Shifting Mindset: Why EV Makers are Embracing Smaller Battery Packs

The Changing Landscape of Electric Cars

Electric vehicles (EVs) have come a long way since their early days, where range was the defining factor. While range still holds importance, other factors such as battery size, efficiency, charging network reliability, and charging speed have gained prominence. EV drivers have realized that running out of charge is as likely as running out of fuel in a petrol car, albeit with more complex solutions to avoid it.

The Return of Overall Range

Despite the shift in focus, overall range is making a comeback as a significant number due to its correlation with the cost of the car. Executives from Mazda, Toyota, Polestar, and Nissan have hinted that reducing the size of the battery and range while improving charging speed can help lower the cost of electric cars. As batteries account for a significant portion of the car’s cost, reducing their size can lead to cost savings.

Environmental Benefits of Smaller Batteries

Using smaller batteries not only reduces costs but also minimizes the use of natural resources. Toyota continues to advocate for hybrids with small batteries for real-world efficiency, and the same principle applies to EVs. Mazda’s CFO Jeff Guyton suggests that smaller batteries allow more people to benefit from the precious resources contained within them.

The Role of Fast Charging

Polestar’s CEO Thomas Ingenlath believes that faster charging can ultimately lead to smaller battery sizes and reduced costs. Polestar has invested in StoreDot, a company specializing in extreme fast charging technology. By improving charging efficiency, both material resources and customer expenses can be optimized. Smaller batteries also contribute to reduced vehicle weight.

Defining Necessary Range

The question of how much range is necessary remains subjective. Currently, larger range often translates to larger batteries and higher costs. Premium brands like Lucid, BMW, and Mercedes have breached the 100kWh barrier, but the availability of jumbo battery packs in mid-size crossovers indicates that range is still a significant selling point for EVs. However, Nissan takes a different approach, focusing on driving distance and total journey time rather than solely range.

The Link Between Charging Infrastructure and Battery Size

The size of EV batteries is closely linked to the availability and reliability of charging infrastructure. As charging networks improve and consumer confidence in charging grows, there will be greater acceptance of smaller range EVs. This shift will lead to cost savings and a more sustainable future.

While the industry continues to evolve, it is unlikely that we will see 200kWh batteries anytime soon. Instead, OEMs and society will embark on a journey towards smaller, more efficient batteries that meet customer needs while reducing costs.