In this blog post, we reveal how you can optimize the performance and service life of your EV battery. From the optimum charge level to pre-tempering – these 7 tips are essential for electric car owners. Read how you can charge more efficiently, improve your range and protect your battery at the same time.
1. optimum charge level for everyday use
It is not always necessary to fully charge the battery of your electric car. For daily use, it is often sufficient to charge the battery only up to around 80%. A full charge puts more strain on the battery cells and can affect the battery’s service life. Think of it like constantly stuffing a rucksack full – it puts a strain on the material in the long run. It’s the same with the battery: a little space is good for it.
2. avoid complete discharge
An almost empty battery is like an empty tank in a car – it is never good to drive on reserve. Recharge the battery before the charge level falls significantly below 20 %. If the battery becomes too empty, the battery’s components can be damaged. This is comparable to a combustion engine running without oil. Regular, light recharging keeps the battery healthy.
3. correct fast charging
Fast charging is like a sprint for the battery: it’s quick, but it’s exhausting. You should therefore only use fast charging when it is really necessary, for example before long journeys. In everyday life, it is better to charge the battery more slowly, as this puts less strain on it and extends its service life.
4. charging management at extreme temperatures
Extreme temperatures can damage lithium-ion batteries. Try to park and charge your car in a warmer place in winter, such as a garage, to protect the battery from the cold. And it is also better not to charge in the blazing sun in summer. Look for a shady spot or a parking garage. Extreme temperatures age the battery more quickly, just as heat and cold are stressful for people.
5. charging strategy for longer downtimes
If you do not intend to use your electric car for a longer period of time, it is still important to keep the battery at a medium charge level – ideally between 30 and 70 percent. This keeps the battery in a stable state and reduces the stress that could be caused by a charge level that is too high or too low.
6. preparation for long distances
Before a long journey, you can fully charge your car’s battery to get the maximum range. But do this just before you set off and not days before. Also remember that charging over 80% is often not a good idea on long journeys because the charging process then takes longer – it is more efficient to charge more frequently but for a shorter time.
7. pre-tempering of the battery
If the battery is still cold, charging can take considerably longer. For this reason, some electric vehicles can pre-temper their battery to prepare it optimally for the charging process. Alternatively, the battery can be brought up to temperature with a longer highway drive. But why? A well-tempered battery charges more efficiently and gently. It’s a bit like warming up before you exercise – it prepares your body better for the exertion.