Under the Hood of the New EV Battery Study

A new study was recently done by scientists in the SLAC-Stanford Battery Center. This center is a joint venture between Stanford University’s Precourt Institute for Energy and the SLAC National Accelerator Lab.
They found that batteries used real-world conditions such as heavy traffic, short trips in the city, and even long highway trips lasted longer than the batteries that were originally tested in the lab. In the lab, they simulated use by creating a constant rate of discharge and then recharging.

What Did the SLAC-Stanford Battery Center Do?

The SLAC-Standford Battery Center conducted their test differently than the previous battery tests. They replicated real-world conditions and driving patterns by designing different discharge patterns based on real data. They tested 92 lithium-ion batteries for over two years using a variety of different scenarios such as electronic starting and stopping, to mimic real conditions.

What Did They Find?

Once batteries were being used out in real driving conditions, including long periods of being parked, they realized that the way they were testing the batteries in the lab was not a good way to predict the life expectancy. Other driving habits such as frequent acceleration, braking the charges the battery, and letting the battery rest for several hours such as overnight, helps them last up to 40 percent longer.

So What Does This Mean for EV Drivers?

What does this pleasant surprise mean for people who already drive electric vehicles or are looking into buying electric SUVs? It means that EV drivers could save a significant amount of money in the long run.
One of the things that was holding some car buyers back from choosing an EV over a gas vehicle was the idea that they would have to replace the battery, Now, they can feel more comfortable with the idea of an EV, knowing that the replacement is many years down the road. Batteries that last longer help reduce the overall cost of owning an EV.

What Affects Battery Life

EV batteries can last 10 or 20 years, but there are many things that can have an effect on how long they last. One of the biggest factors is battery chemistry. There are two main types of batteries found in EVs: lithium-ion and nickel-metal hydride. Most EVs have lithium-ion batteries.
In addition to the type of battery, the environmental conditions can impact its lifespan. Extreme heat and cold can affect the chemical process. DC fast charging is another factor that can affect battery life. Frequent use is linked to faster degradation.

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The Prologue EV is the first of its kind from Honda. Similarly, the Ioniq 5 is the first electric SUV from the Hyundai brand. These two electric SUVs are part of the compact class, which makes it easy to drive when you need to carry up to five people with you, and you want a relatively affordable EV to drive and experience. Let’s look at some of the qualities of each model.

The Honda uses GM technology

Honda partnered with GM to utilize the Ultium battery platform from the Chevy Blazer EV, giving the Prologue the driving range and power necessary. This Honda EV offers the benefits of Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, which are no longer offered in GM EVs. You might find that the Prologue has a little more GM influence than you would like, considering it has some parts and features from the American brand.

The Ioniq 5 is becoming an important model

The Ioniq used to be offered in three different versions, only one of which was an all-electric model. Since 2022, the Ioniq 5 has been an electric vehicle that has won awards for its impressive build and style. This Hyundai EV has the value desired and qualities that can make this SUV easy to drive and enjoy. If you want impressive power and performance, the Ioniq 5 N packs up to 641 horsepower and has the handling to match, giving it the driving presence offered.

What Honda trims are offered?

The traditional Honda naming structure is present with the Prologue SUV. This means you’ll find the EX, Touring, and Elite trims that give you lots of great features. The base EX model comes well-equipped with heated front seats, dual-zone automatic climate control, and wireless smartphone charging. The Touring model might be worth the extra money when you see that it has leather upholstery, a 12-speaker Bose audio system, and memory seat settings.
If you want the best driving range in the Prologue, you’ll want to stick with the FWD powertrain, which gives you 296 miles of driving range.

What’s new about the Hyundai EV?

The Hyundai Ioniq 5 looks much the same as it did last year. This new 2025 model has two available battery packs, which increase the maximum driving range with the larger battery pack. This Hyundai SUV now has the NACS charging port but still has a CCS adapter, which is part of the standard equipment offered. A new, rugged-looking XRT trim has been added to the mix to give you an off-road version that can be fun to take out on the trails.

What powers the Honda Prologue?

This Honda electric SUV can be had with either a single motor driving the front wheels that produces 212 horsepower or a dual-motor AWD setup that produces 288 horsepower. This EV might not be the most exciting on the road, but it has a good temperament and excellent road manners to make it an SUV that rides smoothly and steadily on every road. You’ll find an adjustable regenerative braking system to capture some braking power and send it back to the batteries.

What powers the Hyundai Ioniq 5?

The Ioniq 5 can be had at several power levels with different battery packs. The standard powertrain sends 168 horsepower to the rear wheels, but the larger battery pack gives you 225 horsepower for the drive desired. If you choose the AWD model, you’ll have 320 horsepower in the models that don’t wear an N badge.

Which EV has a better cabin?

Honda Prologue

The design and cabin build gives you a look that feels a lot like the Blazer EV but has many Honda additions to make it even more enticing than the electric SUV its based on. This impressive model has the look and feel you want, including an infotainment screen that looks and feels like other Honda models with a clutter-free design.

Hyundai Ioniq 5

The Hyundai electric SUV has a tech-savvy cabin with a digitized dashboard and tons of eco-friendly materials. This SUV can be had with a head-up display with an augmented reality that can project navigation directions on the windshield to give you the desirable features you want and need.

The Honda Prologue ahs a nice cabin and good power, but the Hyundai Ioniq 5 offers more options and brings a tech-rich environment to your drive. Which of these electric compact SUVs will you drive?

The post Honda Prologue vs Hyundai Ioniq 5: Comparing EV SUVs first appeared on Ride4Watts.com.

The post Honda Prologue vs Hyundai Ioniq 5: Comparing EV SUVs appeared first on Ride4Watts.com.