With the adoption of electric vehicles scaling gradually, a standard benchmark weighed by both early and late adopters is electric vehicle maintenance and ways to maximize one’s electric vehicle effectively.
EVs are not a popular choice of vehicle among the general public in some countries. The primary reasons for these include the perceived high purchase costs and a lack of proper awareness about the benefits of using EVs.
Another misconception is that EVs are high-maintenance vehicles that require a lot of effort to maintain, which is not true.
Here are some simple tips to help you maintain your electric vehicle and keep it in tip-top shape.
- Minimize exposure to high temperatures when parked: Calendar ageing is not the only factor that could impact your EV battery’s life. Exposure to high thermal temperatures can speed up ageing. Make sure to park your electric car in the shade or a plug-in so that the thermal management system only uses grid power and that the temperature remains stable during operation.
- Undergo brake maintenance. Brakes are an essential component of any vehicle. Regenerative braking is used in electric vehicles. It aids in keeping the brake pads in good condition for an extended period; in many cases, they need to be replaced less frequently than in a traditional vehicle. Remember to service the brakes. Additionally, avoid driving at high speeds. When you slow down, the battery lasts longer and you avoid slamming on the brakes.
- Minimize keeping your batteries at 100% charge: Electric vehicles already have a battery management system that prevents them from being charged and discharged at the maximum state of charge. Maintaining the state of battery charge, from 0% to 100%, improves the performance of your vehicle’s battery life. Even though a full charge gives you the most battery lifetime, it is never a good idea for your battery’s overall lifespan.
- Avoid fast-charging all the time: Although fast-charging is incredibly popular now, it is not advised as a habit sustained over time. Using a fast charger is a huge time saver if your batteries are about to die. However, it injects a large amount of current into the batteries over a short period, which strains and depletes your EV battery faster. While it is difficult to notice the degradation, eight years of standard charging will give you 10% more battery life than eight years of fast charging.
- Always use a certified charger: Use the original charger that came with the car if possible. It has the necessary protective layers and covering shields to make it suitable for use. It will aid in preventing sparks, short circuits, and loss.
While thinking about the car’s electric components, don’t forget about the cabin. Cleaning the cabin from time to time is important, as is ensuring that it is dry and well-maintained.
- Maintain your motor: The motor is one of the most essential elements of maintaining an EV. Although an electric vehicle’s motor may not need the same level of maintenance as a traditional combustion engine, you can manage basic things such as replacing filters or switching out the oil by yourself. However, get the car’s motor serviced as you would in a traditional vehicle. It is also important to always have a mechanic who has relevant experience with electric vehicle engines on standby.
Lastly, it is important to consider vehicle insurance before purchasing an electric vehicle and to keep vehicle maintenance tips in mind. A well-maintained vehicle also provides excellent performance and a great driving experience.
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