While older electric vehicles had to stop by the side of the road to be plugged into a charging station, newer models can fill up their batteries while parked. Of course, since you’ll be saving money on gas, it’s a good idea to take proper care of your car’s batteries and ensure your battery life is long. A new electric car with a range of 250 miles is expected to have a 150 to the 200-mile range after 12 years of service. While EV batteries degrade over time, they will probably outlast the life of your car.
Many of us are accustomed to using lithium-ion batteries in our cell phones and laptops. Many charging tips pertain to them, and some apply to electric cars. One of the simplest electric car charging tips is that these batteries lose capacity over time, reducing range. But you can keep your EV in top shape by following a few simple steps.
1. Don’t Charge to the Max
It’s important not to overcharge your car. Don’t charge it to 100 per cent. Experts recommend charging up to 80 per cent. The charge level can be changed using your car’s touchscreen. There may be a time when your charging time is limited. If this happens, remember that you can still charge four hours rather than eight hours. This will still add some battery life and will make the battery last longer. There’s also a chance that your battery is damaged, and it’s good to have your car batteries checked by a professional to ensure this isn’t an issue.
2. Slow Down When Driving
If you’re driving for a long trip or in a place where you can’t automatically stop for a long time, try to drive slowly. Experts recommend driving at speeds under 50 mph. The faster you drive, the quicker your battery runs out, so take it easy when driving long distances. You can also use the cruise control to decrease your gas usage.
3. Keep It Cool
The temperature of your EV will affect the length of time it takes to charge. Experts recommend that you don’t let your EV get too hot or too cold. If it’s too hot, the battery will drain faster, and if it’s too cold, it’ll be harder for the car to charge. You can monitor the charge to ensure it’s at a good temperature.
4. Limit Quick Charging
If you’re in a hurry and want to recharge your EV as quickly as possible, you might want to reconsider. Experts recommend that you charge at a slower pace. It’s better to take your time and avoid charging quickly because this can reduce the lifespan of your battery. The rapid charge can heat up the battery, so it’s better to charge slowly. The car should be set to charge at level two or three. These charge levels will help keep the temperature cool.
Conclusion
There are many ways to increase the life of your EV battery, but one of the simplest is to charge more slowly. If you charge the battery at a slow pace, the battery will last longer. This simple electric car charging tip can keep your car running for miles.
Design Electrical is an electrical contractor based in Belfast, Northern Ireland. Established in 1998, we hold a certificate of recognition with the NICEIC electrical safety body, providing electrical contract services to domestic, commercial and industrial clients throughout the province. As specialists in the electric vehicle charging market, we can offer you the best solution for your charging needs. If you need help with EV charger installation in Belfast, we’ve got you covered! Get in touch with us now and let us know how we can help!