What factors cause battery degradation and how can it be minimized?

Battery degradation factors include: Calendar aging (degradation over time even when not used), cycle aging (degradation from charge/discharge cycles), high temperature exposure (accelerates chemical degradation), extreme SOC levels (high or low states stress cells), high charge/discharge rates (mechanical stress, heat), and depth of discharge. Mitigation strategies include active thermal management, limiting SOC range (e.g., charging to 80% daily), controlled charging rates, temperature-dependent charging limits, and usage patterns that avoid extreme conditions. Modern EVs target <20% degradation over 8-10 years.