Lithium-ion batteries can be found in almost everything nowadays, from laptops to smartphones; they are an ever-present aspect of modern life. If you own an electric car, it uses a lithium-ion battery to power its motor.
All lithium-ion batteries degrade eventually, and the EV battery is no different. While electric car batteries can last hundreds of miles and technology is constantly improving, this limit is a serious concern for drivers. It might put them off buying an electric car at all. EV batteries cost thousands of pounds to replace, so this is a reasonable worry.
Although all lithium-ion batteries will eventually degrade to the point of being practically unusable, there are ways to prolong the battery life and keep it in good condition. Maintaining your battery will give you more value for money and help you avoid buying a new vehicle. Prolonging your battery is good for the environment as well as your wallet.
Hopefully, these tips will help you eke out as much battery life as possible.
Each electric car’s battery lasts for different amounts of time. Generally, EVs last between 100,000 - 200,000 miles worth of driving, which usually amounts to around 10 - 20 years, depending on how often you use your vehicle.
Electric cars lose around 1 - 2% of their range each year, so for every year you own it, the distance you can drive will be less. If your EV’s max range is just 70% of its original range, you should look for a new battery or electric car.
EVs are generally warranted for eight years and 100,000 miles of driving, but each car’s warranty will differ, so your model’s may be shorter or longer. Some auto manufacturers offer long warranties, such as Hyundai, which offers a lifetime warranty on their Kona Electric SUV.
Advances in lithium battery technology mean that auto manufacturers have now improved energy density within EV batteries, enabling some electric cars to travel up to 300 miles on a full charge, such as the BMW i4. It is reasonable to presume that mile ranges will improve further.
Below are six things you can do to help extend your battery’s life, maintain its condition and avoid replacing it.
Some tips aren’t always practical, such as driving slowly. Still, if you keep them in mind and use them whenever feasible, you can prolong your battery’s lifespan for as long as possible.
Avoid accelerating unnecessarily. Accelerating requires more electricity than simply maintaining your current speed, so you should try to avoid acceleration whenever possible. Driving slow is best for your battery, but this isn't always practical.
Similarly, avoid abruptly decelerating to minimise energy consumption that can drain your battery. Try to avoid steep inclines and drive smoothly to get the most out of each charge. If possible, try to avoid motorways or other areas that require driving at high speeds.
In general, be mindful of where and how you're driving to optimise your battery life.
Rapid charging is when you charge using your DC connector. It is the fastest way to charge your EV, and depending on your car and the charger’s limits, you can charge most electric cars in minutes using rapid chargers. Some chargers in the UK can charge up to 350 kWh.
While they might be the most time-efficient way to charge your car, you should avoid using them whenever possible. There are times when you might only have rapid charging options, but whenever possible and practical, try to charge as slowly as you can to maintain your battery condition.
Rapid charging negatively affects the battery as high-voltage DC charging strains it and shortens its lifespan. When looking for public chargers, try using AC chargers that will charge your EV safely. If you are unsure where to find your nearest AC charger, use apps like Bonnet to access thousands of chargers.
Using standard AC charging rather than rapid charging should let your battery live longer. Eight years of standard charging should give you around 10% more battery life compared to eight years of rapid charging.
Exposing your electric car to extreme heat and cold can harm your vehicle. Extreme temperatures affect electric cars because the battery’s thermal management will cause the batteries to drain as the system tries to maintain temperature for optimum efficiency.
Avoid parking your car out in the open if it’s very hot. It shouldn’t be a big issue if you leave it parked in the sun for a few minutes. But if you plan on leaving it parked for a while, either look for some shade or, if possible, keep it plugged in so it is using the grid rather than its battery.
Similarly, if it’s too cold, park in a garage if you can.
It should be obvious not to let your battery go flat; otherwise, you could be stranded. Being left on the side of the road isn’t the only negative, as allowing your battery to drain flat can damage its lifespan. Be diligent in preventing your battery from falling below 20% power.
