EV battery technology is accelerating at a lightning-fast rate. Year-on-year, batteries get bigger, ranges get longer and charging times get shorter. Despite these advancements, looking after your electric car’s battery is key for ensuring both its longevity and optimal performance.
So, what can degrade your battery quicker? Typically, three things: temperature, time and charging. When you want your EV to take you further for longer, follow these best practice tips for optimising battery life.
Keep it in the Goldilocks state of charge
EV batteries don’t like to be near-empty or fully powered up. One study found that charging the battery from 80% to 100% results in nearly double the energy losses compared to charging from 20% to 80%. This means that the actual energy consumption of the vehicle is almost 2kWh/100km more than what the driver sees on the EV’s dashboard.
Avoid deep discharges (going from 100%-0%) before recharging and aim to keep your car battery in the Goldilocks zone, which is between 20% and 80%.
Use regenerative braking
One of the most attractive benefits of EVs is their regenerative braking systems, which help extend battery life. When your foot hits the brake pedal, some of the lost kinetic energy is converted into electrical energy, which is then stored in the battery. Regenerative braking reduces the strain on the battery and can help improve its overall lifespan.
Monitor temperature when driving…
Just like an optimal state of charge, EVs have a temperature window that can affect the battery range. According to Geotab data, 21.5°C is the vehicle trip efficiency sweet spot, where EVs have performed better than their rated range, peaking at 115%. When temperatures dip below 10°C or above 33°C, the battery range begins to dip below 100%.
To preserve precious range, keep your EV at an optimal temperature by preconditioning the car before you set out, avoid excessive accelerations and swift braking and use an eco-mode if your model has one.
…and charging
When powering up your EV, extreme temperatures (both hot and cold) can affect the charging speed, efficiency and overall battery lifespan. To avoid accelerating battery degradation, charge your EV when it’s between 10°C to 30°C. If it’s hotter, create a charging zone at home with shade or do it at night.
Stay on top of software updates
Keeping your EV’s software up to date will ensure its operating well. Manufacturers often release firmware and optimisation updates that can improve battery performance, longevity and even range. For instance, Tesla’s 2020.4 software update actually increased the range of its Model X cars from 527km to 564km. So, stay informed and take advantage of these updates when available.
Summary
- EV batteries perform best when kept between 20% and 80% state of charge; charging from 80% to 100% can result in nearly double the energy losses compared to charging from 20% to 80%.
- Avoid deep discharges (going from 100% to 0%) and aim to keep the battery in the from 20% to 80%. Goldilocks zone.
- Use regenerative braking to convert lost kinetic energy into electrical energy, reducing strain on the battery and improving its lifespan.
- 21.5°C is the optimal temperature for EV efficiency, with performance peaking at 115%. Outside the range of 10°C to 30°C, battery range begins to decrease.
- Maintain an optimal driving temperature by preconditioning the car, avoiding excessive accelerations and braking, and using eco-mode if available.
- Extreme temperatures during charging can affect speed, efficiency and battery lifespan, so charge your EV between 10°C to 30°C or create a shaded charging zone if it’s hotter.
- Keep your EV’s software up to date to improve battery performance, longevity and range.
Are you considering making the switch to an electric vehicle? Save time and money and stay fully charged with exclusive access to electric vehicle charging solutions and information to support you on your EV journey, all available through ActewAGL’s evHub. Find out more here.
Sources
https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S2352484719310911
