Electric Vehicles have lower maintenance needs in comparison to conventional combustion engines, conveniently avoiding the need for oil changes, spark plugs, fuel filters and various other mechanical components.
Though, in the same way that combustion engine drivers incorporate certain habits to protect their engine, EVs benefit from certain habits too, primarily those which maximise the battery lifespan.
How do electric car batteries work?
Most electric car batteries are made of lithium-ion, which is also used in other appliances such as laptops and phones. Although an EV battery looks like a huge, singular unit, it is comprised of thousands of individual cells that all work together to power the electric motor.
Lithium-ion batteries are lightweight, long-lasting and durable, which makes them great for electric cars – however, an EV battery’s capacity will also eventually decline over time and with excessive use.
Modern EVs are able to retain most of their capacity for over a decade, and many manufacturers back this up with eight to ten year warranties on new cars, so it isn’t a massive concern If you are looking to make the switch.
However, if you want to protect and maximise the lifespan of your EV battery, there are some surefire ways to do so.
Should You Charge Your EV Battery to 100?
Batteries deteriorate faster when kept at the extremes, whether that is constantly hitting zero or always charged up to 100. The best way to charge an EV’s battery is to limit the charge level to 80%, and try to prevent it dropping below 20%.
Occasionally topping up to 100% for longer trips is harmless, but making a habit of hitting 100% puts more stress on the cells within the battery, and will degrade your battery health over time.
What is the best way to charge an EV for Battery Health?
Although they are essential for longer trips, and of course extremely convenient, constantly using rapid charging can lead to a higher rate of degradation. Pumping higher voltage current generates more heat than charging at slower speeds, which speeds up chemical wear inside the battery cells.
While occasional use is fine, it is best to rely primarily on gentler, home charging set ups, spreading a charge overnight, rather than packing it into 30 minutes.
Do Driving Habits Effect EV Battery Health?
Although the impressive speeds and an EV’s torquey launches can be tempting to play with, constantly thrashing your electric car can do more harm than good. Hard bursts of acceleration pull high currents, generating internal heat than can slowly degrade EV battery cells.
Constant high speed driving also drains the battery quickly, and causes a high current draw. This is not to say you can’t make good use of high speeds or quick take-offs, just that overall, sticking to a more sensible routine will maximise the longevity of the battery, and likely the car as a whole.
Does Preconditioning my EV Battery Lengthen its Lifespan?
EV battery preconditioning is the process of warming or cooling an electric vehicle’s battery to the ideal operating temperature before use, allowing it to charge and perform at its most efficient speed in both hot and cold conditions.
Preconditioning also helps support your battery health in the long term, by reducing the thermal stress on the cells.
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If you are due a service for your electric car, Vertu's highly trained, manufacturer accredited technicians will service your EV to a high standard using genuine parts.
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