As part of its environmental policy, the new Labour government has pledged to bring forward the ban on new petrol and diesel vehicles to 2030.
And Brits appear to be getting ready for this transition, as nearly half of all electric vehicles in the UK have been registered within the past two years.
So, while EV batteries typically come with an 8-year warranty, it’s important to understand how you can get the most out of your EV. That’s why the automotive experts at Vertu Motors have shared four ways you can keep your EV battery in top condition.
Remember the 80-20 charge rule
When it comes to charging your EV, it’s recommended to aim for an 80% maximum charge and avoid letting it drop below 20%. Anything outside of these limits will put undue stress on your battery, causing it to degrade faster.
Setting the maximum charge at 80% ensures your battery maintains its efficiency over time, allowing you to cover more distance with fewer stops for charging.
To keep your EV within this 80/20 range, you will also need to plan your route for the day ahead of time. This means knowing where the most convenient charging stations are and mapping them out.
Precondition your EV before every charge
Extreme temperatures, whether too hot or too cold, can significantly degrade an EV battery’s performance and lifespan.
In cold weather, batteries can lose efficiency, resulting in reduced range and slower charging times. Excessive heat, on the other hand, can accelerate the chemical reactions inside the battery, leading to faster degradation and potential safety issues.
Preconditioning your EV battery ensures it is at an optimal temperature before charging. This helps maintain its efficiency and protects the battery from the undue stress caused by extreme temperatures.
Drive in energy-efficient ways
Your driving habits can have a big impact on the overall health of your EV’s battery. By driving in energy-efficient ways, you can reduce the amount of undue stress you put on your battery.
Whenever possible, you should use your EV’s energy-recovering regenerative braking function when coming to a stop. To do this, simply lift your foot from the accelerator pedal as you come to a stop. This reduces the frequency of charging cycles, which in turn preserves your battery’s health.
In addition to this, you should always accelerate gently. Rapid acceleration is not only bad for your EV range, but it also causes your battery to degrade faster. The excess waste heat from this type of driving damages the cells in the battery and reduces your overall range.
Check your tyre pressure
By maintaining the correct tyre pressure, you can save up to three per cent on your energy consumption. While this may not seem like a lot, this increased energy efficiency means you don’t drain your battery as fast, increasing your range and safeguarding the health of your EV battery.
To find out the recommended pressure level for your EV, take a look at your vehicle manual or the sticker inside the driver’s side door. Compare those figures to the pressure gauge readings and adjust your tyre’s pressure accordingly.
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