Top 5 errors when charging an electric vehicle. How to avoid them?

Although the operations explain the basic principles, there are less known pitfalls and errors that can shorten the battery life or reduce overall efficiency.

Here are five basic mistakes that owners “Trains »are often not taken into account when charging, as well as practical ways to avoid them.

Too frequent charging over 80%

Charging an electric vehicle by 100% can seem logical – because you need the maximum margin.

However, every time the battery can be completely charged may be harmful in the long run. Most modern electric vehicles develop battery management systems to extend their service life, but regularly charging the battery up to 100% creates unnecessary load on its elements.

Such an additional load can accelerate degradation, which will eventually reduce the total margin.

Many cases are recommended “The optimum point ”for daily charging is in the range of 80-90%. By charging the battery within this range, you allow it to relax in the voltage range that is less loading the elements. Some models even offer configured charging limits in their onboard software for this reason.

Although it may seem illogical not to use everything to the last percentage of the stroke, you often find that you do not need these additional 10–20% of the capacity for everyday driving.

Recharging can also cause more intense thermoregulation processes, as when approaching the full capacity of the battery releases more heat.

The battery, which has to cool more often, wears out faster, consuming extra energy to adjust the temperature rather than the power of your storage. This means that you will end up in efficiency, having received relatively little benefit.

Frequent discharge below 10%

And let’s talk about the reverse side of the coin.

While recharging wears the electric vehicle battery, the opposite extreme – regular charge reset below 10% – can be no less harmful. Batteries respond poorly to very low voltage levels.

When the battery level falls too low, chemical reactions occur inside, which can reduce the overall useful capacity and eventually worsen the characteristics.

Even though electric vehicles are equipped with built -in buffers that prevent critical damage to the battery, the constant excess of the lower boundaries of the battery range still accelerates its wear. In practice, this is manifested in the gradual reduction of the total margin or increasing the time required to achieve higher levels of charge.

In addition, deep discharge can lead to excessive heat release during the charging process.

When you connect to the network at a very low charge percentage, the battery works more intensively and heats up quickly as the charging system tries to raise the voltage from almost empty.

Subsequently, such frequent thermal jumps can create additional load on the power elements, reducing their ability to effectively hold the charge.

To reduce this risk, plan charging sessions in advance. If you know that you are waiting for a long trip to work or that you will perform many tasks, plan a stop at a proven charging station or connect to the network at home before the battery level is critically low. Careful attitude to the battery charge and respect for it directly affects the durability and stability of work.

Charging at powerful stations at extreme temperatures

Fast charging stations are one of the main amenities for electric vehicles.

In a matter of minutes, you can replenish a large part of the battery charge, which makes road trips or replenishment in the last minute less intense.

However, although fast charging can be a salvation, it can be used during burning heat or February cold can lead to accelerated battery wear.

Batteries are sensitive to temperature fluctuations, as chemical reactions inside the elements are highly dependent on heat and cold. Quick charging in very hot conditions can lead to overheating of the battery, which will force the car cooling system to work in enhanced mode.

On the other hand, rapid charging in the cold can lead to uneven distribution of lithium ions inside the cells, which can shorten the life of the battery with repeated use.

In addition, when the car thermoregulation system operates at maximum power, you consume extra energy to adjust the battery temperature rather than to feed the engine.

Not only does it reduce efficiency, but it can also lead to slight fluctuations in characteristics, such as slowing down or reducing recuperative braking during and after charging.

If you are in a region with extreme seasonal temperatures, try to charge in a more moderate environment if possible.

Think about pre -conditioning the car – many electric cars are equipped with a function that heats or cools the battery to the optimum temperature before charging.

If possible, use less power charging in exceptionally hot or cold conditions or at least try to reduce the use of rapid DC charging to maintain the overall battery condition.

Neglect updates

In the first days of possession of an electric vehicle some drivers compliance The approach was introduced “Connect to the network for any opportunity, ”fearing for the stock.

The fear of a newcomer – everything is clear here. But try to get rid of it faster.

Today, improved infrastructure and more sophisticated onboard systems allow you to control the charging more. Many cars offer a schedule assembly and the ability to install charging windows that coincide with non -precision electricity tariffs.

But although saving money for electricity is a strong incentive, there is an even more important reason to take advantage of charging on schedule: the durability of the battery.

Charting Chart will help you avoid a long battery in high charge (For example, 90% and above).

If you put the car on charging closer to the time you plan to ride, you will minimize the high voltage battery time.

In addition, with the increase in the number of updates by air (OTA) for many modern electric vehicles, neglecting software updates can mean skipping critical improvements in battery management.

These improvements can cover advanced charging algorithms, improved thermoregulation, or even a slight increase in productivity that helps maintain the health of the battery unit.

Unfortunately, some drivers do not dare to immediately install an update, fearing mistakes or changes in the functions of the car.

And although the cases of some manufacturers have happened, in general, you should not worry too much about it. Updates still bring more benefits than harm.

Ignoring the impact of climate control while charging

It is easy to think that climate control, whether heating, or cooling the car is what you are worried only while driving.

However, switching on the air conditioner or heating at full power during charging can have long -term effects on the health of the battery and the speed of filling its charge. It is not just a question of comfort: the interaction between the battery temperature and its internal chemical processes directly affects the efficiency and overall durability.

Meanwhile, if you are waiting for the charging process to sit in the salon, temptation to provide yourself with comfort, very great.

When you heat or cool the salon while charging, the car is forced to consume extra power to power these systems. The charging is slower because the incoming electricity does not get into the battery. You may notice this by increasing the total charging time or a small delay in reaching the usual charge limit.

In addition, recurring climate control cycles can lead to more fluctuations in the internal battery temperature, which creates a load on the thermoregulation system.

This load is especially noticeable if the electric car is connected to the charger after traveling at extreme temperatures. An attempt to cool or heat the salon immediately after the battery has already heated or cooled in motion, can lead to a heat load.

A reasonable strategy here may be moderate use of climate control while charging.

If possible, condition the car at home or at a convenient station to avoid disadvantages of productivity and battery health associated with sharp temperature drops.