How to extend EV battery life

How to extend EV battery life? While electric car batteries will naturally degrade over time, there are steps you can take to extend their lifespan:

Follow EV manufacturer guidelines

Always adhere to the guidelines and recommendations provided by the EV manufacturer regarding battery maintenance and charging practices. They are designed to help you maximize the battery's lifespan.

Tesla, for instance, advises owners to keep the battery charged between 20% and 80% for daily use. They also recommend leaving the car plugged in when not in use to ensure the EV's battery remains at the optimal level of charge. Understanding and following EV battery charging best practices can significantly contribute to your battery's longevity and overall electric vehicle performance.

Maintain moderate temperatures

During hot weather, try to park your car in a shaded area or a garage. High temperatures can cause the battery to overheat and wear out faster. Some electric cars have systems to control the battery temperature, which helps protect it from excessive heat.

In cold weather, your EV's battery pack may not perform as well, leading to reduced efficiency and range. Low temperatures increase the internal resistance of lithium batteries, effectively decreasing the usable capacity. Parking in a sheltered spot, like a garage, can help maintain a better battery temperature and prevent these issues. Additionally, understanding battery cooling techniques can be beneficial for managing your electric vehicle's battery temperature.

Minimize rapid charging

Using fast-charging stations like CCS (Combined Charging System) and Superchargers can significantly reduce the time it takes to recharge your electric vehicle (EV), making long-distance travel more convenient. However, when you use rapid charging, the flow of electricity into the battery is accelerated, which can generate heat. Excessive heat can have a negative impact on the long-term health of your EV's lithium-ion battery. It can speed up the natural wear and tear process, potentially reducing the battery's overall capacity and lifespan.

Try to limit the use of rapid charging stations to situations where it's necessary for long trips. Regularly charging at slower rates is gentler on the battery.

Stay between 20 and 80 percent charge

How to extend EV battery life? To maintain the health of your EV's battery, it's wise to keep the state of charge (SOC) within a specific range, typically between 20% and 80%. Each time you charge and then use your EV's battery, it undergoes a charging cycle. These cycles accumulate over time and are a key factor in battery wear and tear.

SOC refers to the percentage of charge your battery currently holds. For example, if your EV is at 50% SOC, it means the battery is halfway charged. Staying within the 20% to 80% SOC range is recommended because it helps reduce the wear on your battery. Charging your EV to 100% or allowing it to drop to very low levels can lead to faster battery degradation.