11 Ways to Extend EV Battery Lifespan

When you buy a car, one of the most important priorities is to take good care of it so you can make sure it lasts as long as possible. Vehicles are an expensive investment, and you want to enjoy as many repair-free years as you can after you pay it off.

With electric vehicles becoming more and more popular, many owners are wondering how to make their EV last a long time. One of the most crucial components to consider is the battery.

All car parts wear out eventually, including EV batteries, but there are a few things you can do to maintain your EV battery for the long haul. Here are a few helpful tips to get the most out of your electric vehicle’s lifespan.

How Long Do EV Batteries Last?

This is a question we get asked often. It’s sort of a trick question, because there’s no simple answer, but it’s generally accepted that an EV battery will last around 100,000 miles or more before it loses a significant amount of charge. Most automakers, including Volkswagen, offer an EV battery warranty that covers up to 100,000 miles.

The 100,000-mile theory is gradually changing, though. Older electric vehicles used battery technology that’s now considered dated, which means that some older EVs weren’t built to last quite as long as modern ones do. EV tech is also constantly advancing, so it’s not unlikely that we’ll see massive improvements in lithium-ion battery lifespan in the very near future.

It also depends how well the EV is taken care of. If you follow EV battery charging best practices, your electric vehicle will last a lot longer than your neighbor who doesn’t take care of theirs.

Tips to Prolong EV Life

Here are a few simple ways that you can ensure as little EV battery degradation as possible over the years.

Drive at Consistent Speeds

Any excessive acceleration or deceleration can put extra strain on the battery and electric motor. Not only does this reduce your overall range, but over time, it can wear the battery out quicker. Driving at an even, steady pace is also easier on other systems like the brakes and suspension.

Use Regen Braking

Regenerative braking is when the vehicle converts kinetic energy from the brakes back into electrical energy for the battery, which greatly extends range. Every automaker employs it a little differently. In the Volkswagen ID.4, there are multiple regenerative brake settings that the driver can select to maximize efficiency.

Avoid Fast Charging

DC fast-charging is an extremely useful option in a pinch—in some cases, it can restore the majority of your battery’s charge in just half an hour. However, it’s not a good idea to rely on DCFC on a regular basis, because the high amount of juice flowing in puts a massive strain on the battery cells.

Instead, it’s recommended to use Level 2 charging in most instances. Level 2 chargers can be installed in many homes, and some manufacturers even offer credits to have a Level 2 charger installed at a discount.

Cool Down Before Charging

Batteries are extremely sensitive to temperature, and because of their chemical makeup, they charge more efficiently when they’re cool. Allow your EV to cool down for 15 minutes or so before plugging it into any charger.

Keep Away from the Heat…

AAA conducted a study on how the outside temperature affects EV range. At 75 degrees, the average range was 105 miles, but that range dropped to just 69 miles at 95 degrees Fahrenheit.

The point being—excessively hot temperatures wreak havoc on batteries. It’s important to keep your EV away from heat and direct sunlight as much as possible, especially if you live in a warmer climate.

…And the Cold, Too

The same AA study found that the average range at 20 degrees Fahrenheit was just 43 miles. Of course, that study is from 2014, and modern EVs aren’t affected nearly as much by temp fluctuations, so these results should be taken with a grain of salt. Still, it’s a well-known fact that cold temperatures are hard on a battery.

Whenever possible, try to keep your electric vehicle in a climate-controlled place like a garage when the weather dips below freezing. You can also buy battery warming accessories.

Don’t Let the Charge Drop Too Low…

As a general rule, you shouldn’t allow your battery to dip below 10%, and some experts suggest that you should avoid letting it go below 20%. This is known as deep discharging, and it increases the internal resistance and depletes battery life overall.

…But Don’t Let It Get Too High

By the same token, EVs shouldn’t usually be charged above 80%, or at the most, 90%. Luckily, most modern EVs have internal failsafe mechanisms that halt charging when the battery has reached an optimal safe level.

This isn’t to say that you can never charge to 100%—if you have a long road trip ahead and want to maximize range, you can always adjust the settings. It’s not recommended for daily driving, though.

Don’t Neglect Software Updates

Many modern vehicles depend on over-the-air updates to keep their software current, and EVs sometimes receive updates that can improve battery efficiency. Consult your owner’s manual or contact your local dealership to make sure you know how to update your EV’s software on a regular basis.

Keep Tires Inflated

Improperly inflated tires increase road resistance, which forces your EV battery to work harder and puts more strain on the cells. Also, keeping tires at the right pressure is just a good idea no matter what sort of car you’re driving because it keeps the tires from wearing out early.

Have Your EV Serviced Regularly

One of the best ways to ensure the longevity of any vehicle is to schedule regular checkups and routine maintenance at your local service department. If you’re due for vehicle service in Kansas City, schedule an appointment with us today.

EV Service Near Overland Park, KS

Whether you have an electric car like the ID.4, a hybrid, or a good old-fashioned internal combustion, Molle Volkswagen has you covered with certified service and top-notch facilities. We also offer a service credit card, so you never have to break the bank on maintaining your ride.

If you want to be one of the first to get your hands on the latest VW EV, you can also reserve the all-new Volkswagen ID. Buzz with us today.