How to Care For an EV – Electric vehicles (EVs) are becoming increasingly popular, but there is still a lot of confusion about how to care for them properly. Owning an electric car is a great way to save money on fuel and do your part to help the environment, but if you’re one of the many drivers making the switch to an electric vehicle, you may have questions about how to care for an EV and its charger.
In this post, we’ll answer some of the most commonly asked questions about EVs so that you can keep your electric vehicle running smoothly for years to come.
How to Care For an EV – Should I charge my EV to 100% every night?
Knowing how to care for an EV battery is crucial, but there’s no need to charge your EV to 100% every night. In fact, doing so can shorten the lifespan of your battery. Instead, aim to charge your battery when it gets down to around 20% if your driving schedule allows. This gives you enough power to get where you need to go without putting too much strain on the battery.
It’s not advisable to let your EV battery run completely flat. Doing so can damage the battery and shorten its lifespan. If you do accidentally let your EV battery run flat, it’s important to seek professional help
How often should I charge my EV?
One of the most common questions about EVs is how often to charge them. The short answer is that it depends on your individual driving habits and how much range you need on a daily basis. If you only use your EV for short trips around town, you may not need to charge it every night. However, if you regularly take long trips or live in an area with cold weather, you may need to charge your EV more often. (More info here on – Charging An Electric Car In Cold Weather)
If you know you have a long journey coming up, charge your EV as appropriate. However, if you only use your EV for short trips, you may be able to manage charging it once or twice a week or even less often. If you do a lot of long-distance driving, you may need to charge your EV every day or two – or even top-up several times a day.
When is the best time to charge my EV?
The best time to charge your EV is when energy demand is low. This means you may pay less for electricity and put less strain on the grid. In most areas, energy demand is the lowest overnight, so plugging in your EV before you go to bed is often the best option.
Should I leave my EV plugged in all the time?
No, you don’t need to leave your EV plugged in all the time. However, it is generally a good idea to plug in your EV whenever you can, especially if you know you won’t be driving for a while. This will help ensure that your battery stays at a healthy level.
Does an EV need to be serviced?
Yes, EVs need to be serviced, but how to care for an EV is not the same as other cars. For example, you don’t need oil changes, but your tyres may need attention instead.
If something needs working on, many modern vehicles will advise you of the issue with a message on the dashboard. Manufacturers advise regular check-ups at certain mileage levels, so stick to the recommended schedule for the best performance.
Are electric cars more expensive to maintain than petrol or diesel cars?
While the initial cost of an electric car can be higher than that of a petrol or diesel car, they are cheaper to maintain in the long run. Electric cars, that require electric car chargers, have far fewer moving parts than petrol or diesel cars, so there are fewer opportunities for something to go wrong. (More info on – Buying an Electric Car in Ireland)
Your electric car charger doesn’t require much maintenance, but you should do a few things regularly to ensure that it remains in good working order. First, be sure to clean the charging port on your car and the charger itself with a dry cloth or brush; this will help remove any dirt or debris that could prevent the charger from making a good connection with your car. Second, check the charger’s cords and plugs for any damage; if you see any fraying or damaged wires, do not use the charger until it has been replaced by a qualified technician. Finally, if your charger has an external ON/OFF switch, turn it OFF when not in use; this will help prolong the charger’s life. (More info on – Electric Car Chargers For Office Charging)
How to Care For an EV – Should I let my EV battery run down?
It’s not a good idea to let your battery run all the way down before recharging it, as this can damage the battery. However, it is important to let your battery drain somewhat regularly. This helps ensure that each cell in the battery is being used evenly, which prolongs its lifespan. A good rule of thumb is to let your battery run down until it reaches about 20% before recharging.
How low should I let my battery get before charging?
It’s always best to recharge your battery sooner rather than later. However, if you do find yourself running low on juice, it’s better to wait until your battery reaches about 20% before plugging in. Charging from 20% is much easier on the battery than charging from 0%.
Your exact charging pattern will be influenced by your driving – how far you go, how often you drive, and how convenient it is to charge your vehicle. Planning charging at appropriate times is part of knowing how to care for an EV and makes the process much more enjoyable.
How to Care For an EV – How to care for an EV easily
Caring for an electric car charger and electric vehicle is simpler than it might seem. Knowing how to care for an EV can give you years of pleasurable driving.
Just remember how to care for an EV: charge regularly but don’t overcharge; service regularly; and don’t let your battery run completely down before recharging it. If you follow these simple tips, you’ll be sure to enjoy many happy miles behind the wheel of your new EV!
Ever wondered about EV Public Charging….Check out our latest blog post for details.