Is your EV's battery lifespan deteriorating before your very eyes? Do you wonder if fast charging stations are your allies or your foes? Is there a hidden truth behind the myth of the 100% charge?
In this article, we'll delve into the topic of EV battery degradation. We’ll uncover the reasons that are causing your batteries’ performance to drop significantly and guide you with strategies so that you can maximize your EV's battery life.
1. Protect Your EV from Extreme Temperatures
Are you leaving your EV out in the scorching sun or the freezing cold for extended periods? If so, it's time to reconsider. Exposing your EV to extreme temperatures can have a detrimental effect on your battery's performance and overall lifespan. Extreme heat can accelerate chemical reactions within the battery, leading to premature degradation, while frigid temperatures can hinder its ability to deliver optimal power. Whenever possible, it is advisable to park your EV in a shaded area or a cozy garage to shield it from temperature extremes. This is one of the easiest hacks that one can implement to increase your EV’s battery life.
2. Avoid Fast Charging Frenzy
Are you succumbing to the allure of fast charging, unknowingly putting stress on your battery? Fast charging may seem like a convenient option to quickly replenish your battery, but frequent use can negatively impact its longevity. Charging at high rates presses a lot of current into the batteries making it generate more heat. This eventually increases the wear and tear on battery cells, reducing its life. Hence, it is advisable to opt for regular charging at a moderate rate, which puts less strain on the battery and promotes long-term health.
3. Avoid unnecessary charging of your battery till 100%
Are you consistently charging your battery to its maximum limit? Contrary to popular belief, constantly charging your EV to full capacity* is not necessarily beneficial for your battery health. Even though it gives you maximum operating time, fully charging and discharging the battery puts additional stress on the cells, accelerating deterioration and making it age prematurely. What you can do instead is to aim for a charging range between 20% and 80%, as this helps minimize the stress on the battery and promotes a longer lifespan.
*A caveat here is if you have a car with LFP (Lithium-Iron-Phosphate) Battery. In such a case, it is indeed recommended to charge to 100% once a week to recalibrate the Battery Management System and to balance the charge across all the cells.
4. Avoid driving like Vin Diesel
Your driving habits play a significant role in the health of your EV's battery. Do you have a lead foot, frequently accelerating aggressively and braking abruptly? Such driving behavior not only compromises safety but also takes a big toll on your battery. Smooth and gentle acceleration, as well as gradual braking, reduces the strain on the battery's cells and contributes to a longer-lasting charge. Adopting a more relaxed driving style can significantly enhance your battery's performance and longevity.
5. Manage Idle Periods like a Pro
Are you leaving your EV idle parked in your garage for extended periods of time on 100% charge? Leaving your electric car with an empty or full battery for long periods of inactivity can also be a leading cause of battery degradation. When planning for long-term storage of your EV, it is advisable to charge your battery to a level between 30% and 60%, avoiding a full charge to the maximum capacity and then parking your car in a cool location, free from extremely hot or extremely cold temperatures. By adhering to these practices, you can ensure that your EV's battery remains in the best possible condition during long periods of storage, preserving its performance and extending its lifespan.
Conclusion:
Your EV's battery is a vital component that deserves your attention and care. Even if you were unknowingly making these mistakes till now, by implementing these five golden tips, you can still seek to maximize the lifespan of your EV battery, protecting your investment and enjoying optimal performance for years to come. So, whether you're a seasoned EV owner or new to the world of electric vehicles, make these tips a part of your EV ownership journey. Happy driving!
Sources:
https://www.blackridgeresearch.com/blog/top-tips-to-maximize-electric-vehicle-ev-battery-life-capacity-longevity-performance
https://energy.drax.com/insights/maximise-ev-battery/
https://www.evolutionaustralia.com.au/six-ways-extend-ev-battery-life
https://www.kia.com/dm/discover-kia/ask/how-to-extend-ev-battery-life.html
https://www.wired.com/story/how-to-take-care-electric-vehicle-battery/
https://www.renaultgroup.com/en/news-on-air/news/how-to-prepare-your-electric-car-to-be-parked-for-an-extended-period-of-time/
