How to take care of your electric car battery?
Read this guide for tips and advice on how to maximise the life and performance of your EV battery.
With the booming popularity of electric cars, it’s no surprise that the demand for charging stations has increased too. While we are witnessing developments in charging infrastructure, knowing how you can get your EV charged conveniently to make it last longer can make your journeys better.
Although EVs have fewer moving parts and a lesser need for repairs than ICE vehicles, they tend to lose the ability to charge fully over time. That’s why it’s important to understand the functioning of EV batteries and how to make them last longer.
Here is some advice:
Use regenerative braking
Firstly, what you can do is, try to drive in a battery-efficient way. Use regenerative braking, don't accelerate too fast, and ensure your tyres are at the right pressure for optimum energy efficiency.
Keep the battery charged between 20-80%
Next up is the 20-80 rule. It's recommended to try and keep your battery between 20% to 80% of its full charging capacity. Avoid letting the battery drain completely because deep discharging damages it and can reduce your EV’s driving range and charging capacity. This will save the battery from being fully depleted or over-charging.
Minimize exposure to extreme temperatures
Furthermore, try minimising exposure to extreme temperatures while charging, driving or storage. Excessive cold or heat can put pressure on your EV, making it work harder to maintain a comfortable cabin temperature, leaving less energy for driving.
Minimize fast charging
Sure, fast-charging stations are helpful when traveling long distances. But, if you aren't in a rush to recharge, consider using a slow-charging point to charge your EV. Although a fast DC charger will charge your battery in lesser time, it will cost significantly more than a slow charger as it uses more power. Also, frequent use of DC chargers can push a lot of current into the battery life, causing the battery to degrade faster which affects its long-term performance.
Plan charging at stops
With the gaining popularity of EVs, many supermarkets, restaurants, and even malls have started providing charging stations for their customers. That way, by the time you are done shopping, your EV will be charged and ready to go again, making life more convenient. Plus, you don’t have to make dedicated stops just to charge your vehicle.
When it comes to cost-efficiency, electric vehicles are the future of mobility upon considering the total cost of ownership. With some smart planning and the tips mentioned above, you can make the most of your EV battery and keep it working at full capacity for a longer time.