How To Maximise EV Battery Life: Charging Habits You Need To Know
As you have installed an EV charger at your home or commercial property, you’re probably excited about your electric vehicle (EV) and its benefits for the environment and your wallet. However, one of the most crucial aspects of owning an EV is maintaining the battery health to ensure it lasts as long as possible. The battery is the heart of your EV, and taking the right steps to care for it can impact its lifespan and efficiency.
Therefore, knowing how to maximise your EV battery life is key to maintaining optimal performance and reducing long-term costs. Today, in this blog post, we will guide you through the best charging habits to protect and maximise your EV battery.
Looking for reliable EV solutions? At EVC Installs, we offer expert EV charger installation, battery storage solutions, and expert advice to help you maximise your EV’s performance. Call us on 01322 761101 or email us at office@evcinstalls.co.uk. We will revert within 24 hours.
At EVC Installs, we provide expert EV charger installations and sustainable energy solutions, ensuring the highest quality service and efficiency for your home or business.
Best Practices To Maximise EV Battery Life
Taking care of your electric vehicle battery is crucial to ensure your EV’s battery remains efficient and long-lasting. Below, we outline best practices to maximise EV battery life, helping you protect your investment and get the most out of your electric vehicle.
1. Charge Between 20% And 80% For Optimal Health
Keeping your battery charged between 20% and 80% prevents overcharging and deep discharges, which harm battery cells. Charging within this range helps prevent battery degradation, ensuring long-lasting EV battery performance. Many EVs offer settings to limit charging thresholds—activate this feature to avoid unnecessary full charges.
2. Minimise Use Of Rapid Chargers
While rapid or DC fast chargers are convenient for a quick boost, they can generate heat, accelerating battery ageing. Use Level 2 chargers for regular charging, as they deliver power gently. Adopting this as part of your EV charging best practices will contribute to better thermal management and extended battery lifespan.
3. Charge During Off-Peak Hours
In London’s cooler evenings or early mornings, charging your EV reduces stress caused by high temperatures. Off-peak charging also often aligns with lower electricity tariffs, offering cost savings while promoting gentler charging cycles on your battery.
4. Protect Your EV From Extreme Weather
London’s changing weather can affect your battery. Heat accelerates thermal degradation while freezing temperatures can reduce charging efficiency. Protect your EV by parking in shaded areas during summer and garages during winter. This simple step ensures better electric vehicle battery care through effective thermal management.
Also, read our recent guide on tips to charge your EV efficiently during winter months for more information.
5. Avoid Draining Your Battery To Zero
Deep discharges stress the battery cells and can shorten their lifespan. Avoid letting your EV’s battery drop below 20%. Regular charging at moderate levels is key for EV battery health tips and prevents unnecessary strain during your daily driving routine.
6. Use Regenerative Braking
London’s stop-and-go traffic offers the perfect opportunity to use regenerative braking. This feature recovers energy and reduces wear on your brakes. Incorporating regenerative braking into your driving habits supports EV battery life maximisation by reducing the need for frequent charging.
7. Plan Your Long-Distance Trips
When travelling outside London or across the UK, plan routes with charging stations in mind. Avoid letting your battery level drop too low during long-distance travel. Maintaining moderate charging cycles during trips helps preserve your battery’s health and efficiency.
8. Store Your EV Correctly
If you plan to leave your EV unused for an extended period:
- Maintain a battery level of around 50%.
- Disconnect the charger to avoid overcharging.
- Check the battery periodically to ensure it remains healthy.
These steps support battery degradation prevention and help prepare your EV for your next drive.
9. Update Your EV’s Software
Regular software updates often include improvements to battery management systems. Always keep your EV’s software up to date to ensure optimal performance and ageing mitigation for your battery.
10. Use Thermal Management Systems
Modern EVs often feature thermal management systems to regulate battery temperature. Ensure this system is active, especially during charging and driving in extreme temperatures. Effective thermal management is crucial for long-lasting EV battery performance.
11. Choose The Right EV Charger
Selecting the right charger for your EV ensures efficient charging while protecting your battery. Using compatible chargers reduces stress on the battery cells, a vital step in electric vehicle battery care.
Check out our guide on choosing the right EV charger for expert advice.
12. Perform Regular Charger Maintenance
A well-maintained charger ensures consistent power delivery, preventing battery damage. Regularly inspect your charger and cables for wear and tear. Learn more about proper care in our guide to EV charger maintenance.
13. Drive Efficiently
Driving habits impact battery life significantly. Avoid aggressive acceleration and harsh braking, especially in London’s busy traffic. Instead, drive smoothly and use Eco mode to optimise energy usage, ensuring greater longevity and efficiency.
By following these tips, you can ensure your EV’s battery remains efficient, reliable, and long-lasting, allowing you to enjoy the many benefits of electric vehicle ownership in London.
Contact EVC Electrical Installations
Conclusion
Maximising your EV battery life ensures optimal performance and longevity, saving you money and enhancing your driving experience.
At EVC Installs, we provide high-quality EV chargers, solar PV systems, and battery storage solutions tailored to your needs. With premium products and a professional team, we help you adopt sustainable, efficient charging practices while protecting your EV investment. Whether you’re looking for residential or commercial solutions, our personalised service and expertise make transitioning to greener energy seamless.
Contact us today on 01322 761101 or email us at office@evcinstalls.co.uk to schedule your installation and maximise your EV’s potential!