How to keep the EV batteries in optimal condition

The EV batteries, like all those we use every day, over time degrade and lose some of their capacity. In this way, they become less efficient, resulting in a reduction every year, even slightly, in their capacity, and therefore the electric range of the car.

Most electric cars use lithium-ion batteries that degrade after hundreds of charge and use cycles. Manufacturing companies are convinced that running a battery will provide the appropriate power for a long time.

That is why most give a warranty of 8 years or 160,000 kilometers. Of course, the battery of an electric car is no different from a battery of a plug-in hybrid car, since the same data apply.

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Battery degradation does not greatly affect acceleration and ride levels, except for the final range of the vehicle. It is noted, that the reduction in autonomy in an eight-year Nissan Leaf can be about 20% compared to the new one, according to independent tests that have been done recently.

Full charge or complete exhaustion of the electric car’s battery can degrade it more quickly. Maintaining the charge level between around 20% and 80% is the best maintenance the driver has to do in order to achieve its superior level of capacity.

In fact, it is also the main point of identification of companies that only propose 100% charging in case of travel. It is no coincidence that car manufacturers often report 80% of battery capacity as charging time, rather than full charge time.

The frequent use of DC fast chargers also has a detrimental effect on the lifespan of batteries. However, fast charging is the fastest way to refill a battery, and the fastest public charging points can cover up to 80% in just 30-40 minutes.

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The EVs feature sophisticated battery management systems that help, when needed, to slow charging to protect it from overcharging. That is why fast chargers begin to reduce power when the batteries are full of more than 80%.

If you charge more slowly through a charging point at home or a household outlet, it is advisable to charge the battery at night when the ambient temperature is lower, while at the same time the driver, in this case, has greater economy, because it is not a zone with small energy charges of the electrical network. Another tip is to move the car as soon as possible after it has been charged.

If the electric car is not going to travel a few kilometers, it is advisable not to fully charge the battery because this will help it last longer. The acceleration and hard use of the car wear out the battery faster.

The range between loads will be reduced, so there will be more charges resulting in a reduction in capacity. It is also advisable to avoid extreme temperatures if possible, as these can reduce the range of the car and the performance of the battery.

Finally, most new electric car batteries have guarantees of about eight years, giving a sense of battery reliability. Such guarantees, usually, guarantee at least 70% battery capacity (and therefore range) at the end of the coverage period.

source APE-MPE