Understanding how to best manage electric car charging is crucial in the era of sustainable mobility. Electric cars are becoming an increasingly present component of our lives, but with their growing popularity, doubts and misconceptions are also emerging, especially regarding the maintenance of the battery, the beating heart of every electric car.
Proper management of electric car charging not only prolongs vehicle life, but also optimizes costs. Here are the most common mistakes to avoid to ensure long vehicle life and optimal performance:
1. Always recharge to 100%: a false friend for the battery
Many people think that charging the electric car up to 100% is the best thing to do on a daily basis. In reality, for lithium-ion batteries, maintaining a constant and prolonged charge at extreme levels (near 100 percent) could accelerate degradation. In fact, prolonged exposure to high voltages puts more stress on the battery cells.
Council:
For everyday use, aim to charge your car to 80%. This level is usually more than enough for most trips and significantly helps preserve the long-term health of the battery. A full 100% charge should be reserved only for long trips or occasional needs when maximum range is essential.
2. Fully discharging the battery: a risk to be avoided
Just as it is not ideal to always recharge to full charge, it is equally harmful to let the battery drain too much. Frequently dropping below 20% charge can, over time, reduce the overall capacity of the battery and its efficiency.
Council:
Try to keep the battery charge level within a balanced range, ideally between 20% and 80%. This "sweet spot" helps protect the battery from excessive stress, preventing premature wear and potential damage.
3. Abusing direct currentDC) fast charging.
Direct currentDC) fast charging stations are extremely convenient for quickly restoring range, but their frequent use can generate excessive heat inside the battery, accelerating its deterioration. Although recent electric cars are equipped with sophisticated thermal management systems to mitigate this effect, overuse of fast charging can still affect the overall life span.
Council:
Only use fast charging when strictly necessary, such as during long journeys or in emergency situations.For daily charging, opt for alternating current ( AC)charging at home or at public charging stations. It is slower, but it is much gentler on the battery and helps to keep it healthy for longer.
4. Forget about recharging during periods of inactivity.
If your electric car is sitting idle for weeks or months, it is critical to pay attention to the battery level. Lithium-ion batteries are subject to a slow and gradual loss of charge over time. Leaving a fully discharged battery for long periods can cause irreversible damage and also compromise the vehicle's electronic systems.
Council:
when you anticipate long periods of inactivity, be sure to leave the battery with a charge between 60 percent and 80 percent. Many modern electric vehicles are designed to handle this independently, maintaining an optimal charge level to preserve the battery, but it is always a good idea to check this.
5. Ignoring software updates
The software that manages your electric car's battery is crucial to its efficiency and longevity. Manufacturers regularly release over-the-air (OTA) updates that can significantly improve temperature management, optimize charging times, refine range estimation, and even fix bugs.
Council:
never neglect software updates offered by your vehicle manufacturer. Installing these updates ensures that your car always operates with the latest optimizations, maximizing performance and battery life.
Charging smartly, wherever you are
To avoid mistakes and simplify the daily management of your electric car, choose a charging network that truly supports you. With the Powy app, you can easily find reliable charging stations, view availability in real time, pay securely, and monitor your consumption.
Whether you're in town or on the road, charging efficiently and consciously is the first step to taking care of your battery and the planet.Download the Powy Charge app and start charging worry-free.
FAQ: What is the best way to charge the electric car every day?
The ideal way to charge your electric car on a daily basis is to use slow alternating current (AC) charging, keeping the battery charge between 20 percent and 80 percent. This range helps preserve the health of the battery, reducing wear and tear and prolonging battery life. It is advisable to avoid frequent charging to 100% or letting the battery drop below 20%. Direct current (DC) fast charging should be used mainly in emergency situations or during long trips, as excessive use can accelerate battery deterioration.
About Powy
Powy a company that owns, develops, and manages Italy's leading independent network of public charging infrastructure for electric vehicles.
Founded in Turin, Italy in 2018, Powy is at the center of the transition to more sustainable mobility, offering an innovative charging infrastructure that uses only 100 percent renewable energy.
Powy 's network includes quick, fast, and ultra-fast charging solutions strategically placed in public and private parking lots, supermarkets, shopping malls, and transportation hubs to ensure maximum convenience and accessibility for EV drivers. Each station is equipped with advanced technologies to provide a reliable and efficient charging experience.
Learn more: wpowy.energy