Electric vehicles are all about sustainability and long-term value. The longer your EV stays on the road, the bigger your financial and environmental ROI becomes. However, the lifespan of those benefits is entirely dependent on one thing: your EV’s battery.Like any battery-powered device, an EV’s power capacity will shrink over time. Battery health is a familiar factor for anyone who owns a smartphone; after a few years, your phone physically cannot charge up to the same level as when you bought it.Fortunately, just like your phone, there are several ways you can protect or extend the life of your EV’s battery. Whether you’re trying to squeeze as much as possible out of the last few watts or just want to keep your battery as healthy as possible, these tricks will help keep you on the road and running smoothly.
Stay in the Safe Zone
You might be familiar with this advice from phone and laptop guides. For most battery-powered devices, charging all the way to 100% or waiting for the power to drain completely can increase the strain on the battery, wearing it out faster.The “safe zone” for EV batteries is between 20% and 80%. Most systems have safeguards that slow down charging above 80%, but even slowly climbing to 100% and keeping the battery fully charged can reduce its long-term capacity.And, of course, letting the power drop below 20% can cause more issues than a reduced battery life—it can leave you stranded! Keeping at least one fifth of your battery power ready to go protects the power cells and makes sure your EV is ready for an emergency trip.
Low power? Don’t panic
Watching your battery level get closer and closer to zero along the highway can be stressful, and our instinct is often to speed up and get to a charging point before the power runs out. However, the best way to make sure you reach your destination is to slow down.Running your EV’s motor at higher speeds uses up the battery faster, so you may end up with less range than the battery indicator says. Doing 60 instead of 70 may feel like you’re losing time, but it could be the difference between losing 10 minutes on the way to the next charger and losing an hour on the side of the road with a dead battery.Calm, careful driving reduces wear on every part of your EV, from the battery to the brake pads. If you want to avoid zeroing out your power and increase the life of your vehicle, remember to slow down.
Be careful with fast charging
DC fast chargers are convenient, but most EV batteries aren’t designed to charge that quickly all the time. Using them too often can wear out or damage your battery, and it costs you a lot more than simply plugging in at home.A good compromise is to install an AC fast charger at your home or office. These systems may not be as powerful as a DC charger, but they’ll still charge your vehicle 3-5 times faster than an ordinary wall socket. They also often have built-in smart features to help take better care of your vehicle’s hardware.
Use scheduled charging
DC fast chargers are convenient, but most EV batteries aren’t designed to charge that quickly all the time. Using them too often can wear out or damage your battery, and it costs you a lot more than simply plugging in at home.A good compromise is to install an AC fast charger at your home or office. These systems may not be as powerful as a DC charger, but they’ll still charge your vehicle 3-5 times faster than an ordinary wall socket. They also often have built-in smart features to help take better care of your vehicle’s hardware.
Park with protection
Battery health doesn’t only matter when you’re actively charging or driving your EV; everything in-between counts as well! Your parking space can have just as much of an impact on the life of your battery as how you drive.To maximise battery health, make sure you’re parking in a safe spot that’s protected from the elements and doesn’t get too hot or cold. If you don’t have a dedicated garage, parking in the shade or using a protective cover can help you avoid overheating or damaging your car’s battery and circuitry. It may even be worth renting a safer parking space if there isn’t a suitable option around your home.
Plan ahead
If you know you won’t be driving your EV for a while, it’s important to take steps to protect the vehicle’s components while it’s in storage. Some vehicles like the Tesla Roadster have a built-in storage mode, but most cars will need to be prepared manually.To keep your vehicle safe while you’re away, charge the battery to around 60% and leave it in a cool (not freezing) location. Do not leave the vehicle plugged in or at full power. If you have any specific concerns about your vehicle, consult your mechanic or the car’s manufacturer.
Keep your software and firmware up to date
If you know you won’t be driving your EV for a while, it’s important to take steps to protect the vehicle’s components while it’s in storage. Some vehicles like the Tesla Roadster have a built-in storage mode, but most cars will need to be prepared manually.To keep your vehicle safe while you’re away, charge the battery to around 60% and leave it in a cool (not freezing) location. Do not leave the vehicle plugged in or at full power. If you have any specific concerns about your vehicle, consult your mechanic or the car’s manufacturer.
Invest in the best
When it comes to technology and high-level hardware, you get what you pay for. If you’ve invested in a high-quality electric vehicle, the last thing you want to do is plug it into a cheap imported charger that barely meets Australia’s high electrical safety standards.
Charging stations built for Australian conditions provide a more reliable charge, minimising the risk of damaging or overcharging your vehicle. Earth EV systems, for example, have multiple electrical safety certifications and are sold exclusively through trusted wholesalers for installation by qualified electricians.
To find out more about how Australia’s smarter smart charger can protect your new EV’s battery health and save you time, money, and stress in the long run, send us a message or call 1300 345 624.