While letting your battery drain empty can cause damage, the same is the case for maxing its charge to 100%. It might sound counter-intuitive, but you should avoid fully charging your battery as this can overwork it.
Each time you charge over roughly 80%, there will be a minor reduction in the battery capacity; this probably won’t be perceptible at first. Still, over time, these small reductions will build up and impact how long you can drive.
If possible, try not to charge the EV to 100%. It’s best to maintain your electric car’s battery between 20 - 80%. Keeping your EV within this range will help prolong your battery’s condition. Don’t leave it charging all night every night, as this will overwork the battery.
Overcharging your battery to 100% isn’t as big an issue for modern electric cars, which often have a built-in system that automatically slows down your charge as it approaches 100%. They do this to avoid damaging the battery more than necessary and prolong its lifespan.
Charging to 100% is still a serious issue for early EVs. Consult your manual to see if your electric car slows its charge as it approaches 100%.
If you’ve just stopped driving and want to start charging, take a minute to let the battery cool down. Doing so means the battery won’t have to work so hard. Giving your battery a break before charging should help prolong its life.
No, charging the EV every night is bad for your battery life. Each time you charge, your battery’s capacity will be slightly reduced, especially if you use rapid or ultra-rapid chargers. So it’s best not to charge the battery just because you can.
Before hastily plugging in and charging your vehicle, check how much power remains in your battery. If it’s below or near 20%, consider charging; but if in the 20 - 80% range, it’s probably best not to unless you have a busy day planned for the following morning.
If you do charge overnight, try to use a home charging point rather than a domestic adapter. Adapters can damage your house wiring if overused, plus they’re slower. Many grants are available in the UK to help EV drivers afford home charging points.
Each electric car can stay parked without being charged for a different amount of time.
Generally, you should avoid leaving your car parked for a long period. This is because it still uses its power even when parked to maintain essential functions; it doesn’t use much power but will use a bit which can affect battery status.
Before parking, ensure your battery is between 20 and 80% charged. Don’t let your battery run flat while parked, as this will damage it – potentially leading to the need for a costly replacement.
Replacement battery prices differ between model type, vehicle age and the condition of your previous battery. Getting a third party to fit a used or refurbished battery for your electric car is the cheapest way to get a replacement.
As a rule, a replacement for a 24 kWh battery should cost around half what buying a new one would be, although this isn’t always the case.
Replacing an EV’s battery shouldn’t be something most EV owners will have to deal with, as warranties protect you in many circumstances. Your battery should last for years (even if you don’t take the precautions suggested in this article).
An electric car’s battery should last for around 10+ years, and by then, you’ll probably want to upgrade your vehicle anyway.
Hopefully, with the information in this article, you’ll be able to prolong your EV’s battery life. Battery replacement is always an option, but it’s an expensive one and not always a reasonable option.
Most of the suggested actions in this article are relatively sensible and practical. Try not to over-accelerate, drive reasonably and keep in mind your current charge. Try to avoid overwhelming your battery.
If you do everything suggested here and don’t overwork your battery, you should be able to give it a few extra years of life, saving you money. Keep an eye out for good charging locations that won’t strain your battery.
In need of a quick charge but can't find quality AC or DC chargers? Download Bonnet for access to thousands of charging stations across the country.
Bonnet is our app that allows you to charge at over 17+ public charging networks without cluttering your phone with unnecessary apps. Bonnet’s partners provide charging in many different locations and at varying speeds to offer drivers affordable kWh and various charging choices.
We have a membership option called Bonnet Boosts, which allows electric car owners to access all our partners’ charging locations for up to 15% off. Bonnet Boosts is the perfect choice if you frequently charge at public charging points and are looking for a way to save money.
If you’re interested in levelling up your charging and accessing some of the best charging locations in the country easily, you should download Bonnet today.
