Going electric isn’t just a trend drivers are trying out for fun. It’s a sustainable solution to the problems of driving traditional combustion engine vehicles. EVs play a significant role in battling air pollution as they help reduce greenhouse gas emissions. They also help drivers save on fuel costs.
Swapping out your gas-powered car for an electric one has various benefits, but it’s not without challenges. One of them is charging. If you’ve been pumping gas for years, charging your vehicle can be confusing. One question new EV drivers ask is, “How often should I charge my EV to 100?”
If EV charging intimidates you, here’s your guide to EV charging at home. For your electrical needs, don’t hesitate to contact a licensed electrician. The electrician will assess your electrical panel at home, upgrade it if necessary and install a charging station for a seamless EV experience.
How Often Should I Charge My EV to 100? Here’s Everything You Should Know
Every car owner should know how to replace a flat tire and check the oil level. But if you are switching to an EV, you should also learn the right way to charge it. You must know how to charge your EV correctly because it directly affects your vehicle’s range, performance and battery life. EVs have lithium-ion batteries, which have finite charging cycles before they start degrading.
While charging your EV to 100% might seem like the correct thing to do, it’s not necessarily the best thing for your car. Most EV manufacturers don’t recommend charging your vehicle to maximum capacity daily because it accelerates your battery’s degradation and shortens its lifespan. The high voltage and extreme temperatures required to keep a 100% charge stress out your battery, hampering its ability to hold a charge.
In addition, charging to 100% every time is unnecessary because most EV models gain a few hundred miles of range per charge. Unless you cover long distances daily, a single charge should be enough for a few days.
EV drivers should also avoid the frequent use of fast chargers. While they are convenient when you need a quick top-up, depending heavily on them will affect battery health. Home charging is healthier for your EV’s battery. A licensed professional can install a charging station in your garage and ensure it’s working efficiently.
Only charge your EV to 100% when you need maximum range for a long trip. That’s especially true in cold weather because batteries tend to drain faster. Otherwise, keep your battery charge between 30% and 80% for daily use.
Here are the benefits of limiting maximum charges.
Prolonged Battery Life
If you want to drive your EV for as long as possible, you can prolong its battery life by avoiding a full charge. Your battery experiences more heat and stress when you charge it to 100% each time, accelerating its deterioration. Keeping the charge below 100% will protect your battery from voltage stress and keep it in tip-top shape. Your wallet will thank you, too, because you don’t have to spend prematurely on a battery replacement.
Environmentally Friendly Choice
When you avoid charging your EV to 100%, you consume less electrical energy, which is good news for the environment. If you charge your EV using a non-renewable energy source, shorter charging sessions help lower your carbon footprint.
Resale Value
If you sell your EV in the future, its battery health will impact its resale value. Not charging up to 100% each time will keep the battery in good working condition, allowing you to enjoy higher returns on your investment. Potential buyers will be more likely to purchase a secondhand EV if it has a well-maintained battery with excellent performance and many years ahead of it.
Proper charging is crucial to your EV battery’s condition and performance. Investing in a charging station at home will help you control your charging sessions and ensure your battery stays at peak health. Contact a licensed electrician to take care of the installation. The electrician will find the ideal spot for it in your garage, update your home’s electrical panel and ensure your charging station works right.
What is the Best Charging Routine for EVs?
The battery is the most vital part of an EV. As the energy source, it is the last thing you want to damage. An unhealthy battery can mean less driving range, slower acceleration and a shorter vehicle lifespan. You’ll end up stressing over your EV instead of enjoying the driving experience.
Incorporate these best practices into your charging routine to prolong your EV battery’s life and avoid unnecessary frustrations.
Use a Level 2 Charger
What is a level 2 charger? It’s the best charging level for home charging stations. It’s not too slow like level 1 charging, adding around 32 miles of range to your EV per hour. However, it is not as fast as a level 3 charger, so a level 2 charger is better at protecting your EV’s battery.
A level 2 charger needs a dedicated circuit and a 240-volt outlet to work at home. A licensed professional can help you with these requirements.
Don’t Overcharge the Battery
Overcharging is the fastest way to damage your EV’s battery. Fortunately, many EV models now have advanced battery management systems that slow the charging rate as the battery nears maximum capacity. If you don’t have this feature because you drive an older model or use a third-party charger, be mindful to unplug your EV at 80% instead of letting it reach 100%.
Avoid Deep Discharging
Waiting until your EV’s battery is almost fully drained is a bad habit. Allowing the battery to discharge at low levels puts unnecessary stress on its cells and hampers its overall capacity. It’s best practice to charge your EV once the battery hits 20% or 30%. Modern EVs make this easy, alerting their owners before the battery level gets too low.
Manage Temperatures
Exposing your EV to extreme temperatures will impact its battery health. Freezing temperatures drive up its internal resistance and hamper its ability to deliver power. Meanwhile, high temperatures cause thermal stress and speed up internal chemical reactions. It’s best to park your EV inside a garage or a shaded area to protect it from extreme heat or cold.
Monitor Your Driving Habits
If you like speeding through traffic, you might want to slow it down for your battery’s sake. Driving slower and keeping off the accelerator will help prolong the battery life of your EV. It also helps to plan your routes and drive as smoothly as possible. Sudden acceleration or braking can be too harsh on the battery. Take advantage of cruise control for a seamless ride if your EV model has this feature.
Driving an EV has various benefits for the environment and your wallet. It reduces your carbon footprint and can boost your savings dramatically. However, being an EV owner comes with responsibilities. Drivers must practice good charging habits to keep their vehicles in excellent condition for the years to come.
How Do I Maximize My EV Battery Life?
EV battery technology has seen significant advances in recent years, resulting in a longer lifespan. On average, drivers today can get 8 to 15 years out of these lithium-ion batteries. However, their durability depends on certain factors, including the following:
- Usage
- Maintenance
- Environmental conditions
- Battery type
Here are some tips to maximize your EV’s battery life and help you get the most out of your investment:
- Avoid driving and parking in extreme temperatures. Excessively hot or cold conditions can affect your battery’s capacity.
- Limit your use of fast charging. While it’s convenient, especially if you’re in a hurry, it puts excessive strain on the battery and damages it faster. Here are the different EV charging levels to help you choose the best one for your needs.
- Avoid charging your EV past 80%. Waiting until it’s at 100% will only accelerate battery degradation. Ideally, your EV’s charge should be between 30% and 80%.
- Keep your EV battery’s software updated. These updates usually improve battery management, boosting performance and lifespan.
- Keep an eye on your plugs and cables. Damage or fraying of these components can lead to inefficient charging and overheating.
Let a Professional Handle Your EV’s Charging Needs
EV charging is unfamiliar territory for new EV owners. It involves electrical work that’s too complex for homeowners, even if you have DIY experience. Contact a licensed electrician to inspect your garage and fit it with a charging station. The electrician can also return for regular maintenance to perform necessary repairs or replacements.
ABC Can Install a Home EV Charger
Can you imagine never having to go to a gas station ever again? You can enjoy all EVs’ benefits by having an electric vehicle and an in-home EV charger. ABC’s licensed electricians can help you decide on the best EV charger for your home and handle the EV charger installation so you can get on the road. They can also help with other electrical issues, like bad electrical panels.
