Beyond drive cycles: mapping the intricacies of electric vehicle battery health in diverse environments and driving conditions

Abstract

As electric two-wheelers become increasingly prevalent in emerging markets, understanding the real-world degradation of their batteries is crucial for ensuring reliability, longevity, and cost-effectiveness. Traditional battery aging studies are heavily based on standard drive cycles that do not capture the variability introduced by diverse user behaviors, regional conditions, and charging habits. This study proposes a comprehensive and adaptable framework for evaluating the end-of-life (EOL) of EV batteries in realistic usage scenarios. The methodology incorporates key metrics of the drive cycle, including acceleration patterns, rest periods, charging frequency, and rates, in multiple daily driving scenarios, three distinct geographic regions, and varying climatic conditions. By linking these operational parameters to electrochemical degradation phenomena, this work reveals the critical influence of user-specific behavior on capacity fade. The insights generated are not only scientifically grounded but also practically relevant to stakeholders across the EV ecosystem. For cell and vehicle OEMs, the findings support region-specific cell design and lifecycle prediction; for EV users, the study offers a clearer understanding of how personal usage affects battery health. Ultimately, this work bridges the gap between lab-scale testing and real-world degradation, paving the way for smarter battery design, personalized usage strategies, and sustainable EV adoption.