To extend the battery life of an electric vehicle (EV), adopting good driving and charging habits is essential. Here are some of the best practices based on expert insights and EV battery health data:
Best Driving Habits to Extend EV Battery Life
- Drive Smoothly and Gently
Avoid rapid acceleration and hard starts; gradual, smooth acceleration reduces energy consumption and battery strain. Driving as if “there’s an egg between your foot and the accelerator” helps preserve battery life by minimizing power surges. - Use Regenerative Braking Effectively
Utilize regenerative braking especially in stop-and-go city driving to recover energy back into the battery. EVs tend to be more efficient driving in the city than at consistent high highway speeds partly due to regen braking. - Maintain Moderate Speeds
Driving at very high speeds drains battery power faster. Keeping speeds reasonable and using cruise control on highways can optimize energy efficiency. - Avoid Driving in Extreme Temperatures
Both extreme heat and cold accelerate battery wear. High temperatures speed up degradation while cold reduces capacity temporarily. Parking in shaded or garage areas and minimizing exposure to harsh weather helps maintain battery health. - Precondition Your Vehicle While Charging
Preheating or precooling your EV while it is plugged in draws energy from the grid, not the battery, allowing the battery to start at an optimal temperature and reducing power strain when driving. - Use Heating and Air Conditioning Sparingly
HVAC systems are significant energy consumers in EVs, so limit their use or precondition the cabin during charging to conserve battery power. - Keep Tires Properly Inflated
Proper tire inflation reduces rolling resistance, helping the EV consume less energy. Underinflated tires make the motor work harder, draining the battery faster. - Turn Off Unnecessary Electrical Accessories
Switch off features like headlights, heated seats, or audio systems when not needed to save energy.
Charging Habits to Complement Driving
- Maintain Battery State of Charge Between 20% and 80%
Avoid frequent full charges and deep discharges; keeping the battery in this mid-range State of Charge (SoC) helps prolong its lifespan. - Minimize Use of DC Fast Charging
While convenient, frequent DC fast charging can accelerate battery degradation. Use slower Level 2 charging when possible, especially for daily overnight charges. - Allow Battery Cooling Before Charging After Driving
After driving for a prolonged period, let the battery cool down before charging to reduce wear caused by charging a hot battery.
By combining gentle driving techniques, temperature management, efficient use of climate control, and careful charging practices, EV owners can maximize their battery’s longevity and maintain optimal performance over time.
Original article by NenPower, If reposted, please credit the source: https://nenpower.com/blog/what-are-the-best-driving-habits-to-extend-ev-battery-life/
