Your electric car’s battery is a vital part. It helps your EV run well and hold its worth. This guide will teach you how to charge the battery properly. It will also show other big ways to do it. After this, you’ll know how to make it stay in top condition.
Why Battery Health Matters
Your electric car’s battery health impacts its distance capabilities, functionality, and longevity. A well-cared-for battery can hold its charge longer, letting you travel more on one charge. Another aspect that benefits from this is something even an electric vehicle can appreciate, the future selling price of a product that could become expensive later. For further understanding, you can refer to the U.S. Department of Energy, which provides detailed information on this vital aspect.
1) Avoid Frequent Fast Charging
Quick charging fills your power fast, yet it’s not ideal for durability. It fails to control heat buildup and it hastens battery decay. To extend your electric car battery’s life, use Level 2 chargers for daily power needs. For occasional situations like long journeys, you can use speed chargers.
2) Maintain an Optimal Charge Level
If you want your battery to work for more time, maintain its charge in the range of 20% to 80%. Try not to let the battery go down below 10% or boost it fully to 100%. These outer limits hasten battery wearing. The majority of Electric Cars come with established charging boundaries to keep the battery within this optimal zone.
3) Monitor Battery Temperature
The battery of your electric car could potentially get affected by extreme weather. Specifically, strong heat may fast-track battery wear and tear. So, it’s smart to park your vehicle in cooler, shaded locations or garages to evade the merciless heat. When it’s extremely cold, let the car use its battery by turning on the heater before you begin your ride. This special function helps the car’s battery to warm up prior to you commencing your drive.
Best Practices for Charging Your EV
How you power up your electric car plays a big role in how long the battery will last. Here are pointers on the right ways to charge:
1) Use a Dedicated Home Charger
Only when you buy a specialized Level 2 home charger can you trust in constant and secure charging. These chargers promise a regular supply of electricity at the best speed, which could help extend the lifespan of my electric car battery. Given all this and also considering possible power interruptions and non-approved charging tools, please don’t use extension cords. You could unwittingly create changes that could harm the battery.
2) Charge During Off-Peak Hours
For a smaller energy bill, try charging your EV during off-peak hours if you can. It’s a win-win situation; you save money and the grid experiences less strain because it isn’t in high demand. Several utility companies offer favorable rates for charging your battery during these times. This not only benefits your wallet but is also good for the battery.
3) Avoid Overcharging and Deep Discharges
When your car’s battery is fully charged and drained, the gadget could face harm. Though modern EV batteries often come with control mechanisms (BMS) which can prevent these extremes when detected early, the key is keeping a tight check on charging patterns. For instance, setting a charging limit and unplugging the cord as soon as charging is complete can help avoid putting unnecessary stress on the battery.
Maintaining Your Electric Vehicle Battery
Looking after your EV battery’s wellness involves regular care. Here are some methods to ensure your battery’s top condition:
1) Regularly Check Battery Health
Electric vehicles often have tools to monitor the battery’s status through the car’s display or mobile app. Regularly checking the battery’s health level (SoH) can give a reliable indication of how it’s doing and if support is needed. If you notice a big drop in mileage or other issues, it’s a good idea to get help from a skilled mechanic to find and solve any possible problems.
2) Keep the Battery Clean and Dry
Maintaining your vehicle’s battery and charging ports mainly requires keeping them neat and moisture-free. Consistent inspections and tidying of the charging slot, using a dry fabric if required, can ward off rust and other issues that may decrease battery performance. Never allowing the battery to experience extreme wetness is crucial, as it could cause electrical malfunctions.
3) Schedule Routine Service Checks
An expert regularly analyzing your vehicle can identify and handle potential battery issues before they become a real problem. This frequent assessment allows them to optimize your car’s software. It includes enhancements to the battery management system and various parts, aiming to enhance the longevity of your electric car’s battery.
Driving Habits That Support Battery Longevity
Moreover, the way you drive impacts how long your EV battery lasts. Here are some driving tips to extend your battery’s health:
1) Drive Smoothly and Avoid Aggressive Acceleration
Doing fast pull-ups and draw-downs over and over can make the EV use the battery more. But, driving all the time and at a solid speed can lighten this load and make the battery last longer. Also, using regenerative braking helps to protect habitats and cycle power waste, reducing total losses on both aspects.
2) Plan Your Routes to Optimize Efficiency
Planning a path that bypasses areas with lots of cars, tall mountains, and severe climates can benefit your electric vehicle’s productivity and lessen battery wear and tear. Also, employing eco-friendly driving settings and getting your car ready beforehand can considerably improve how good your battery works.
3) Limit High-Speed Driving
To hit over 500km/h, the battery needs a lot of juice, which could speed up its degeneration. It’s cool to go fast on expressways, but no need to rush for no reason. It’s better to keep your speed even and constant. This approach won’t overwork your battery.
Conclusion
The role of these organizations is key to the performance and reliability of electric vehicles. Right charging techniques, regular vehicle maintenance, and responsible driving can result in a strong battery life. This comprehensive change ensures the performance and longevity of the electric vehicle. Sadly, apart from the expenses, the monetary value over time might sometimes outweigh all other factors.
Want better care for your electric car? See our handbook for the best care tips to ensure your electric vehicle navigates efficiently.