02/23/2024
How to extend EV battery life?
Here are 4 simple ways to extend your electric car battery longevity:
Calendar aging is not the only reason that ages a battery. It is likely to be the key degradation mechanism for electric car batteries, but the state of battery charge and the exposure to extreme temperatures also impact dramatically on battery life.
1. Minimize exposure to extreme high temperatures when unplugged and stationary.
Extended exposure to high temperatures, while parked and not charging, can cause unnecessary battery drain in electric vehicles. When an electric vehicle is parked and overheats, its battery thermal system may activate, leading to a drain in an effort to maintain optimal efficiency. To prevent this, it's advisable to park your electric vehicle in the shade or leave it plugged in to ensure its temperature is stable while using grid power.
2. Minimize maintaining the battery at 100% for long periods.
Electric cars come equipped with a battery range management system that safeguards against overcharging or over-discharging. However, maintaining the battery's state of charge between 20% and 80% also enhances its longevity and performance. While a full charge provides maximum range, frequent full charges are not recommended.
It's advisable to fully charge only for long trips and avoid letting the battery drop below 20% to preserve its overall lifespan.
3. Avoid fast charging when is not needed.
If your batteries are soon to die out, using a charging is a great convenience. However, it presses so much current into the batteries in a short period which strains your EV battery and wanes them even faster. While it is hard to notice its degradation, eight years of standard charging will give you 10% more battery life compared to 8 years of using fast charging.
4. Control the optimal battery state of charge during long storage.
EVs that are parked or stored with an empty or full battery also degrade the battery. If you do not use your electric car often or have a long trip planned, get a timed charger, and plug it in. This is another common cause of battery misuse therefore affecting its longevity. Leaving your vehicle at 100% while parked for long periods may the battery to struggle with preserving its state of charge while you are away. One strategy is to set the charger to keep the charge just above the low mark, not filling it up to the maximum capacity, at an average charge level between 25% and 75%.
