How to extend EV battery life

So, you might be wondering 'How do I extend the battery life of my EV?’. There’s no denying that electric vehicles (EVs) provide plenty of benefits, from their positive environmental impact to impressive savings. However, one worry for EV owners is battery degradation. We’ve all experienced our phone batteries worsen over time, but will our car batteries do the same? In short, the answer is yes, but only ever so slightly, and luckily there’s easy ways to make your EV battery last longer. First things first...

How do EV batteries work?

EV technology uses lithium-ion batteries, a type of rechargeable battery that undergoes cycles of charge when plugged in and discharge when driven. When you press the accelerator, power is fed to the motor using energy stored in the batteries. When you remove your foot from the brakes, the car begins to convert its forward motion back into electricity, which slows the car - a process known as regenerative braking. 

As the cycle of charge and discharge is repeated over time, lithium-ion batteries can degrade, resulting in a decrease in the car range and the time needed between charging sessions. The minor loss in EV battery health means that if you purchase an EV with a 150 mile range, in 5 years you would only have lost about 17 miles of accessible range. Under ideal climate and charging circumstances, the loss is around 1.6% (Fleet News), which is unlikely to impact your day-to-day driving needs.

EV battery degradation typically happens due to temperature, charging cycles or time. The good news is, all these factors are all influenceable. There are steps you can take to maximise battery life to keep your EV on the road for longer. 

Minimise exposure to extreme temperatures 

Exposure to extreme heat when parked unplugged causes your EVs automated temperature control system to work overtime, draining the battery as it works to keep the temperature down for optimal efficiency. This can lead to damage and degrade battery health. To avoid this, when temperatures soar, park in the shade or leave your EV plugged in. When plugged in, the Evs thermal management system will function using grid power, rather than draining your battery. 

One benefit to the UK’s tepid temperatures is the reduced risk of damage to EV batteries from extreme heat. However, it’s important to note that our colder climate can reduce range or increase charging time. Learn more about charging an EV in cold weather here.

Clever EV charging cycles 

If you frequently charge your EV to 100%, then run it down to 0%, this could be damaging the health of the battery. The optimum battery charge for EVs is between 20% and 80%. Lithium-ion batteries last longer when they’re not overcharged or repeatedly depleted below 5%, so if your EV battery is drained, try to charge it as soon as possible. A dead battery sitting without charge for long periods of time can damage cells and shorten battery life. 

Don’t neglect your EV

If you don’t use your EV often and it’s left parked for extended periods of time with an empty or full battery, this can cause a decline in battery health as the battery struggles to preserve this state of charge for extended periods of time. Try to complete short, regular drives in your EV and keep it charged between 20% and 80% to maintain road-worthy condition. 

Avoid using rapid charging too often 

When you need a quick battery boost, public rapid charging stations are the perfect solution for getting you back on the road again. However, constantly relying on rapid charging is a sure-fire way to degrade your EV battery. Rapid charging forces current into batteries in a short period of time, which can cause strain due to increased levels of heat. A few rapid charges on a long trip is fine, but try to limit reliance on rapid charging and slow charge at home instead. 

If you don’t have a home charger installed yet, Mr Charger can help. We’re the leading experts for electric vehicle charging points, with friendly installation teams based all over the UK!

If you’re ready for EV charger installation, get in touch and see how we can help! Give us a shout on 0800 669 6159 or email us at install@MrCharger.co.uk.