7 charging tips for electric cars - how to charge more efficiently and save your battery

1. Know the ideal loading area

In everyday life, it is usually not necessary to charge to 100%. A range between 20 % and 80 % is considered ideal for battery health.
Many vehicles now offer charging limits via an app or directly in the on-board computer – use this function regularly.

2. Avoid deep discharge

If possible, never allow the battery to become completely empty. If the charge level falls permanently below 10 %, this can affect the cell chemistry. Plan longer journeys so that there is always a certain charging reserve.

3. Fast charging with caution

Fast charging (DC) is practical – but stressful in the long term. Use it mainly on long journeys or when you are pressed for time.
In everyday life, slow AC charging is the better choice to protect the battery and extend its service life.

4. Observe temperature

Heat and cold have a direct effect on charging performance and battery health.

• – In summer: If possible, charge in the shade or in parking garages.

• – In winter: Use preconditioning (pre-tempering) so that the battery is at operating temperature before charging.

Some vehicles regulate this automatically – otherwise a short drive before charging can help to bring the battery up to temperature.

5. Average charge for longer service life

If your electric car is not used for a longer period of time, keep the battery at a charge level of around 50%. This is the optimum value to keep the battery stable in the long term and minimize ageing.

6. Efficient charging when traveling

A clear strategy is worthwhile for long-distance journeys: it is better to charge briefly to 80% more often than once completely full. This allows you to use the charging time more efficiently and shorten breaks – especially at fast charging points (DC).

7. Intelligent charging with energy management

Charging at home or at work benefits from smart charging. With intelligent software such as the reev energy management systemcharging times can be automatically adapted to the electricity tariff, PV yield or grid load. This reduces costs, avoids peak loads and extends battery life at the same time.

Conclusion

Conscious charging behavior improves battery performance, extends service life and reduces costs. With the right tools – such as reev software and reev energy management system – efficient and sustainable charging becomes very easy.