The performance of electric vehicles is greatly dependent on their batteries. Read our blog to find out the best tips for efficient charging of your EV batteries and what you can do to prolong their life.
Installing an EV Charging Point at Your Property
Installing an EV charging point at home or your business site can be highly useful. First, it would be incredibly convenient for you. You can charge your electric vehicle any time you want. You can benefit from off-peak hours and charge your vehicle when cheaper. This also means you don’t have to stand in queues at charging stations and can charge your EV battery at your convenience. Installing an EV charging point at home will also help you cut down your costs, as charging at public stations costs more. You can power your home with solar panels and further reduce your charging cost. You can also enjoy fast charging by installing outlets that support fast chargers.
Understanding your Electric Car
Understanding the requirements of your electric vehicle can assist in more efficient charging. You should know what your battery capacity is, how much charging time is required for fully charging your battery, and what your battery’s range is.
Range
The range of an electric vehicle is the miles it can cover in a single full charge. It depends a great deal on the capacity of the battery and the quality of other components of your vehicle. It is mentioned in miles by car makers and carries the suffix WLTP. The actual range of your electric vehicle may not be the same as the one mentioned because of several other factors, such as your driving style. Understanding the range of your vehicle is essential for various reasons, including charging your battery.
Battery Capacity
The battery capacity of electric vehicles is the power of a battery, measured in Kilowatt hours (KWH). It directly influences the range of the electric vehicles. The higher the capacity, the longer the range. It also defines the charging time for your battery. A high-capacity battery typically takes more time to charge entirely than a low-capacity battery. Capacity also defines the performance of your EV, including acceleration and top speed.
Charging Time
As a user of an electric vehicle, it is essential to know how much time your EV takes to charge fully. This can help you plan your charging schedule so you are always on time for any engagement. It can also help prevent unpleasant surprises so you don’t end up in the middle of nowhere. Charging time not only depends on the battery capacity but also on the type of charger you use. The lower the charging power, the more time it will take to charge your EV. A 22kW charger will fully charge your vehicle in much less time than a 7kW charger. Many EVs now come with onboard applications that help you prepare and manage charging schedules for efficient charging.
Know the Connectors
Electric vehicle charging systems used to vary from region to region or based on the manufacturer. These include type 1, type 2, CHADEMO, CCS, Tesla, and others. However, at present, electric vehicles mostly come with a type 2 connector that is considered universal and can be connected to most of the public and home-based charging stations. Knowing which type of connector your battery has will allow you to install a suitable charger at home or select the right connector at a public charging station without wasting time.
Charge Smart, Not Always Fast
Ultra fast charging is very famous among EV owners as well as public and private charging stations offering charging services. It’s just like using a fast charger for your smartphone, nobody wants to wait hours for it to charge. There are proponents as well as opponents of ultra-fast charging. The opponents argue that ultra-fast charging is unsuitable for battery performance and health. It reduces battery life. At the same time, the opponents argue that modern EVs are equipped for ultra-fast charging and have no adverse effect on battery parameters. However, we recommend using ultra-fast charging when necessary and don’t rely entirely on it. We also recommend smart charging by following the 80:30 rule. What is the rule? If you can, don’t let your battery discharge completely. Likewise, don’t always charge your battery to 100 % unless necessary. For example, you are going on a long trip, and you require a full charge. For everyday commuting, keep your battery at 30 to 80 %. This rule helps in enhancing the lifespan of your EV battery.
Watch your Driving Style
The frequency of charging your battery is considered one of the primary determinants of its lifespan. The more you connect it to a charger, the shorter its life becomes. One way of reducing this frequency is to drive thoughtfully. While we won’t stop you from testing the acceleration and top speed of your EV, we do, however, recommend being watchful with such adventures. It’s not about the acceleration and speed; it’s how you do it. Learn how to drive your EV just like you learn to drive your petrol or diesel car. Take it easy with the breaks and the accelerator, and you will increase the life of your EV battery.
Avoid Extreme Temperatures
Extreme temperatures have a negative effect on Lithium batteries. Extreme cold will prevent your lithium batteries from delivering their maximum output. Although the effect will be temporary, it will affect your battery’s range for that particular time. If you are driving and using your car’s heating system, this will further reduce the range. On the other hand, consistent exposure to scorching temperatures can permanently damage your lithium batteries and reduce their life. Using your car’s cooling system will put extra pressure on your battery. To avoid the adverse effects of extreme temperatures, park in the shade when it is sunny and run your car’s cooling system for a few minutes before driving. Park your EV in your garage when it is too cold, and run the heating system for a while before you head out.
Using Regenerative Breaking
One of the unique features of electric vehicles is regenerative braking. EVs do not use traditional brake systems and instead employ regenerative braking, which makes your electric motor behave like a generator, i.e. every time you use the brake pedal or you lift your foot from the accelerator, the electric motor slows down and converts its rotational/kinetic energy to electrical energy which is then stored in your battery. It’s somewhat of a recycling process. It may take some time to get acquainted with using the regenerative braking system efficiently, but it will significantly benefit your EV battery and reduce recharging. Many modern EVs with a display provide information regarding how much energy is restored through regenerative braking.
Use Smartphone Applications
Many applications are now available for Android and Apple users, which can help you with EV charging. These apps allow you to prepare charging schedules, issue alerts, and take advantage of off-peak hours. Some apps can also provide you with reports of your battery performance and charging recommendations. You can also locate the nearest public charging stations with these applications.
Using the Eco Mode
If your electric vehicle comes with an Eco Mode, you can use it for efficient battery charging. Eco or economy modes vary from brand to brand, and you must familiarise yourself with yours. Eco mode is often used for city driving and short trips. These trips do not require high power, so the Eco mode reduces the battery’s output and acceleration. Regenerative braking also works more efficiently when Eco Mode is on.