You should avoid charging your battery unnecessarily. It’s fine to charge your battery overnight on occasion but try to avoid charging it every single night, as each charging cycle damages your battery’s condition.
Each charging cycle you do will damage your battery. To avoid degrading your battery further, you should maintain its charge between 20 - 80% and not charge it when you don’t need to.
It’s best to avoid charging your electric car to 100% as this can damage your battery’s health and lifespan. Instead, try to charge it to 80%, after which most EVs will start to slow down their charging rates.
It is completely safe to leave your EV plugged in. Electric cars have a built-in system which prevents your battery from overcharging, which helps protect it.
Lithium-ion batteries can be found in almost everything nowadays, from laptops to smartphones; they are an ever-present aspect of modern life. If you own an electric car, it uses a lithium-ion battery to power its motor.
All lithium-ion batteries degrade eventually, and the EV battery is no different. While electric car batteries can last hundreds of miles and technology is constantly improving, this limit is a serious concern for drivers. It might put them off buying an electric car at all. EV batteries cost thousands of pounds to replace, so this is a reasonable worry.
Although all lithium-ion batteries will eventually degrade to the point of being practically unusable, there are ways to prolong the battery life and keep it in good condition. Maintaining your battery will give you more value for money and help you avoid buying a new vehicle. Prolonging your battery is good for the environment as well as your wallet.
Hopefully, these tips will help you eke out as much battery life as possible.
Each electric car’s battery lasts for different amounts of time. Generally, EVs last between 100,000 - 200,000 miles worth of driving, which usually amounts to around 10 - 20 years, depending on how often you use your vehicle.
Electric cars lose around 1 - 2% of their range each year, so for every year you own it, the distance you can drive will be less. If your EV’s max range is just 70% of its original range, you should look for a new battery or electric car.
EVs are generally warranted for eight years and 100,000 miles of driving, but each car’s warranty will differ, so your model’s may be shorter or longer. Some auto manufacturers offer long warranties, such as Hyundai, which offers a lifetime warranty on their Kona Electric SUV.
Advances in lithium battery technology mean that auto manufacturers have now improved energy density within EV batteries, enabling some electric cars to travel up to 300 miles on a full charge, such as the BMW i4. It is reasonable to presume that mile ranges will improve further.
Below are six things you can do to help extend your battery’s life, maintain its condition and avoid replacing it.
Some tips aren’t always practical, such as driving slowly. Still, if you keep them in mind and use them whenever feasible, you can prolong your battery’s lifespan for as long as possible.
Avoid accelerating unnecessarily. Accelerating requires more electricity than simply maintaining your current speed, so you should try to avoid acceleration whenever possible. Driving slow is best for your battery, but this isn't always practical.
Similarly, avoid abruptly decelerating to minimise energy consumption that can drain your battery. Try to avoid steep inclines and drive smoothly to get the most out of each charge. If possible, try to avoid motorways or other areas that require driving at high speeds.
In general, be mindful of where and how you're driving to optimise your battery life.
Rapid charging is when you charge using your DC connector. It is the fastest way to charge your EV, and depending on your car and the charger’s limits, you can charge most electric cars in minutes using rapid chargers. Some chargers in the UK can charge up to 350 kWh.
While they might be the most time-efficient way to charge your car, you should avoid using them whenever possible. There are times when you might only have rapid charging options, but whenever possible and practical, try to charge as slowly as you can to maintain your battery condition.
Rapid charging negatively affects the battery as high-voltage DC charging strains it and shortens its lifespan. When looking for public chargers, try using AC chargers that will charge your EV safely. If you are unsure where to find your nearest AC charger, use apps like Bonnet to access thousands of chargers.
Using standard AC charging rather than rapid charging should let your battery live longer. Eight years of standard charging should give you around 10% more battery life compared to eight years of rapid charging.
