Electric vehicle batteries are designed to last for many years, but they will eventually degrade overtime. The battery may lose some of its capacity over time, which means that the car will have a shorter range. Although EV batteries come with a warranty period but it is important to take care of it on your own.
Tips to extend your EV battery life:
Avoiding exposure to extreme temperatures while parking:
EV batteries are made of Lithium-ions who work best in moderate temperatures. Exposure to both hot or cold extreme environment can degrade the life of the battery. You can try to park your electric vehicle in the shade or in a garage to help keep battery temperature within a safe range.
Don’t let the battery run too low:
Deep discharging can also damage the battery, so it’s best to keep the charge above 20% whenever possible. If you know you’re going to be driving in an area with limited charging options, you can try to precondition the battery before you leave so that it starts out at a higher charge level. It is important to maintain an optimal battery charge.
Make use of a standard charger:
Fast charging puts strain on the battery and shorten its lifespan. It is best to avoid fast charging unless absolutely necessary. Level 2 chargers (which provide up to 7.2 kW of power) are gentler on the battery than DC fast chargers (which can provide up to 100 kW of power).
Do not charge the battery to 100%:
While it’s not as harmful as deep discharging, charging to 100% can also shorten the battery’s lifespan. If you can, try to keep the charge between 20% and 80%.
Manage your driving habits:
Abrupt acceleration and braking can put a lot of stress on the battery. It is best to drive smoothly and avoid sudden changes in speed.
