Electric vehicles have taken the automobile industry by storm, thanks to their zero-emission systems. But for EVs, a key thing that one needs to remember is that the car runs primarily on a lithium-ion battery. So, to ensure that it continues to offer a smooth and optimal performance, one needs to keep the battery in good condition. By following certain essential EV battery maintenance tips, EV owners can maintain their vehicles in top condition.
1. Prevent constant exposure to extreme temperatures
For EV owners, it is crucial to know and remember that EV batteries only function well when operating in ambient temperatures. When batteries are exposed to extreme cold or heat, their operating efficiency and range are reduced by a significant margin. In fact, EVs are also equipped with an automated temperature control system to maintain the temperature of different vehicle components at optimal levels. So, when the car is exposed to unfavorable environmental temperatures, this system activates to keep things cool or warm for the battery. But for this system to work, the car, in turn, uses a good amount of electricity, which can drain the battery. So, to optimize EV battery performance, it is crucial to always park the car in the shade during hot weather and in a closed garage when it’s cold outside.
2. Do not let the battery get too low on charge
One thing that is common for all rechargeable batteries is that they have a limited number of charging cycles and, hence, a short lifespan. So when the battery drains completely before charging, its charge cycles are reduced, directly affecting its lifespan. So, if one is looking for ways to extend an EV’s battery life, one must ensure its charge doesn’t drop below 10%.
3. Avoid fully charging the battery too often
While it is advised to charge the battery to 100% when going on long road trips, frequent full charges may also end up degrading the battery and reducing its driving range. So, to maintain the EV battery in the best condition and prolong its lifespan, one must make sure to charge it only up to 80%. As a good measure, it is recommended to keep an EV battery’s charging between 20% and 80%.
4. Minimize the use of DC fast chargers
Another EV battery charging tip that one should consider and try following is to minimize the use of DC fast chargers. This is because lithium-ion batteries are usually designed for 220V charging. Using DC fast chargers (which produce 480V) too often can overload the battery with current and put strain on it. Constant use of fast chargers can, therefore, reduce the battery’s lifespan. So, one of the best practices for EV battery care is to use fast chargers only when absolutely necessary. For regular charging, it is best to stick with 220V chargers.
5. Try to avoid abrupt accelerations and braking
Abruptly increasing the car’s speed can drain the battery faster since it requires extra energy. Likewise, abrupt braking and deceleration will also drain the battery quickly and affect the vehicle’s driving range. So, to extend EV battery life, it is advised that the car be driven at a consistent speed for as long as possible. Even when acceleration is required, it is recommended to prefer moderate and gradual acceleration to prevent the battery from discharging quickly. Along with maintaining battery life, these practices will also contribute to safer driving.
6. Turn off additional features when not required
Additional features, such as heated seats, entertainment system, etc., require a substantial amount of energy. So, keeping them on when not required can drain the battery unnecessarily. Similarly, one must also be mindful of the usage of air conditioning and heating systems since they also consume a lot of energy.
7. Prepare the battery before charging
Yet another EV charging habit that car owners should follow for better battery life is letting the system cool down before charging. This keeps the battery in good condition, making it last longer. So, if one has been driving around for a long time, it helps to let the car sit for a while so the battery can cool down before putting it on charging mode.
8. Do not ignore software updates
To ensure smooth and proper functioning, EV cars require regular software updates. These are usually over-the-air or OTA updates and can be completed when the car is connected to a Wi-Fi network. Often, these updates also include upgrades for the battery management system. So, to keep the battery in good condition and increase its lifespan, it is crucial not to avoid these updates or delay them for too long.
9. Ensure there is no unwanted load in the car
Often, car owners let some luggage or items sit in the trunk of the car for too long. While this may seem harmless at first, it actually means that the car ends up carrying an unnecessary load for too long. This increases energy consumption as the EV battery must work harder for the car to run with that weight. Eventually, this causes the battery to drain quickly. So, to avoid such consequences, it is important to check for any extra luggage or loads in the trunk and remove them to prevent unwanted strain on the EV battery.
