
Electric vehicle (EV) batteries are vital components that determine the vehicle’s performance and range, and their longevity can be maximized with proper care. Most EV batteries are expected to last 15-20 years, with an average degradation of about 1.8% per year under moderate conditions. The key to extending battery life lies in minimizing stress factors such as extreme temperature exposure and charging habits.
- Charging Practices: Maintain your battery charge between 20% and 80% for everyday use. Avoid frequent full charges or deep discharges as these increase chemical stress on the cells. Fast charging, while convenient, generates heat and accelerates battery wear and should be used sparingly, primarily on long trips.
- Temperature Management: Park your EV in shaded or temperature-controlled environments to avoid battery degradation caused by heat or cold extremes. Ambient temperature impacts battery chemistry, accelerating capacity loss if exposed to harsh conditions.
- Battery Use and Storage: For long-term storage, keep the battery at approximately 50-60% charge to maintain cell stability. Routine check-ups at authorized service centers ensure the battery management system and electrical components work efficiently.
- Driving Habits: Aggressive acceleration, high-speed driving, and heavy load carriage drain the battery faster. Use regenerative braking to extend brake and battery life by reclaiming energy during deceleration.
- Software Updates and Diagnostics: Regularly update your EV’s software to benefit from improvements in battery management and performance features.
By adopting these guidelines, EV owners can achieve longer battery life, maintain driving range, and avoid costly replacements well into the vehicle’s lifespan.