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Dealership Marketing

3 Frequently Asked Questions about EV Batteries: Answered

Ready to sell more hybrids and fully electric vehicles? Prepare your sales team to field these EV battery FAQs with help from Flex!

An electric car plugged into an EV charging station

Batteries are a crucial component of many electronic devices because they provide power to the device. Without a battery, most devices would not be able to function. However, batteries aren't exclusive to smaller electronic gadgets any longer, and a perfect example of this is the creation of electric vehicles (EVs).

Unlike standard car batteries, EV batteries are designed to store and release large amounts of electricity. This is necessary for an EV to function correctly. EV batteries are also built to last longer than traditional car batteries. With proper care and maintenance, an EV battery can last many years without needing much maintenance or needing to be replaced. However, few people understand exactly how EV batteries work, which has continued to be a barrier to EV adoption in the retail auto space. Today, we’re going to answer a few of the most common questions, so dealers can be prepared to answer them when selling electric vehicles to interested customers. Let’s go!

#1 - What Types of Batteries Are Available?

There are different types of batteries available for EVs. These include:

Lithium-Ion Batteries

Lithium-ion batteries are the most common type of battery used in EVs. They have a high energy density, meaning they can store a lot of energy in a small space and last for many years without losing much performance. However, lithium-ion batteries are also expensive to manufacture and can be prone to overheating if not used properly.

Lead-Acid Batteries

Lead-acid batteries are the oldest type available for EVs and are still used in some vehicles today. They have a low energy density but are relatively cheap to produce. Lead-acid batteries also tend to degrade quickly over time and require regular maintenance to keep them working properly.

Nickel-Metal Hydride Batteries

Nickel-metal hydride batteries were once prevalent in EVs but have been largely replaced by lithium-ion batteries in recent years. They have a medium energy density and can last for several years before needing to be replaced. However, they are not as efficient as lithium-ion batteries and can be more expensive than other types of batteries available.

Ultracapacitors

Ultracapacitors are a newer type of battery quickly gaining popularity in the EV market. They have a very high energy density and can be discharged and charged many times without losing performance. They are also very efficient and can last for years before needing to be replaced.

#2 - How Long Can an EV Battery Last?

The lifespan of an electric vehicle battery depends on several factors, including its make and model, the battery, the age of the battery, how it’s used, and how it is maintained. Generally speaking, electric vehicle batteries have a lifespan of around 8-10 years. However, some batteries can last up to 15 years or more, giving car owners a lot of confidence about investing in a vehicle with electric battery components.

To prolong an EV battery's life, keep it fully charged and use it regularly. Avoid letting the battery discharge completely. If your battery shows signs of aging, such as reduced performance or capacity, replace it as soon as possible. Also, you must clean and maintain the battery enclosure and connectors properly.

Your service team will know how to maintain EV batteries properly and can relay all necessary recommendations to customers during service appointments, just as they would any other vehicle component that requires regular inspections and maintenance. If your customer is cautious about battery upkeep, remember to assure them that your techs are trained to care for all components of their car, including electric ones!

#3 - How Do You Dispose of an EV Battery?

Ah, a trickier question! Just as you don't just throw a battery in the trash, there are also ways to dispose of an EV battery properly. These include:

Pyrometallurgy

More commonly known as smelting, this is the process of heating a substance until it melts and can be poured out. This is often used to recycle metals from old batteries and other objects.

Hydrometallurgy

Hydrometallurgy is a process that uses water to dissolve materials. This can recycle certain batteries containing lead, copper, and other metals. The dissolved metals can then be removed from the water and recycled.

Direct Recycling

Sometimes, the best way to recycle a battery is to break it down into single components and use them again. This is done by taking apart the battery and recycling each part.

Sell More Electric Vehicles at Your Auto Dealership: Rapid Fire Creative Ideas

Ready to sell more hybrids and 100% battery electric vehicles at your dealership? Here are a few simple ideas for helping make EVs more accessible to your customers who may still be on the fence about adopting green vehicle technology:

  • Create a section on your website that addresses EV FAQs. Make it easy to find, and consider printing it off to give customers while they browse the vehicles on your lot.

  • Make sure your sales team knows these FAQs inside out.

  • Look into the specific rebates and offers available for your province. The savings can be significant and could be a decision-changing factor for many customers.

  • Assure your customers that your sales team and service team can answer all of their questions about hybrid and electric vehicles. They will never be in the dark.

  • Become familiar with the environmental benefits of electric vehicle technology. New research points to the largest buying segments (Millennials and Gen Z) aligning with environmental stewardship as a key value.

  • Buy into green automotive tech as a USP for your dealership. Become the green dealership! Bring in more hybrids than gas-powered vehicles. Trust us - they’ll sell.

Final Thoughts

In short, EV batteries are used to power electric vehicles - no huge surprise! They are rechargeable (often recharging while the car is driven, called “regenerative recharging”) and come in a variety of shapes and sizes to suit the power needs of different vehicles, from tiny commuters to big trucks.

EV batteries are typically expensive, but they offer many benefits that make them worth the investment. This is why many hybrids and fully electric vehicles come with a higher initial cost, while the costs associated with maintaining the vehicle over time come down significantly. EVs offer tremendous benefits for customers, from environmental to long-term savings, and most provinces offer excellent rebates for customers who invest in the purchase of an electric vehicle.

If you’re looking for a digital marketing agency for car dealers, Flex Dealer can help you! We understand that a car dealership is a niche market, so we develop solutions to ensure your prospective clients see you and your products. We have creative solutions to help you hit your bottom line - selling more cars. Simply head to our website to schedule a free consultation and check out our digital services, success stories, free educational resources for dealers, and more!

FlexDealer Team      

FlexDealer Team      

FlexDealer is a leading provider of innovative dealership inventory and marketing solutions. Our goal is to help dealerships thrive and grow in a rapidly changing industry.

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