Exposing your electric car to extreme heat and cold can harm your vehicle. Extreme temperatures affect electric cars because the battery’s thermal management will cause the batteries to drain as the system tries to maintain temperature for optimum efficiency.
Avoid parking your car out in the open if it’s very hot. It shouldn’t be a big issue if you leave it parked in the sun for a few minutes. But if you plan on leaving it parked for a while, either look for some shade or, if possible, keep it plugged in so it is using the grid rather than its battery.
Similarly, if it’s too cold, park in a garage if you can.
It should be obvious not to let your battery go flat; otherwise, you could be stranded. Being left on the side of the road isn’t the only negative, as allowing your battery to drain flat can damage its lifespan. Be diligent in preventing your battery from falling below 20% power.
While letting your battery drain empty can cause damage, the same is the case for maxing its charge to 100%. It might sound counter-intuitive, but you should avoid fully charging your battery as this can overwork it.
Each time you charge over roughly 80%, there will be a minor reduction in the battery capacity; this probably won’t be perceptible at first. Still, over time, these small reductions will build up and impact how long you can drive.
If possible, try not to charge the EV to 100%. It’s best to maintain your electric car’s battery between 20 - 80%. Keeping your EV within this range will help prolong your battery’s condition. Don’t leave it charging all night every night, as this will overwork the battery.
Overcharging your battery to 100% isn’t as big an issue for modern electric cars, which often have a built-in system that automatically slows down your charge as it approaches 100%. They do this to avoid damaging the battery more than necessary and prolong its lifespan.
Charging to 100% is still a serious issue for early EVs. Consult your manual to see if your electric car slows its charge as it approaches 100%.
If you’ve just stopped driving and want to start charging, take a minute to let the battery cool down. Doing so means the battery won’t have to work so hard. Giving your battery a break before charging should help prolong its life.
No, charging the EV every night is bad for your battery life. Each time you charge, your battery’s capacity will be slightly reduced, especially if you use rapid or ultra-rapid chargers. So it’s best not to charge the battery just because you can.
Before hastily plugging in and charging your vehicle, check how much power remains in your battery. If it’s below or near 20%, consider charging; but if in the 20 - 80% range, it’s probably best not to unless you have a busy day planned for the following morning.
If you do charge overnight, try to use a home charging point rather than a domestic adapter. Adapters can damage your house wiring if overused, plus they’re slower. Many grants are available in the UK to help EV drivers afford home charging points.
Each electric car can stay parked without being charged for a different amount of time.
Generally, you should avoid leaving your car parked for a long period. This is because it still uses its power even when parked to maintain essential functions; it doesn’t use much power but will use a bit which can affect battery status.
Before parking, ensure your battery is between 20 and 80% charged. Don’t let your battery run flat while parked, as this will damage it – potentially leading to the need for a costly replacement.
Replacement battery prices differ between model type, vehicle age and the condition of your previous battery. Getting a third party to fit a used or refurbished battery for your electric car is the cheapest way to get a replacement.
As a rule, a replacement for a 24 kWh battery should cost around half what buying a new one would be, although this isn’t always the case.
Replacing an EV’s battery shouldn’t be something most EV owners will have to deal with, as warranties protect you in many circumstances. Your battery should last for years (even if you don’t take the precautions suggested in this article).
An electric car’s battery should last for around 10+ years, and by then, you’ll probably want to upgrade your vehicle anyway.
Hopefully, with the information in this article, you’ll be able to prolong your EV’s battery life. Battery replacement is always an option, but it’s an expensive one and not always a reasonable option.
Most of the suggested actions in this article are relatively sensible and practical. Try not to over-accelerate, drive reasonably and keep in mind your current charge. Try to avoid overwhelming your battery.
If you do everything suggested here and don’t overwork your battery, you should be able to give it a few extra years of life, saving you money. Keep an eye out for good charging locations that won’t strain your battery.
In need of a quick charge but can't find quality AC or DC chargers? Download Bonnet for access to thousands of charging stations across the country.
