The evaluation of electric vehicles (EVs) is still at a nascent stage, but they are already becoming an increasingly popular option for personal transportation in India, despite the fact that the cost of electric vehicles is on the higher side as compared to fuel-powered vehicles. The heart of any gasoline- or diesel-powered car is its engine, whereas the heart of an electric vehicle is its battery. But one of the concerns that many EV owners have is the lifespan of their vehicle’s battery. The battery is one of the most important components of an EV, and, as such, it is important to ensure that it is well-maintained and cared for in order to extend its lifespan. In this blog post, we will explore the top 10 proven hacks for maximizing your EV battery’s life.
Use the right charging method: The type of charging you use can have a big impact on your EV battery’s lifespan. For example, using DC fast charging can cause the battery to heat up, which can shorten its lifespan. Instead, use Level 2 charging, which is slower but less harsh on the battery. Industry experts strongly advise using both AC and DC charging, with DC charging reserved only for emergencies and long trips. Thus, you can balance between AC and DC charging for a longer battery life of your electric vehicles.
Charge to the right level: Overcharging your EV’s battery can also shorten its lifespan. Most EV manufacturers or brands recommend that you charge your battery to between 20-80% capacity. For example, Tata Motors recommends that when the battery is charged above 80%, the fast charging is reduced to slow charging to prevent overcharging. Additionally, it’s important to avoid “deep discharging” the battery, which is defined as letting the battery run all the way down to 0%. This can also shorten the battery’s lifespan.
Avoid extreme temperatures: Extreme temperatures can have a significant impact on the lifespan of an EV battery. High temperatures can cause the battery to degrade more quickly, while low temperatures can reduce the battery’s performance and range. To maximize the lifespan of an EV battery, it is recommended to avoid exposing it to temperatures outside of the optimal range, which is typically around 20-25 degrees Celsius. Additionally, it is important to keep the battery cool during charging, as high temperatures can cause thermal runaway, which can be dangerous and shorten the battery’s life.
Use the right type of charger: Using the right charger for an EV battery can help to extend the battery’s lifespan. The charger that is provided by the EV manufacturer is specifically designed to work with the battery in the vehicle and will charge the battery in the most efficient and safe way possible. Just like how mobile phone manufacturers insist on using the charger provided by them for better battery life. Using a charger that is not designed for the EV can result in overcharging or undercharging the battery, which can shorten the battery’s lifespan. It may also create a safety hazard and also damage the car’s on-board charger. Therefore, it is important to use the correct charger for the EV to ensure that the battery is charged properly and to prolong its lifespan. For example, the Tata Nexon EV comes with a 15-amp AC home charger and a 50-amp DC fast charger. The AC charger is designed to be used at home, while the DC fast charger is meant to be used at public charging stations. The DC charger has the capability to charge the battery faster than the AC charger, as it delivers a higher current to the battery.
Monitor your battery’s health: Regularly monitoring the health of your EV battery can help to identify potential problems early on, allowing you to take action to extend its lifespan. Many EV manufacturers provide apps that allow you to check the health of your battery. For example, Tata Motors provides an app, Tata EVision, for its electric vehicle (EV) customers that allows them to monitor the battery’s health of their EVs. The app can be downloaded on a smartphone and connected to the vehicle via Bluetooth. The app allows users to view the battery’s state of charge, estimated range, and charging status. It also provides information about the nearest charging stations and the ability to pre-book a charger. This app also allows users to view the battery’s health status, which is represented by a percentage. This percentage indicates the overall health of the battery, taking into account factors such as the number of charge cycles, temperature, and voltage. The app also allows users to set reminders for when to charge their EV, and also schedule charging times.
Use regenerative braking: Regenerative braking allows your EV to convert the energy generated when braking into electricity, which can help to extend the lifespan of your battery. For example, The Tata Nexon EV comes equipped with a regenerative braking system that captures the kinetic energy of the vehicle during braking and converts it into electrical energy to recharge the battery. This system can recover up to 90% of the energy that is lost during braking, resulting in increased vehicle efficiency and extended range. The EV also has an “Eco” mode that makes the regenerative braking system more aggressive, which is useful for city driving. The system uses an electric motor-generator connected to the wheels that acts as a generator when the driver applies the brakes. This helps to reduce the wear and tear of mechanical brakes and increases the life of the brake pads.
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Keep your EV in a shaded area: It is recommended to keep EVs in a shaded area because high temperatures can have a negative impact on the battery’s lifespan. Prolonged exposure to high temperatures can cause the battery to degrade more quickly, reducing its overall capacity and performance. Additionally, high temperatures can also increase the risk of thermal runaway, which can be dangerous and shorten the battery’s life.
Shaded areas can help to keep the battery cool, which can help to prolong its lifespan. During hot weather, keeping the car in a shaded area, whether it be a garage or a carport, can help to reduce the internal temperature of the car and thus the battery temperature. This is especially important during charging, as high temperatures can cause the battery to charge less efficiently and can also increase the risk of thermal runaway.
Conclusion: The battery is one of the most important components of an electric vehicle (EV), as it stores the energy that powers the vehicle. The battery is what allows the EV to run on electricity rather than gasoline or diesel fuel. Without a battery, an EV would not be able to function. The battery is also a major determinant of an EV’s range, which is the distance the vehicle can travel on a single charge. A larger, more powerful battery will provide a longer range, while a smaller battery will have a shorter range. The battery also plays a role in the overall performance of the EV, as a larger, more powerful battery will allow the EV to accelerate more quickly and have a higher top speed. The battery is also the most expensive component in an EV, and its lifespan is a key factor in the overall cost of ownership of the vehicle. A longer-lasting battery will require less frequent replacements, which can save the EV owner a significant amount of money in the long run.
Overall, the battery is a crucial component of an EV that determines its performance, range, and cost of ownership. Proper maintenance and usage of the EV can help to prolong the battery’s lifespan and ensure that the EV remains reliable and efficient for as long as possible.
