The battery is the most critical and expensive part of your electric vehicle. However, deep discharging, extreme temperature exposure and fast charging cause early degradation of your car battery, reducing its resale value and maximum usable range.

Also, since the EV battery costs one-fourth of your EV’s total costs, it becomes more important to take care of its health and maximize its life. So if you are wondering how to keep your electric car’s battery healthy, we got you covered!
Here is everything you should know about electric car batteries and some essential tips to keep it in good shape.

Topics covered in this blog

The functioning of electric car batteries/How does an EV car battery work?

All electric cars use a traction battery pack (lithium-ion) to power an electric motor and turn the wheels. The traction battery pack must be plugged in and recharged to store the electricity.
The primary principle of the lithium-ion battery is to circulate electrons by generating a difference in potential between two electrodes, one positive and the other negative, which immerse in a conductive ionic liquid called the electrolyte.
These battery packs include thousands of Li-ion cells, which undergo the charge and discharge cycle. When depleted, the car batteries are recharged using grid electricity from a dedicated charging unit or a wall socket.

The motor is powered by a traction battery pack in a plug-in hybrid electric car, much like an AEV. The main difference is that the battery also has a combustion engine. PHEVs work on electric power until the battery is depleted and switch over to power an internal combustion engine.

Also Read:  Top Electric Cars in UAE with current prices

Want your EV batteries to perform well? Here is what you need to do.

The early deterioration of the battery makes your electric car unusable, and the only solution to restart is to replace the battery, which causes you to spend thousands of dollars. Fortunately, you can keep your battery in good condition by following the simple tips below.

Keep Your Battery Cool

According to the AAA (American Automobile Association) study, the average electric car’s operating range drops by 17% when the temperature hits 95’F and
41% when the temperature dips below 20’F.
Excessive exposure to cold and heat makes your vehicle work harder to retain the average temperature in a cabin, leaving less power available for driving. Make sure you park your car in shaded spots on hot days to keep the battery cooler.

Similarly, cooling your car battery before charging also makes it last longer. In a hot climate like UAE’s, consider using active coolant to increase the longevity of your EV battery. Fortunately, modern electric cars have advanced thermal management systems that can heat or cool the battery according to the climate. However, protecting your electric car battery is crucial to avoid potential danger.

Also Read: How To Renew Your Indian International Driving License in The UAE?

Check Your Charging Speed

Speedy charging may leave a long-lasting impact on your EV battery. Even if DC rapid chargers are vital for electric cars, using fast charging occasionally to complete a journey harms your battery health.
Avoid using rapid chargers frequently to give your battery enough time to consume energy easily. Most experts recommend slowly charging EV batteries since it uses low voltage and allows enough time for battery ion stabilization.

Do Not Fully Use A Battery

It can be risky to drive a car when the battery is below a 10% state of charge. Similarly, avoid charging a battery above 80% regularly. Keep the battery level between 20% to 80%.
Lithium-ion particle cycles are suitable for EV battery life as deep discharging damages the battery. Electric cars already have installed a battery management system that prevents them from being charged and discharged at an extreme charge state.

Keeping the battery charge state from 0% to 100% also boosts the performance of the battery life of your car. Letting the battery discharge ultimately may reduce your EV’s charge capacity and overall driving range. Even though a full charge gives you the maximum operating time, it is not a good idea for your battery’s overall lifespan.

Manage the optimal battery state of charge during long storage

Parking or storing an electric car with a full or empty battery also degrades the battery. If you don’t use your electric vehicle often or have a long drive plan, you can get a timed charger and plug it in.
Leaving your car at 100% while parked at a certain place for an extended period, the battery may struggle with preserving its state of charge while you are away. One way to set the charger is to keep the charge above the low mark, not filling it up to the maximum capacity, at an average charge level between 25% and 75%.

Avoid Heavy Acceleration And Maintain A Consistent Speed

Sudden acceleration and abrupt braking drain your EV battery quickly, resulting in severe performance problems. Challenging driving conditions only lead to draining the battery faster.
It is better to avoid fast driving or to drive on crowded roads, which make you brake the vehicle frequently. Also, move at a moderate pace under reasonable driving conditions to prevent quicker battery discharging.

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Check Your EV Owner’s Manual for Manufacturer Recommendation

Some popular EV car manufacturers, like Tesla or Tata, provide a storage setting to maintain the charging level and optimize individual battery life. You can check the owner’s manual for manufacturer recommendations on operating, optimal charging and repair or replacement instructions. Most electric vehicles don’t need immediate battery replacement as replacing a few weak cells restores the battery to normal condition.

Check Guidelines On Optimal Battery Performance

EV manufacturers use different battery chemistries and cooling technologies. Interestingly, some cars may have a sleep mode for an extended period of inactivity. Like conventional vehicles, EV batteries may catch fire from the vehicle’s lithium batteries. However, electric car makers follow proven safety practices and invest in advanced management systems to prevent overheating and provide excellent ride quality.

All the above tips can maintain your car battery's longevity and extend your EV battery's life. If you want to browse through the best used electric cars, you can visit CARS24 website, UAE’s top e-commerce platform for pre-owned cars.

FAQs

What is the range of EV cars?

The range of electric cars varies greatly based on key factors, such as the size and weight of the car, electric motor specification and battery size. A modern EV car has a maximum range of 275 km. Also, some electric car models, like the Kia e-Soul, provide ranges of up to 455 km.

Is EV cheaper than other fuel vehicles?

Any EV runs on electrical energy, and electricity costs way less than conventional fuels like diesel and petrol. Filling up on petrol or diesel is 80% more expensive than recharging. Hence, owning an EV car results in low running costs.

What is the general top speed of EVs?

The average top speed of electric cars is 110 mph. However, the speed of most electric cars varies according to their models, size, specifications and weight.