battery performance, longer charging times or any other changes in how your vehicle operates, having it checked promptly can help prevent more significant issues from developing.
Signs Your Electric Utility Vehicle Battery May Need Replacing
Like everything we own, batteries naturally degrade over time. This doesn’t mean that they fail suddenly, there are usually signs that performance is beginning to decline.
Common signs include:
- Reduced operating time – The battery life no longer lasts as long as it used to.
- Longer charging times – The charging time takes noticeably longer than normal.
- Reduced performance – The vehicle may feel less responsive, particularly under heavier workloads or on inclines.
- Difficulty holding charge – The battery loses charge more quickly, even after a full recharge.
If you notice any of these signs, it doesn’t necessarily mean the battery needs replacing immediately.
Having your vehicle inspected by a qualified professional can help identify the cause and determine the most appropriate solution.
Conclusion
While there isn’t one fixed lifespan for an electric utility vehicle battery, following the correct charging guidance, keeping up with regular maintenance and choosing the right battery for your application can all help maximise its service life.
At ePower trucks, we supply a wide range of electric utility vehicles designed to deliver reliable, long-term performance across a variety of industries. Whether you’re looking for advice on repair and maintenance or choosing the right vehicle for your business, our experienced team is here to help.
Get in touch with ePower Trucks today to discuss your requirements or explore our range of electric utility vehicles to find the right solution for your business.