- Enter annual cycles. Use equivalent full cycles, where partial charges add up to one full cycle.
- Set service years. Enter the period covered by the estimate.
- Choose degradation rates. Use rates from the vehicle, battery, or fleet data when available.
- Adjust temperature severity. Keep 1.0 for the base assumption; use a higher value only for a deliberately more severe scenario.
- Enter initial capacity. Use usable battery capacity, not necessarily the gross pack rating.
- Review the estimate. Compare cycle loss, calendar loss, and remaining usable capacity.
Charging Station Battery Degradation Calculator
This calculator provides a simplified estimate of battery capacity degradation associated with vehicles regularly using a charging station. It combines annual equivalent full cycles, years of operation, cycle-related degradation, calendar aging, and an optional temperature adjustment.
The output is an engineering planning estimate rather than a battery-health diagnosis. It can help compare operating scenarios, maintenance assumptions, or charging strategies. Actual degradation varies with cell chemistry, state-of-charge range, charging power, thermal management, storage conditions, and vehicle controls.
Calculator inputs
cycles
yr
%
%
×
kWh
Result
—
Calculated result
Cycle-related loss—
Calendar-related loss—
Estimated remaining capacity—
Cycle loss (%) = (Cycles per year × Years ÷ 100) × Loss per 100 cycles × Temperature multiplier
Total loss (%) = Cycle loss + (Calendar loss per year × Years × Temperature multiplier)
The model adds cycle aging and calendar aging, then caps displayed total loss at 100%. This linear approach is intended for scenario comparison; real batteries often degrade nonlinearly.
What the result means
Use the result to compare scenarios under the assumptions entered. It is an estimate, not a guaranteed real-world outcome.
Update the inputs with measured vehicle, charger, tariff, and operating data whenever available.
Given: 220 equivalent cycles per year for 5 years, 0.35% loss per 100 cycles, 1.2% calendar loss per year, a 1.0 temperature multiplier, and 75 kWh initial usable capacity.
Calculation: Cycle loss = (220 × 5 ÷ 100) × 0.35% = 3.85%. Calendar loss = 5 × 1.2% = 6.00%. Total loss = 9.85%. Remaining capacity = 75 × (1 − 0.0985) = 67.61 kWh.
Result: Estimated capacity loss is 9.85%, leaving about 67.61 kWh of usable capacity.
What is an equivalent full cycle?
It is the accumulated use equal to 100% of battery capacity. Two 50% discharge-and-charge events are approximately one equivalent full cycle.
Where should the degradation rates come from?
Prefer measured fleet data, manufacturer information, or a clearly documented engineering assumption. Generic rates may not represent a specific battery chemistry.
Does fast charging automatically cause the same loss for every vehicle?
No. The effect depends on charging power, temperature, state of charge, battery chemistry, and thermal controls.
Why is the model linear?
A linear model is transparent and useful for comparing scenarios, but actual battery aging can accelerate or slow over time. Treat the result as a planning estimate.
Is remaining capacity the same as driving range?
Not exactly. Lower usable capacity can reduce range, but weather, speed, tires, auxiliary loads, and vehicle efficiency also affect distance traveled.