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Do You Know How to Extend the Battery Life of Your Electric Car?

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I Florin
Do You Know How to Extend the Battery Life of Your Electric Car?

Electric cars are becoming more popular and affordable, but they also come with a challenge: how to keep the battery in good shape for as long as possible. The battery is the heart of an electric car, and its performance and lifespan depend on many factors, such as how you drive, charge, and store your vehicle. In this article, we will give you some tips and tricks on how to extend the battery life of your electric car and enjoy its benefits for years to come.

What Affects the Battery Life of an Electric Car?

The battery life of an electric car is measured by two main indicators: capacity and power. Capacity refers to how much energy the battery can store, and power refers to how fast the battery can deliver or receive energy. Both battery capacity and battery power degrade over time and use, reducing the range and performance of your electric car.

The rate of degradation depends on various factors, such as:

  • Temperature: Extreme heat or cold can damage the battery cells and affect their chemical reactions. High temperatures can cause overheating, swelling, and accelerated aging of the battery. Low temperatures can reduce the efficiency, power output, and charging speed of the battery.
  • State of charge: Keeping the battery at a very high or low state of charge (SoC) can stress the battery and reduce its lifespan. A high SoC means that the battery is fully or almost fully charged, and a low SoC means that the battery is empty or almost empty. Ideally, you should keep the battery between 20% and 80% charged at all times and only charge it to 100% when necessary (for longer trips etc.).
  • Charging speed: Charging the battery too fast or too often can also degrade its capacity and power. Fast charging, especially at high SoCs, can generate more heat and wear out the battery faster. Slow charging, especially at low SoCs, can prolong the battery life and preserve its health. You should avoid using fast chargers daily and use a Level 1 or 2 charger for overnight charging.
  • Driving style: How you drive your electric car can also affect its battery life. Aggressive driving, such as speeding, rapid acceleration, and hard braking, can drain the battery faster and reduce its range. Smooth driving, such as maintaining a steady speed, coasting, and regenerative braking, can conserve the battery and extend its range.

How to Extend the Battery Life of Your Electric Car?

By following some simple guidelines, you can extend the battery life of your electric car and enjoy its benefits for longer. Here are some tips on how to do that:

  • Minimize exposure to extreme temperatures: Try to park your electric car in a shaded or covered area, especially in hot weather. Avoid leaving your electric car plugged in for long periods in very cold or hot temperatures. Use the climate control system wisely, and preheat or precool your electric car before driving.
  • Allow the battery to cool down before recharging: After a long drive or a fast charge, let the battery cool down before plugging it in again. This will prevent overheating and thermal stress on the battery cells.
  • Clean the battery terminals from corrosion: Corrosion can build up on the battery terminals over time, affecting the electrical connection and performance of your electric car. You can clean the terminals with a baking soda and water mixture using a toothbrush or a wire brush. Make sure to disconnect the battery before cleaning it, and wear gloves and eye protection.
  • Follow your car’s service and maintenance schedule: Your electric car’s manufacturer will provide you with a recommended service and maintenance schedule for your vehicle. This will include regular inspections, diagnostics, and updates for your battery and other components. Following this schedule will help you keep your electric car in optimal condition and extend its battery life.

Conclusion

The battery life of your electric car is not fixed or predetermined. It depends on many factors that you can influence with your driving habits, charging practices, and care routines. By following these tips on how to extend the battery life of your electric car (it could be a BMW i5 or Volkswagen ID. Buzz), you can enjoy its benefits for longer and save money on repairs or replacements.

If you have any questions or comments about this article, please feel free to contact us. We would love to hear from you!


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