Bonnet is our app that allows you to charge at over 17+ public charging networks without cluttering your phone with unnecessary apps. Bonnet’s partners provide charging in many different locations and at varying speeds to offer drivers affordable kWh and various charging choices.
We have a membership option called Bonnet Boosts, which allows electric car owners to access all our partners’ charging locations for up to 15% off. Bonnet Boosts is the perfect choice if you frequently charge at public charging points and are looking for a way to save money.
If you’re interested in levelling up your charging and accessing some of the best charging locations in the country easily, you should download Bonnet today.
Lithium-ion batteries can be found in almost everything nowadays, from laptops to smartphones; they are an ever-present aspect of modern life. If you own an electric car, it uses a lithium-ion battery to power its motor.
All lithium-ion batteries degrade eventually, and the EV battery is no different. While electric car batteries can last hundreds of miles and technology is constantly improving, this limit is a serious concern for drivers. It might put them off buying an electric car at all. EV batteries cost thousands of pounds to replace, so this is a reasonable worry.
Although all lithium-ion batteries will eventually degrade to the point of being practically unusable, there are ways to prolong the battery life and keep it in good condition. Maintaining your battery will give you more value for money and help you avoid buying a new vehicle. Prolonging your battery is good for the environment as well as your wallet.
Hopefully, these tips will help you eke out as much battery life as possible.
Each electric car’s battery lasts for different amounts of time. Generally, EVs last between 100,000 - 200,000 miles worth of driving, which usually amounts to around 10 - 20 years, depending on how often you use your vehicle.
Electric cars lose around 1 - 2% of their range each year, so for every year you own it, the distance you can drive will be less. If your EV’s max range is just 70% of its original range, you should look for a new battery or electric car.
EVs are generally warranted for eight years and 100,000 miles of driving, but each car’s warranty will differ, so your model’s may be shorter or longer. Some auto manufacturers offer long warranties, such as Hyundai, which offers a lifetime warranty on their Kona Electric SUV.
Advances in lithium battery technology mean that auto manufacturers have now improved energy density within EV batteries, enabling some electric cars to travel up to 300 miles on a full charge, such as the BMW i4. It is reasonable to presume that mile ranges will improve further.
Below are six things you can do to help extend your battery’s life, maintain its condition and avoid replacing it.
Some tips aren’t always practical, such as driving slowly. Still, if you keep them in mind and use them whenever feasible, you can prolong your battery’s lifespan for as long as possible.
Avoid accelerating unnecessarily. Accelerating requires more electricity than simply maintaining your current speed, so you should try to avoid acceleration whenever possible. Driving slow is best for your battery, but this isn't always practical.
Similarly, avoid abruptly decelerating to minimise energy consumption that can drain your battery. Try to avoid steep inclines and drive smoothly to get the most out of each charge. If possible, try to avoid motorways or other areas that require driving at high speeds.
In general, be mindful of where and how you're driving to optimise your battery life.
Rapid charging is when you charge using your DC connector. It is the fastest way to charge your EV, and depending on your car and the charger’s limits, you can charge most electric cars in minutes using rapid chargers. Some chargers in the UK can charge up to 350 kWh.
While they might be the most time-efficient way to charge your car, you should avoid using them whenever possible. There are times when you might only have rapid charging options, but whenever possible and practical, try to charge as slowly as you can to maintain your battery condition.
Rapid charging negatively affects the battery as high-voltage DC charging strains it and shortens its lifespan. When looking for public chargers, try using AC chargers that will charge your EV safely. If you are unsure where to find your nearest AC charger, use apps like Bonnet to access thousands of chargers.
Using standard AC charging rather than rapid charging should let your battery live longer. Eight years of standard charging should give you around 10% more battery life compared to eight years of rapid charging.
Exposing your electric car to extreme heat and cold can harm your vehicle. Extreme temperatures affect electric cars because the battery’s thermal management will cause the batteries to drain as the system tries to maintain temperature for optimum efficiency.
