The battery of an electric car is the soul of a vehicle. It is the most expensive component, and the whole concept of an EV revolves around it. Therefore, its health maintenance significantly affects speed, range, performance, and car resale value.
In this blog post, we discuss what are do and don’t do to maximize EV battery lifespan or which EV battery charging best practices, like the 80-20 rule, monitoring charging with smart apps, the role of charging speed, and so forth are useful.
Electric Vehicle Battery Lifespan
Electric vehicles are transforming the transportation landscape and providing an environmentally friendly alternative to combustion engines. Thus, the heart of the EV lies in its battery – which is the most important part and EV’s overall efficiency and performance depend on its battery.
However, with the passage of time and usage, the EV batteries would be worn and torn just like any other rechargeable battery. Thus, the lifespan of the battery directly impacts the cost of an EV, environmental sustainability, and the resale value of the EV.
Modern-day EV batteries are more focused on longevity and they last long somewhere between 8-15 years but it depends upon various factors like which type of chargers you are using-home charger, Charging station chargers, charging conditions, patterns of maintenance, etc.
As a result of this, one can improve the lifespan of an electric car’s battery with the proper charging habits and care which are described in the following points.
Top 10 Best Practices for Increasing Your EV’s Battery Health
The importance of proper charging techniques plays a vital role in the efficiency, safety, and lifespan of an EV battery health. Therefore, their performance also depends on how these batteries are charged.
Following are the EV battery charging best practices through which we can maximize the lifespan of our EV battery health
Prolonged Battery Life
All the electric cars in the market have certain charging cycles to charge their batteries. If one does not follow those cycles, the chances of the battery getting damaged increases.
Not charging the battery properly or overcharging it and draining the battery completely also reduces the battery’s charging capacity. Thus, proper charging techniques like maintaining a charging level of 20% to 80% can increase the battery’s lifespan.
Charge at medium pace for Energy Efficiency
The efficiency of the battery means the charging should be stored optimally without wasting energy. Try to charge the battery at a medium pace instead of charging at a fast rate with level 3 or DC fast chargers to optimally charge your battery.
Overcharging or overheating lost energy due to heat generation. Hence, by applying this thing you can save energy as well as increase the efficiency of your EV battery.
Improving EV Performance
A well-maintained electric vehicle has decent performance on the roads. Proper charging keeps the voltage of the battery fully stable and maintains reliable range estimates and full operational efficiency.
On the other hand, if you do not charge appropriately then it would lead to inefficient charging and not consistent performance.
Avoiding Saftey Standards
If you do not follow the safety guidelines provided by the manufacturers then it poses serious hazards for safety. Therefore, following the right charging practices by the battery manufacturer like using certified chargers and staying away from overcharging can save your battery health.
Saves Energy
With optimal uses of energy and uses right practices of charging we can save the electricity from wastage in overcharging. Thus, by efficiently charging your battery each EV owner can contribute to the environment and reduce the carbon footprint in the ecosystem.
Saving the Cost in the Long Term
Improper charging techniques can lead to premature battery replacements which can be costly. Apart from this inefficient charging may lead to higher electricity bills. Thus, with appropriate charging one can save these expenses and manage this cost in the long term.
Effect of Extreme Temperatures
Try to keep your car battery from extreme temperatures which degrade your battery’s overall health. Therefore, it is best to avoid the battery to very high and low temperatures. Try to park your electric vehicle under any shed or if it is possible then park it in a garage.
Usage of Preconditioning
Try to use the preconditioning feature of your electric vehicle because it helps the EV battery cool and warm before driving the vehicle. Thus, it leads to optimizing the vehicle battery performance and extending the battery life of an EV.
Monitoring Battery Health with Smart Apps
Most of the EV connect with smart apps where you can track the state of the battery and it is tracked via a BMS (Battery Management System). Hence, with the help of these smart applications, anybody find these issues and troubleshoot them as soon as possible.
Overuse of Fast Chargers
Most of the people these days are in a hurry. They always want to charge their electric cars very fast and they use fast chargers. It’s okay to use fast chargers seldom but if you often use these chargers then in the long term, it ruins your EV battery health. Therefore, do not overuse fast chargers.
Bottom Line
In the end, charging your electric vehicle battery with best practices cannot save only your battery health but also your overall ownership experience. Hence by following EV battery charging best practices, one can enhance optimal battery performance, save energy and environment as well save your EV battery health in the long term.
FAQs
When one should charge the EV to 100%?
Only charge your car to 100% when you plan a long trip otherwise maintain a 20%-80% level.
Does Fast Charging Reduce Battery Life?
Yes, fast charging reduces the lifespan of an electric vehicle because it puts pressure on the battery cells.
What is the Optimal State of Charge for EV Batteries?
The optimum state of charge for lithium-ion batteries is between 20%-80%.
How Do I Monitor My EV Battery’s Health?
You can monitor your battery with several methods like smart apps, Battery management systems Battery health checkups, etc.
Can I Charge My EV in Extreme Weather Conditions?
Yes, you can charge your vehicle in extreme weather conditions but it poses serious negative effects to your battery health.
