Maintaining an electric vehicle (EV) battery isn’t just about longevity; it’s about ensuring the heart of your EV operates at its best. After all, who wouldn’t want to get the most out of their investment?
Proper EV battery care not only saves you money in the long run but also ensures your EV remains reliable and efficient for getting around or conducting commercial business operations around Singapore.
So, what is the best way to maintain an EV battery?
How to Extend Your EV’s Battery Life
Your EV’s battery is one of its most critical components, and proper care is essential for longevity and performance. From EV charging tips to temperature management, these key strategies will help you get the most out of your battery.
1. Charge Your EV’s Battery Between 20-80%
To maximise your EV’s battery life, follow the best charging practices, which include keeping the charge between 20% and 80%. Why this specific range? Essentially, the Lithium-Ion batteries in most EVs don’t fare well when they’re either fully charged or empty for too long.
Consistently draining the battery to 0% and then recharging it to 100% puts undue stress on it. This repeated stress accelerates the breakdown of the battery’s components, leading to a gradual decline in its overall capacity to hold a charge.
2. Only Fully Charge the EV Battery for Long Trips
While maintaining a 20-80% charge is ideal for daily use, occasional full charges are acceptable, especially for longer trips. For businesses with long delivery routes or multiple destinations, charging fully to 100% might be necessary to ensure sufficient range.
However, once you become accustomed to managing the EV’s range for regular operations, maintaining the battery between 20% and 80% most of the time is advisable. This habit helps optimise battery health and longevity, ensuring your vehicle is always ready for the daily demands of your business.
3. Avoid or Reduce Exposure to Extreme Temperatures
EV batteries can’t tolerate extreme heat for long without consequences. This is because high temperatures accelerate the chemical reactions inside EV batteries, potentially leading to faster degradation and reduced longevity.
And in Singapore’s tropical climate, where the heat can be relentless, this poses a particular challenge for maintaining battery health.
Therefore, to care for your EV’s battery, prioritise parking in shaded or covered areas to shield it from direct sunlight. Additionally, consider using thermal covers or parking in ventilated spaces whenever possible to further protect the battery from extreme temperatures.
While Singapore’s heat is the primary concern, it’s worth noting that extreme cold can also negatively impact battery performance, though this is less of an issue in this region.
4. Minimise Opting for Fast Charging
In today’s fast-paced world, the convenience of rapid charging can be tempting, but it’s important to understand the impact it can have on your EV’s battery. While rapid charging can get you back on the road quickly, frequent use can accelerate battery degradation.
Rapid charging generates more heat within the battery, which, as we’ve discussed, is a major factor in reducing battery lifespan. While rapid charging is sometimes necessary for emergencies, like needing a quick top-up before a long, unexpected delivery, it’s best to rely on regular charging whenever possible.
This gentler practice allows the EV battery to cool down and maintain a more stable temperature, contributing to its overall health and longevity.
5. Utilise Battery Management Features
Modern EVs are packed with smart features designed to optimise battery performance and longevity—take advantage of these. Pre-conditioning, for example, intelligently regulates battery temperature before charging or driving, ensuring peak efficiency.
Regular software updates are also crucial, as they often include refinements to battery management systems, improving everything from battery performance to lifespan. You can ensure your battery operates at its peak potential by staying up-to-date and utilising these built-in tools.
6. Schedule Regular EV Maintenance
Maintaining your EV’s battery healthy requires professional attention. While your EV generally may require maintenance annually, it’s advisable to have your battery checked by a professional every six months or approximately every 6,000 miles.
Qualified technicians can assess your EV’s battery health, spot potential issues early, and help prevent future problems. Think of it as preventative care for your EV’s most vital component.
The Hong Seh Group offers comprehensive EV battery maintenance services at the REVV building at 1 Corporation Drive, ensuring your EV’s battery remains in peak condition for years to come. You can contact Hong Seh Motors Service Centre to schedule an appointment.
Future-Proof Your Fleet
From smart charging habits to getting regular EV battery maintenance, caring for your EV’s battery is an investment in its long-term health and peace of mind.
Hong Seh Evolution (HSEV), a subsidiary of the Hong Seh Group, offers a range of electric goods vehicles in Singapore with advanced, long-range batteries for reliable commercial operations. If you’re looking for an electric cargo van or truck for your business, rest assured that all components, from the battery to the drivetrain, are engineered for performance and durability.
Take the first step toward electrifying your fleet with us and leverage our comprehensive support to enhance your operational capabilities.
