Maximising your electric vehicle’s (EV) battery life isn’t just about extending the time between charges; it’s about preserving your battery’s overall health and efficiency for the long term. As more Kiwis embrace EVs, understanding how to care for your battery is essential to ensure your vehicle’s best performance, range, and longevity. Here are some practical tips to help you get the most from your EV battery.
Best Practices for Charging Your EV Battery
How you charge your EV is one of the most crucial factors in preserving its battery. Developing smart charging habits can significantly extend its life and ensure your vehicle runs at peak efficiency.
Keep Your State of Charge Between 20-80% for Daily Use.
Most EV manufacturers recommend keeping your battery charge between 20% and 80% for everyday driving. Regularly charging to full or allowing the battery to deplete completely can degrade its health over time. For commuting or short trips, staying within this range reduces battery stress.
Charge to 100% Only When Needed
Charging to 100% is unnecessary for most daily use and can cause excess wear. Reserve full charges for longer trips when you need the additional range, such as when travelling across New Zealand or planning weekend getaways.
Minimise the Use of Rapid Charging (DC Fast Charging)
Although fast charging is convenient, it’s best to minimise its use for regular charging. The high heat generated during rapid charging can lead to faster wear and tear on your battery. Use DC fast charging mainly for long journeys when a quick top-up is essential. For daily use, stick to slower home charging.
Use a Home Charger for Routine Charging
Home charging, whether via a Level 1 or Level 2 charger, is convenient and gentler on your battery than fast chargers. It allows you to manage charging times and keep your battery within the ideal range for optimal longevity.
Avoid Charging Immediately After Driving
EV batteries heat up while driving, especially on extended trips or at high speeds. Charging while the battery is still warm can accelerate its degradation. Allow the battery to cool before plugging in, particularly after driving in hot conditions.
How Driving Habits Affect Battery Longevity
Your driving habits significantly influence your EV’s battery life. You can extend your battery’s longevity by making a few smart adjustments.
Ease Off the Pedal
Aggressive acceleration drains your battery more quickly and places unnecessary stress on it. Accelerating smoothly can help your battery last longer and enjoy a more efficient ride. Make the most of regenerative braking, too—whenever you slow down, energy is sent back to the battery, extending your range and conserving power.
Be Strategic with Your Routes
Extreme temperatures—scorching hot or freezing cold—can drain your battery faster than expected. Try to park in the shade or a garage whenever possible. Additionally, avoid routes with steep hills that force your battery to work overtime. By planning routes that minimise these conditions, you’ll get better performance and extended battery life.
Seasonal Impacts on EV Performance
New Zealand’s diverse weather conditions mean EV performance can vary depending on the season. Extreme hot and cold temperatures can affect your battery’s operation and range.
Extreme Temperatures Reduce Battery Range
EV batteries are sensitive to temperature extremes. Cold weather slows down chemical reactions within the battery, while high heat can lead to overheating and faster degradation. It’s estimated that very hot or cold temperatures can reduce your EV’s range by up to 40%. Keep this in mind when planning long trips or your daily commute.
Park in Shaded Areas or Garages
Parish your EV in a garage or shaded area to protect it from extreme heat whenever possible. Prolonged exposure to direct sunlight can accelerate battery wear. In colder months, parking indoors can help prevent the battery from becoming too cold, which improves efficiency and performance.
Use Pre-conditioning Features
Many EVs offer pre-conditioning features that allow you to heat or cool the battery before driving or charging. This is especially helpful during extreme temperatures, ensuring your battery is at an optimal temperature for both charging and driving.
Tips for Long-Term Battery Use
Proper maintenance is crucial for extending your EV battery’s lifespan. Follow these simple tips to keep your battery in top condition for years.
Get Regular Servicing from Qualified Technicians
Your EV should be serviced annually by a certified technician who understands the specific requirements of electric vehicles. During these check-ups, they can monitor the health of your battery and address potential issues before they escalate.
Monitor Battery Health
Most EVs come equipped with diagnostic systems that allow you to monitor your battery’s health. Pay attention to these systems and address any warnings or abnormalities promptly.
Avoid Leaving the Battery at Low Charge
Leaving your EV with a low charge for extended periods can negatively impact the battery. If you won’t drive your vehicle for a while, ensure it’s charged to around 50% to prevent battery degradation.
Extend Your Battery Range on Longer Trips
Planning a long scenic drive across New Zealand in your EV? Here are some tips to maximise your battery range and ensure you don’t run out of charge.
Start Fully Charged
When heading out on a long journey, it’s one of the few times charging to 100% really pays off. Topping off your battery before you hit the road ensures you have the maximum range available to focus on enjoying the trip without worrying about finding a charger.
Map Out Charging Stops
Don’t leave your route to chance! Plan by mapping out charging stops along the way. Use apps that show nearby charging stations, allowing you to recharge while taking a break. A little preparation goes a long way in avoiding last-minute panic.
Switch to Eco Mode
Most EVs have an eco-driving mode that limits power consumption and improves efficiency. Activating this mode helps you get more distance from each charge, allowing you to travel further without additional stops.
Minimise Climate Control Use
Climate control features, like air conditioning or heating, can quickly drain your battery. Use them sparingly or set them to moderate settings to conserve energy and extend your range. The more efficient your climate control use, the farther you can travel on a single charge.
By following these tips, you’ll be able to enjoy long scenic drives across New Zealand with confidence, knowing your EV battery can handle the journey!
By adopting these best practices, Kiwi drivers can get the most out of their EV batteries, ensuring they perform efficiently and last longer. Smart charging habits, mindful driving, regular maintenance, and planning for extreme conditions will help you get the most out of your EV experience while reducing costs over the long term. As the popularity of EVs continues to grow in New Zealand, taking good care of your battery is more important than ever.
