As electric vehicles (EVs) become more popular, people owning them wish to make them last longer. Most people believe EVs outlive and need less repair than regular fuel driven cars. However, the owners need to take constant care and perform regularly upkeep to make them perfect. This study is designed to help understand the key factors that enhance the longevity of electric vehicles. It highlights areas like battery care, tire maintenance, and the overall maintenance of the vehicle.
Why Extending Your Electric Vehicle’s Lifespan Matters
Purchasing electric vehicles costs a pretty penny, so you’d want them to last long to make the most out of your money. Using your EV correctly helps avoid expensive fixes, maintains its resale worth, and ensures its usability for many years. Moreover, extending your EV’s lifespan not only saves you money, but also helps the environment by reducing the demand for new cars and decreasing your carbon output. The Union of Concerned Scientists can provide information on the environmental benefits of having EVs.
Battery Care: The Heart of Your Electric Vehicle
The battery is a key component of the electric vehicle. Its upkeep is essential to extend its lifespan. Here are a few useful suggestions for maintaining your EV battery in top condition:
1) Avoid Extreme Temperatures
Extreme hot or cold can harm your electric vehicle’s (EV) battery. So, it’s best to park your car in shadowy areas or inside a garage to guard it from bad weather. Also, your EV has features to heat or cool the battery before you drive in drastically cold or hot places. This helps the battery from getting stressed and may even make it last longer. The US energy department provides tips on how to keep EVs running smoothly in the cold season.
2) Charge Smartly
Your EV battery’s health and lifespan come down to how you charge it. Want your battery to last longer? Try not to use quick chargers too often. These powerful chargers could risk making your battery too hot and fail. A better choice is Level 2 chargers, everyday use should be just fine. Moreover, keep the battery between 20% and 80% most of the time. Avoid getting below 10% or charging it to 100% unless absolutely necessary.
3) Regularly Monitor Battery Health
Many electric-driven cars (EVs) are fitted with internal monitoring tools to assess battery condition and function. The optimal method to guarantee good battery operation is through routine status checks via the application or dashboard available. If there’s a sudden decline in distance spanned or capabilities, it could indicate a need for an expert battery inspection.
Tire Maintenance: Keep Your EV Rolling Smoothly
Looking after your tires is a key thing that affects how long your electric car lasts. Tires in good condition don’t just give you a problem-free and secure journey. They also boost energy use. As a result, you can go further on a single charge at the beginning.
1) Maintain Proper Tire Pressure
If you don’t inflate your tires correctly, they will create extra rolling resistance. This will make your EV battery drain faster and limit its range. For longer-lasting electric cars, often check your tire pressure and keep it as suggested by the car’s maker. This way, your car will be more efficient and it can prevent early tire wear too.
2) Rotate Tires Regularly
By simply rotating your tires often, you lessen the risk of uneven tire wear. This act could also possibly extend their life. Always follow the advice of your automaker about the timing of tire rotations. Alternatively, consider performing tire rotations during routine car services. Evenly worn tires perform better with superior grip and braking power, making them safer to use overall.
3) Choose the Right Tires
Thinking about getting new tires? Consider choosing some very power-saving options like low rolling resistance tires, specifically designed for electric vehicles. These kinds of tires maximize energy use and give you more value for every charge. Also, make sure the tires you choose are perfect for the usual weather conditions encountered in your driving areas, like wet or icy roads.
Regular Maintenance: The Key to a Long-Lasting EV
In truth, by sticking to battery and tire upkeep, alongside all the required fixes and routine care, your electric car will be in prime form. Plus, it’ll last longer. To spot and tackle those minor hitches before they become serious setbacks, frequent oversight is crucial. Acting speedily on repairs can ensure your EV remains a trusted companion in your journeys for many years to come.
1) Stay Up-to-Date with Software Updates
Staying up to date with software updates is a large part of electric vehicle driving because those updates are necessary for electric vehicles to get better performance, newer features, and improved more safety systems. This is one of the most important things to do to prolong the life of an electric vehicle. Confirm with the EV manufacturer or dealership that your car’s software is current.
2) Check Fluid Levels and Replace Filters
Electric cars require less fluids compared to gas cars, but it’s important to still keep track of and look after what they do use. This consists of things like coolant and brake fluid. Similarly, switching out air filters and exploring other components during your regular check is good practice. This can help in keeping your car and surroundings running smoothly.
3) Inspect Brakes and Suspension
Electric vehicle’s lifespan can be extended through the use of regenerative braking systems. This tech allows not just for braking, but also for the vehicle’s motor to carry some load. This could potentially lead to the traditional brake pads getting a renewed life as they are less worn out. Nevertheless, brake inspections are important. Also, scanning for suspension system faults can enhance ride comfort and safety.
Conclusion
Boost the lifespan of your electric car by adopting wise driving habits, keeping up with regular vehicle upkeep, and giving special care to the battery and tires. By adhering to these electric car care tips, you can keep your vehicle trustworthy, effective, and secure for many years ahead. Doesn’t matter if you are fresh to owning an EV or have been driving one for several years, the secret to deriving utmost fulfillment and worth from your electric car lies in its correct maintenance.