Electric vehicles (EVs) are picking up at a rapid pace in India. They are noiseless, silky, eco-friendly, and budget-friendly to run. However, there is one part of an EV that needs extra attention , the battery. The battery is the soul of an electric vehicle. If you don’t maintain it, it can drain power, deliver less range, and could even need premature replacement. The good news is, most individuals don’t even know they’re doing things that are damaging their battery. So let’s take a look at the top 5 things people get wrong and how you can avoid them.
1. Charging to 100% Daily
It might appear to be a good strategy to charge your EV to 100% every evening. But that actually is overloading the battery quite a lot. Most manufacturers suggest charging between 80% or 90% for routine use. Charging to 100% every time produces battery heat and slowly drains its lifespan. Save 100% charging for long highway excursions.
2. Permitting Battery Drain to 0%
In the same vein, since overcharging is bad, letting your battery reach 0% is also bad. EV batteries don’t like to be completely drained. Try charging your car when it reaches 15% to 20%. Going below this level again and again depletes the battery and reduces its overall capacity.
3. Fast Charging Too Frequently
Fast charging is very handy when you need to rush, but employing it too frequently generates more heat within the battery. This heat weakens the battery cells over a period of time. It is advisable to use normal or slow charging for day-to-day use and reserve fast charging for emergency situations or on long trips.
4. Parking in Direct Sunlight
Heat destroys battery life. As you park your EV in the sun, the battery heats up. Over time, this does its damage to its performance. Always try to park in shade, garage, or use a car cover to protect it from heat.
5. Ignoring Software Updates
EVs are smart gadgets. Companies typically provide updates that increase battery life and security. The majority of users ignore these updates. But these updates can help save the battery from overcharging, overheating, etc.