10 habits to extend the life of your electric car battery
The battery is the most valuable part of an electric car. These ten simple charging and driving habits help preserve its capacity for many years.
Modern electric car batteries are designed to last for many years, and most manufacturers guarantee them for 8 years or 160,000 km, usually with at least 70% of their original capacity. Even so, the way you charge and use your car influences how quickly the battery ages. Here are ten habits that make a difference.
1. Keep everyday charging between 20 and 80%
Lithium-ion batteries are under the most stress when they are completely full or almost empty. For daily use, a charge between roughly 20 and 80% is a good compromise. Most cars let you set a charge limit in the menu or the app.
2. Charge to 100% when you need it, then drive
Charging to 100% before a long trip is not a problem. What should be avoided is leaving the car parked for days at 100%. Time the end of charging close to your departure.
3. Follow the advice for LFP batteries
Cars equipped with LFP (lithium iron phosphate) batteries are an exception: manufacturers often recommend charging them to 100% regularly, for example once a week, so the system can calibrate the charge estimate. Always follow the recommendation in your owner's manual.
4. Do not leave the battery almost empty
Arriving with 5% occasionally is fine, but avoid parking for a long time with a nearly empty battery. If you know the car will not be used for a while, charge it first.
5. Prefer slow charging for daily use
Fast DC charging is perfect for road trips, but using it every day generates more heat and stress. Charging at home or at work on AC is gentler and usually cheaper.
6. Limit fast charging in extreme heat
Heat is the battery's main enemy. When possible, avoid repeated fast charging sessions in a heatwave and let the car's cooling system do its job.
7. Park in the shade or in a garage
In hot climates, parking in the shade or in a garage reduces the battery temperature. In very cold weather, a garage also limits range loss and speeds up charging.
8. Use preconditioning
Preconditioning heats or cools the battery and cabin while the car is still plugged in. It improves efficiency, protects the battery and, before a fast charging stop, allows the car to charge at higher power.
9. Drive smoothly
Repeated hard acceleration draws high currents from the battery. A smooth driving style, making the most of regenerative braking, improves range and reduces stress on the cells.
10. Keep the software up to date
Manufacturers regularly improve battery management through software updates: thermal management, charging curves and range estimates. Install updates when they are available.
And for long periods of inactivity?
If the car stays parked for several weeks, leave the battery at around 50% and, if possible, keep it in a cool place. Check the manufacturer's instructions regarding the 12V battery, which can discharge during long periods without use.
None of these habits are strict rules: an electric car is made to be used. But applied together, they can help your battery keep more of its capacity, and your car more of its value, over the years.