The battery is the beating heart of an electric car (EV). It not only determines the range but also significantly impacts the lifespan and performance of your vehicle. With proper maintenance, you can optimize the so-called “state of health” (SoH) and avoid costly repairs. Here’s how to do it.
Key Tips for Battery Maintenance
- Avoid Extreme Charge Levels
Try to keep your battery charge between 20% and 80%.
- Fully charging to 100% can affect battery capacity over the long term.
- While charging to 100% is sometimes necessary for long trips, avoid making it a habit.
- Charge Regularly
Letting your battery completely deplete before recharging can be harmful.
- Opt for regular, small charging sessions.
- Topping up before the battery is almost empty helps maintain a stable range and keeps the battery in a healthy state.
- Use Fast Chargers Sparingly
Although fast charging is convenient, frequent use increases battery temperature, potentially causing wear.
- Limit fast charging to once a week or use it only for long trips.
- Prefer home charging or charging at public stations with standard power (AC charging).
- Protect the Battery from Extreme Temperatures
Both high and low temperatures can affect battery performance and lifespan.
- Park your vehicle in a garage or covered space whenever possible.
- On cold days, use the preheating feature while the car is plugged in. This prevents the battery from using extra energy to warm itself.
- Drive Smart
An aggressive driving style can unnecessarily stress the battery.
- Opt for steady driving and avoid sudden acceleration or hard braking.
- Use regenerative braking to recover energy and increase range.
- Check Tire Pressure
Incorrect tire pressure can reduce your car’s efficiency, putting extra strain on the battery.
- Regularly check if the tire pressure matches the manufacturer’s recommendations.
- Maintenance and Software Updates
EVs are often optimized through software updates that improve efficiency.
- Ensure your vehicle’s firmware is always up-to-date.
- Have the battery regularly inspected by a specialist to monitor its condition.
- Avoid Prolonged Inactivity with an Empty Battery
If you won’t use your car for an extended period, ensure the battery isn’t fully empty or fully charged.
- Ideally, keep the charge level between 50% and 60% during storage periods.
With these maintenance tips, you can extend the lifespan of your EV battery and maintain optimal performance. Regular charging, avoiding extreme charge levels, and using fast chargers sparingly are essential. A well-maintained battery not only offers better range but also increases your EV’s resale value. Take care of your battery, and your EV will reward you with reliability and durability.