Electric cars have numerous advantages over traditional gasoline-powered vehicles, such as cheaper maintenance costs, lower pollutants, and increased fuel economy. Like any other vehicle, EVs can be harmed by negligence and poor maintenance. If an EV is not charged for an extended period of time, it might develop a range of issues that can impair its performance and potentially harm its battery. In this post, we’ll look at what happens to EVs when they go too long without being charged.
In this Post
- ➤ What happens to an EV battery when left unused for too long?
- ➤ How long can an EV be left unused before its battery is affected?
- ➤ What can you do to prevent battery damage?
What happens to an EV battery when left unused for too long?
The most significant impact on an EV that’s left unused for too long is on its battery. If the battery is not charged regularly, it will deplete, and the cells will degrade. This is because the onboard electronics, such as the alarm system and the clock, continue to draw power. The discharge rate will vary depending on the ambient temperature and the specific EV model. It can be as high as 1% daily.
Lithium-ion batteries, the most common type of battery used in EVs, are particularly sensitive to being left unused for long periods. If the battery is allowed to discharge completely, it can cause irreversible damage to the cells. It reduces its capacity and shortens its lifespan.
How long can an EV be left unused before its battery is affected?
The amount of time an EV’s battery can be left unused before it suffers damage is determined by several factors. Like, including the type of battery, the battery’s age, the storage temperature, and the state of charge. Typically, charging an EV at least once every several weeks protects the battery from draining entirely. If an EV is not used for over a few weeks, the battery should be charged at least 50% to help prevent cell damage. There are also popular tips and tricks to maximize your charging speed.
What can you do to prevent battery damage?
Here are a few precautions to take to protect an EV battery that has been left unused for an extended period of time:
- Keep the EV in a cool, dry area: High temperatures might cause the battery to degrade faster. Even in extremely cold temperatures, the EV battery/range is affected. It’s critical to keep the EV in a cool, dry environment. Preferably, the temperature should be between 15°C and 25°C.
- Keep the battery charged: If you know you won’t use your EV for an extended time, keep it charged to at least 50%. This will prevent the cells from getting entirely drained, which can cause irreparable harm to the battery.
- Utilize a battery maintainer: A device keeps the EV’s battery charged when not in use. It works by keeping a low-level charge on the battery, preventing the cells from depleting entirely.
- Use the EV for a brief drive: If feasible, take the EV for a short drive every few weeks to help maintain the battery charged and avoid damage to the cells.
Conclusion
An EV that has been left idle for an extended period of time without being charged might suffer from various issues. It can impair performance and potentially harm the battery. To avoid battery damage, keep the EV in a cool, dry area, charge the battery to at least 50%, use a battery maintainer, and take a brief drive every few weeks. Following these precautions keep your EV in excellent shape and its battery as long as possible.
