As electric vehicles (EVs) are such a relatively new concept, many people are unsure how often they will need to charge their new, eco-friendly cars. Trusting a battery to run such a vital piece of equipment can make us feel uneasy, and most people will want to make sure they get from A to B without needing to stop at a charging station.
But should you charge your electric vehicle every night? Here we take a look at the most effective ways to keep your EV running at full capacity and fully charged.
Know your mileage
Many electric cars can run for a range of around 200 miles (322 km) on one full charge. So, just as regular cars don’t need refilling with fuel every day, EV’s shouldn’t need to be charged every night unless you’re driving very long distances. Whilst you may feel more reassured plugging in your EV to always keep it fully charged, over-charging can degrade the lithium-ion battery. Lithium-ion batteries become stressed when they’re kept at maximum or minimum capacity constantly, so aiming to keep your charge around 50% unless you need a larger amount of miles can help to extend the battery life of your EV.
Consider the type of charger you use
The best way to preserve the life of your car battery is to charge it using a home charging station. These are more efficient than three-pin plugs, with faster and more energy efficient charging times. They are also safer with regards to overheating and more suitable for long periods of charging.
Of course, using a three-pin cable occasionally may be unavoidable. If you are unable to install a home charging point, it’s well worth seeing if your company has one on site you’re able to use whilst at work.
Colder weather and your battery
In cold weather you may need to ensure the battery is fully charged to ensure your car performs optimally, as the batteries can be sensitive to temperatures below 0°C. In freezing conditions, the battery may last up to 20% less than its usual range, as the fluid inside the battery moves slower and reduces its efficiency. Similarly, if you are driving at night where you’ll likely have your lights and heating on, be mindful that your range may be slightly reduced.
Be aware that when charging your EV through colder months it may take longer to fully charge. Keeping your car in a garage and leaving it plugged in whilst heating up will help to reduce the impact of cold weather, and leave you with the most battery life for your journey.
Check your manual
With many car manufacturers producing new models of electric vehicles, the best place to find the specific guidelines for keeping your EV battery in optimal condition is your manual. Overall, keeping the battery midway between empty and full should help to maintain the efficiency and optimise the lifespan of your battery.
Contact EV Sales today
If you’re in the market for an electric vehicle, then we have plenty for sale! View our full stocklist here, and get in touch today to arrange a viewing.
All of our vehicles come with:
- Warranty included
- 2 sets of keys
- Charging cables included
- UK delivery available if required
- One registered keeper
- Relatively low mileage
Guest blog post by: Stuart Bloom – The Sixth Degree Media
