More people are owning electric vehicles (EV) these days. Hence, it’s vital to know how to charge them best. Charging efficiently is not only a time-and-money-saver but also lengthens your battery’s life. This guide will cover some essential tips for increasing the charging efficiency of your EV, ensuring it’s always prepped for a drive.
Why Charging Efficiency Matters
Charging your car isn’t as simple as just connecting it and waiting for the battery to get full. You can make your charging habits better. This can decrease the energy you use, reduce your electric bills, and even make your car perform better. Plus, if you charge your car in a smart way, your battery can last longer. This means you can enjoy your EV for a longer period. Learn from the U.S. Department of Energy about why charging your EV efficiently is important.
Factors That Influence Charging Efficiency
Many things can change how well your EV charges. This includes the kind of charger you’re using, when in the day you charge, how hot your battery is, and even how you like to drive. If you know about these things, you can make choices that help your EV charge better and take good care of your battery.
1) Choose the Right Charger
The kind of charger you opt for affects how efficiently your car charges. Level 1 chargers with a typical 120-volt outlet work fine but take their time. Their counterparts, Level 2 chargers, associate with a 240-volt outlet, perform quicker and are better for everyday use. DC speedy chargers are the quickest but can also produce extra warmth. This might hasten battery wear and tear if used too much. For most folks with EVs, a Level 2 charger strikes the ideal speed and efficiency harmony.
2) Charge During Off-Peak Hours
Electricity prices often fluctuate throughout the day; lower rates are usually available during non-peak hours. By plugging your electric car in during these times, you’re not just saving cash, but also helping out the power grid. Often, power companies present different rate plans that feature off-peak cost reduction. This price cut typically applies to late night hours, or the crack of dawn. Plugging in during these moments can be incredibly cost-effective. Additionally, the cooler outdoor conditions support efficient charging. As a result, this method helps to lessen the carbon emissions too.
3) Precondition Your Battery
Checking your batteries’ temperature is crucial for a good charge. Attempting to charge a battery that’s too cold or hot can lead to poor energy output and may shorten its lifespan. But, many EVs have a nifty ‘preconditioning’ feature. This feature helps to adjust the battery temperature to an ideal level for charging by either heating or cooling it. Regularly using this feature, especially in drastic weather conditions, is a great method to ensure a powerful charge and also safeguard the battery from issues.
Optimizing Your Charging Habits
The way you charge could greatly influence your EV battery’s performance and lifespan. Consider these suggestions to enhance your charging process:
1) Avoid Frequent Full Charges
Although you might believe it’s best to charge your battery to full every chance you get, you’re actually harming your battery by doing so. It’s more beneficial to disconnect your car battery when you switch charging cycles. Usually, this can range from 20% to 80% for regular driving. Often dubbed as the ‘sweet spot’ for battery health, this range is highly favored. It represents the least damaging interval for the battery and the range where you can extend its use. Many electric vehicles come equipped with sophisticated charging systems. These can manage the timing of the charge and control its endpoint. Thus, the process is fully automated.
2) Use Regenerative Braking
Regenerative braking is a thing in electric cars that snatches energy which might just be lost when you brake or slow down to recharge the battery. This lets you make the most of the regenerative braking feature, leading to your vehicle going further and lots of time between needing to charge. If you’re keen on energy-safe techniques like slowing down to stop and regenerative braking systems, you need to practice using them.
3) Monitor Charging Efficiency
Many of today’s electric cars have live tracking systems. These let you see how well the charging is working, right on the spot. They might give you information like how much power was used in a single charge. You might also see how quickly the battery gained energy or how smoothly the whole thing went. Looking at this info lets you manage your charging more carefully. This way, it’ll be both more efficient and more effective.
Maintaining Battery Health for Long-Term Efficiency
Keep an eye on your EV battery for the best, constant charging performance. Some advice for keeping your battery in top shape includes:
1) Avoid Extreme Temperatures
Extreme heat or cold can harm battery performance and charging. Try to park your EV in a garage or under a shade when you can. This avoids exposing it to extreme temperatures. If you live somewhere with harsh weather, consider a thermal protection system. Or condition your battery before you start charging it.
2) Regularly Check Battery Health
Since you own a battery health monitor, spotting troubles early and addressing them becomes effortless. The diagnostics feature of your vehicle updates you about your battery’s condition. Spotting a notable drop in the mileage after charge or if the charging rate slows, it may be time for a specialist to inspect your battery for any issues.
Consumer Reports guides you on how to keep your EV battery operational.
3) Keep Your Software Updated
Alongside EV hardware, it’s key that your vehicle’s software gets regular updates. Often, this software subtly impacts the charging efficiency and the general performance of your car, while minimizing tech issues. It’s good practice to ensure your EV’s software is up-to-date to fully harness the latest technological progress. Many notifications with updates may appear wirelessly, typically dispatched by your vehicle’s manufacturer, so responding to these notifications is recommended.
Planning for Long Trips
Consider focusing more on how efficiently you charge if you’re intending to journey over vast stretches. These are some guidelines to ensure your road adventure goes without a hitch:
1) Plan Your Charging Stops
Before a long trip, it’s important to note where you’ll be able to power up your electric vehicle (EV) while on the road. Handy apps like ChargePoint or PlugShare can help you locate EV charging stops throughout your journey. Pay close attention to the presence of quick chargers, the gap between charging locations, and the facilities each stop provides along your path.
2) Charge When You Stop
For a more beneficial journey, consider charging your vehicle during food stops, breaks, or overnight stays. You won’t have to fret over spending extra time charging which lets you continue with your schedule. Additionally, longer breaks provide your EV battery ample time to cool down, leading to improved battery charge.
3) Monitor Charging Speed
When you plan long journeys, it’s key to check your usual car charging speed. It helps ensure you’re getting maximum power from the charge. If your car’s electric fill-up is slower than expected, issues might be overheating or some other problems. Shift your charging method if required to ensure efficiency and keep your journey running smoothly.
Conclusion
Following these tips can boost the charging efficiency of your electric vehicle, letting it last longer. It also helps reduce your power costs. Now, enjoy better and easier drives! These tips work whether you’re charging at home or while traveling. Tweaking your charging habit can maximize your EV benefits. Indeed, a smart and efficient power feed helps your wallet and extends your battery road-life. This way, your EV serves you longer than usual.
For further understanding of electric vehicle upkeep, do check out our pamphlet named the effectiveness of your EV’s batteries.