Impact of Environmental Factors on Battery Degradation and Control Strategies in EVs

International Journal of Engineering & Tech Development

Volume 1, Issue 3 (2025)
Authors

Oladeji Olaniran1
1Obafemi Awolowo University, Ile-Ife, Nigeria.

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Abstract

Electric vehicles (EVs) have become a key solution for reducing emissions and promoting sustainable energy usage. However, the long-term performance and reliability of EVs are strongly influenced by lithium-ion battery degradation. This paper investigates the impact of environmental factors—including temperature, humidity, altitude, and atmospheric pressure—on battery aging mechanisms. Temperature variations significantly alter electrochemical reactions: elevated temperatures accelerate degradation, while low temperatures reduce charge capacity. High humidity increases the risk of moisture ingress and corrosion, weakening insulation and structural integrity. Changes in altitude and pressure affect cell pressure balance and cooling system efficiency. These environmental stressors contribute to solid electrolyte interphase (SEI) growth, lithium plating, and electrolyte decomposition, leading to capacity loss and reduced power capability. To mitigate these effects, advanced control strategies are examined, including thermal management systems, battery management systems (BMS), and adaptive charging algorithms. Active and passive cooling techniques regulate temperature extremes, while intelligent BMS platforms use sensors and real-time environmental data to adjust operating conditions and minimize stress. Adaptive charging strategies—such as temperature-compensated profiles and machine learning–based predictive maintenance—further extend battery life. The effectiveness of these approaches is validated through experimental studies, simulations, and industrial case analyses, including accelerated life testing under varying environmental conditions. Results indicate that EV battery durability improves significantly when environmental adaptability is integrated into vehicle design. The proposed framework provides practical guidance for engineers, researchers, and policymakers in developing resilient and sustainable electric mobility systems across diverse climatic conditions.

Keywords

Electric Vehicles (EVs) Battery Degradation Environmental Factors Thermal Management Battery Management System (BMS) Lithium-Ion Batteries Adaptive Charging Predictive Maintenance

How to Cite This Article

APA Style:
Olaniran, O. (2025). Impact of environmental factors on battery degradation and control strategies in EVs. International Journal of Engineering & Tech Development, 2(3), 19-27.

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