Driving electric: 9 tips to prolong your EV battery and charging station’s life
Are you thinking about switching to an electric vehicle (EV) or do you already own one? Embracing EVs is not just about going green; it's also about enjoying a smoother and more efficient driving experience.
At Alfen, we’re committed to making your EV journey easier and more enjoyable. To ensure you get the most out of your electric ride, we’ve compiled essential tips to help you prolong the life of your EV's battery and charging station. These insights will prove invaluable to maintaining your EV’s optimal performance.
Maintaining the battery and charging station of an EV is crucial to ensuring longevity and optimal performance. Here are 9 tips to help you keep them in top condition:
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Use the right charging equipment: Always use the recommended charging equipment specified by the EV manufacturer. Cheap or incompatible chargers can lead to damage and/or reduced battery life.
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Avoid deep discharges: Try to avoid fully depleting the battery regularly. Keeping the battery within a moderate state of charge (between 20-80%) helps prolong its lifespan.
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Don’t charge to 100% unless necessary: Charging to 100% should be reserved for longer trips. Frequent full charges can put more stress on the battery, accelerating its degradation.
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Monitor charging temperature: Extreme temperatures can harm the battery. Avoid charging it in extremely hot or cold conditions and try to park the EV in a shaded area whenever possible. Protect your charging station from direct sunlight or harsh weather conditions such as snowstorms. Installing a canopy above the unit is an option. If you can install your charging station under a carport or in the garage, that’s a big plus!
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Limit fast charging: While fast charging is convenient at times, it can lead to increased battery wear. Use fast charging sparingly and stick to regular charging for daily use. It’s cheaper too.
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Avoid rapid acceleration and hard braking: Smooth driving habits help reduce stress on the battery and improve overall efficiency. Roughly driving your EV hurts its battery, similar to how rough driving damages an internal combustion engine (ICE) engine.
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Regenerative braking optimisation: Many EVs have regenerative braking systems that help recharge the battery while decelerating. Learn how to use this feature effectively to enhance energy recapture.
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Keep the charging station clean and dry: Regularly inspect and clean the charging station's connections and keep it protected from rain or moisture to prevent damage.
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Regular software updates: Keep your EV’s software up to date. Manufacturers often release updates that optimise battery performance and charging algorithms.
Bonus tip
Schedule regular maintenance: Follow the maintenance schedule recommended by the EV manufacturer. Regular checks and servicing will help detect any potential issues early on and keep the EV in excellent condition.
Read more
> Read here The ultimate checklist for drivers wanting to switch to EV
> A list of What do you need to know when buying an (EV) Charging Station
> Read an article about the Top 7 Myths about EVs