Electric vehicles (EVs) are a revolution in how we drive, offering cleaner, quieter, and more efficient transportation. But like any high-tech device, your EV’s battery needs some TLC to stay in top shape. If you want to keep your EV battery in good condition and functioning at full capacity for as long as possible, you should pay attention to how you charge, maintain, and care for it.
The truth is that a few easy practices can significantly increase the lifespan of your battery. Let’s look at how to get the most out of your EV battery with a few simple strategies.
What Is a charging cycle, and why does it matter?
Charging your EV’s battery from 0% to 100% is considered one full charging cycle. This process contributes to battery wear and tear over time. The more charging cycles your battery goes through, the faster it will degrade.
Thankfully, most manufacturers have built-in safety buffers to prevent your battery from ever reaching a true 0% or 100%. This means your EV will only charge between 20-80%, which minimizes the wear on the battery and helps maintain your range.
Maximize battery life with these simple tips
Taking care of your electric vehicle’s battery does not have to be complicated. Follow these simple tips to keep your battery in good condition and your driving experience seamless.
- Follow your EV’s service schedule. Your electric vehicle’s service and maintenance program is designed to keep it in top shape. Skipping or neglecting this timetable may save you time, but it could take a long time. Regular maintenance checks help ensure your battery is functioning optimally. Simple things like tyre checks, software updates, and battery inspections can prevent issues that could damage the battery. Make sure you follow the recommended service schedule. It’ll help you spot issues early before they become expensive problems.
- Don’t leave your EV fully charged for long periods One of the easiest ways to damage your EV battery is by leaving it fully charged for too long. We all love the convenience of plugging in our car overnight, but keeping it at 100% for extended periods isn’t great for the battery’s longevity. Keeping the battery at full charge can cause stress to the cells, leading to faster degradation. It’s like constantly running a marathon at full speed—it’s not sustainable. Tip: Plug in your EV when it reaches 80-90% and avoid charging it to 100% unless you’re about to take a long trip.
- Keep it cool: Avoid extreme temperatures Excessive heat or cold is a major enemy of your EV battery. Extreme temperatures are bound to cause the battery to lose its ability to charge efficiently and shorten its lifespan. Both heat and cold cause stress on the battery’s internal components, which reduces overall efficiency. Hot climates, in particular, can lead to overheating, damaging the battery over time. Tip: Almost always park your EV in a garage or shaded area to protect it from direct sunlight or freezing temperatures. If possible, use a battery thermal management system (many EVs come with one) to help regulate temperatures.
- Don’t overuse rapid chargers Fast chargers are super convenient when you’re in a rush, but using them too often can cause the battery to degrade faster. These high-speed chargers generate more heat and strain the battery during charging. While occasional use of rapid chargers is fine, frequent use can lead to battery overheating, accelerating degradation. Tip: Use fast chargers only when necessary, such as during long trips or when you’re low on time. Stick to regular chargers for daily use without fail to give your battery the care it deserves.
- Let the battery cool down before recharging After a long drive or using fast charging, it’s essential to let the battery cool down before you plug it back in. Charging a hot battery increases the likelihood of damage. When you give it time to cool off, you are helping maintain its health and improving charging efficiency. Tip: Don’t rush to plug it in right after a drive. Let the battery cool down for at least 30 minutes before charging. It’s a small habit that pays off in the long run.
- Keep the Battery Between 20% and 80% Charged One of the best habits to form for your EV battery’s health is charging it within a specific range. Ideally, keep the battery level between 20-80%. Charging from 0% to 100% puts unnecessary stress on the battery and accelerates degradation. The more often you charge within this sweet spot, the longer your battery will last. This reduces the wear caused by extreme charge cycles and helps preserve its capacity for years. Tip: For daily driving, try charging your battery to around 80% and avoid letting it dip too low. Save the full charge for long-distance trips.
Bonus Tip: Don’t stress about charging to 100% – Only when you need it
You do not need to charge your battery to 100% every day. Save the full charge for longer trips when you need the entire range. Constantly charging to 100% can cause more harm than good. Tip: Make 80-90% your go-to range for regular use, and only top off to 100% when you’re hitting the road for a longer drive.
Make Your EV Battery Last Longer with ThunderPlus Charging
Choosing the correct charger is key when keeping your EV battery in prime condition. That’s where ThunderPlus comes in. Our range of DC Fast Chargers is designed to provide fast, safe, and efficient charging without putting unnecessary strain on your EV’s battery.
With ThunderPlus, you can rest easy knowing your EV gets a reliable charge that won’t overheat the battery. Our chargers come with intelligent features like:
- Intelligent charging management prevents overcharging and improves battery health.
- App-based Control: Monitor and plan your charging sessions for convenience.
- Weatherproof and durable design: Built to withstand harsh environments and provide consistent performance year after year.
Conclusion: Treat Your EV Battery Right
Maintaining your EV’s battery health is all about small habits and mindful charging. By following the tips above, you can extend the life of your battery and enjoy your EV for many more years to come.
Choosing a fast and reliable charger like ThunderPlus is the first step to ensure your battery stays in top shape. Contact us today and start taking care of your EV the right way. Your car—and its battery—will thank you for it!