Tips for Optimizing Your EV Charging

Tips for Optimizing Your EV Charging

Find New EV Inventory at Dick Scott CDJR

If you're the owner of an electric vehicle, then you're familiar with charging up your battery. Whether you're using a home charging station, or a public EV charger, all drivers want to optimize their charging times so that they can make a quick pit stop, and get on with their days. There are many factors to consider when attempting to optimize your charging speeds. Similarly, there are many things you can do to protect the overall health of your EV battery so that it continues to work efficiently for years to come! Keep reading down below as we fill you in on our top tips for EV battery optimization.

Avoid Extreme Temperatures

Extreme temperatures, whether hot or cold, can have a significant impact on the performance and lifespan of electric vehicle batteries. When exposed to high temperatures, the battery's internal chemistry can degrade, reducing its capacity and overall range. Not only that, but excessive heat can also accelerate the battery's aging process, leading to premature wear and tear. On the other hand, when the temperature drops too low, the battery's chemical reactions slow down, causing a decrease in power output and range. For best results, try to shield your EV from extreme temperatures by parking in a garage, clearing off any snow or ice as soon as you can, and allowing the car to heat up before you start driving or attempt to charge the battery.

Don't Overcharge

Over-charging and under-charging are two factors that can negatively affect the lifespan and performance of your battery. Overcharging, which occurs when you keep your EV plugged in beyond its maximum capacity, can cause the battery to overheat and can result in the degradation of the battery's cells. This can lead to a decrease in the battery's overall capacity and range, and in severe cases, it can even cause the battery to fail completely. On the other hand, under-charging, which happens when you push your EV to drive when the battery is less than 20% charged, can cause a decrease in the battery's overall lifespan, as well as its energy capacity and range. Therefore, it's important to ensure that your EV is charged properly, neither over-charged nor under-charged, to maximize the battery's performance and lifespan.

Use Fast-Charging Stations Sparingly

While fast charging is a convenient way to charge your battery quickly, it can also lead to increased stress on the battery's cells. This is because fast charging typically involves charging the battery at a higher voltage and amperage than what it would experience during a regular charging session. The high charging rate can generate heat, which can accelerate the degradation of the battery's cells and reduce its overall lifespan. To mitigate these issues, it's recommended to use fast charging stations sparingly and only when necessary, and to follow the manufacturer's recommended charging guidelines to avoid excessive heat build-up in the battery.

Turn Off Extra Features While Charging

Turning off excess features can help your electric vehicle charge faster by reducing the amount of power that the car draws from the battery during the charging process. You might want to run features such as air conditioning, heating, and entertainment systems while charging, but these require a significant amount of power to operate. When these features are turned on during charging, they can slow down the charging process and reduce the battery's overall range. By turning off these features, the car draws less power from the battery, allowing it to charge faster and more efficiently. Additionally, turning off non-essential systems can also help reduce the load on the battery, which can help prolong the battery's lifespan!

Find Your EV at Dick Scott CDJR Plymouth

Are you interested in getting behind the wheel of a new electric vehicle or PHEV? Here at Dick Scott CDJR Plymouth, we offer a huge range of all the latest inventory, such as the Wrangler 4xe, and Grand Cherokee 4xe. Customers can browse our inventory online or visit the showroom in person to see the available models. Dick Scott CDJR Plymouth also offers financing and leasing options to help customers find the best payment plan for their budget. You can get started today by checking out our new inventory online, or by visiting us in person here at Dick Scott CDJR of Plymouth, Michigan!

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