Avoid parking your car out in the open if it’s very hot. It shouldn’t be a big issue if you leave it parked in the sun for a few minutes. But if you plan on leaving it parked for a while, either look for some shade or, if possible, keep it plugged in so it is using the grid rather than its battery.
Similarly, if it’s too cold, park in a garage if you can.
It should be obvious not to let your battery go flat; otherwise, you could be stranded. Being left on the side of the road isn’t the only negative, as allowing your battery to drain flat can damage its lifespan. Be diligent in preventing your battery from falling below 20% power.
While letting your battery drain empty can cause damage, the same is the case for maxing its charge to 100%. It might sound counter-intuitive, but you should avoid fully charging your battery as this can overwork it.
Each time you charge over roughly 80%, there will be a minor reduction in the battery capacity; this probably won’t be perceptible at first. Still, over time, these small reductions will build up and impact how long you can drive.
If possible, try not to charge the EV to 100%. It’s best to maintain your electric car’s battery between 20 - 80%. Keeping your EV within this range will help prolong your battery’s condition. Don’t leave it charging all night every night, as this will overwork the battery.
Overcharging your battery to 100% isn’t as big an issue for modern electric cars, which often have a built-in system that automatically slows down your charge as it approaches 100%. They do this to avoid damaging the battery more than necessary and prolong its lifespan.
Charging to 100% is still a serious issue for early EVs. Consult your manual to see if your electric car slows its charge as it approaches 100%.
If you’ve just stopped driving and want to start charging, take a minute to let the battery cool down. Doing so means the battery won’t have to work so hard. Giving your battery a break before charging should help prolong its life.
No, charging the EV every night is bad for your battery life. Each time you charge, your battery’s capacity will be slightly reduced, especially if you use rapid or ultra-rapid chargers. So it’s best not to charge the battery just because you can.
Before hastily plugging in and charging your vehicle, check how much power remains in your battery. If it’s below or near 20%, consider charging; but if in the 20 - 80% range, it’s probably best not to unless you have a busy day planned for the following morning.
If you do charge overnight, try to use a home charging point rather than a domestic adapter. Adapters can damage your house wiring if overused, plus they’re slower. Many grants are available in the UK to help EV drivers afford home charging points.
Each electric car can stay parked without being charged for a different amount of time.
Generally, you should avoid leaving your car parked for a long period. This is because it still uses its power even when parked to maintain essential functions; it doesn’t use much power but will use a bit which can affect battery status.
Before parking, ensure your battery is between 20 and 80% charged. Don’t let your battery run flat while parked, as this will damage it – potentially leading to the need for a costly replacement.
Replacement battery prices differ between model type, vehicle age and the condition of your previous battery. Getting a third party to fit a used or refurbished battery for your electric car is the cheapest way to get a replacement.
As a rule, a replacement for a 24 kWh battery should cost around half what buying a new one would be, although this isn’t always the case.
Replacing an EV’s battery shouldn’t be something most EV owners will have to deal with, as warranties protect you in many circumstances. Your battery should last for years (even if you don’t take the precautions suggested in this article).
An electric car’s battery should last for around 10+ years, and by then, you’ll probably want to upgrade your vehicle anyway.
Hopefully, with the information in this article, you’ll be able to prolong your EV’s battery life. Battery replacement is always an option, but it’s an expensive one and not always a reasonable option.
Most of the suggested actions in this article are relatively sensible and practical. Try not to over-accelerate, drive reasonably and keep in mind your current charge. Try to avoid overwhelming your battery.
If you do everything suggested here and don’t overwork your battery, you should be able to give it a few extra years of life, saving you money. Keep an eye out for good charging locations that won’t strain your battery.
In need of a quick charge but can't find quality AC or DC chargers? Download Bonnet for access to thousands of charging stations across the country.
Bonnet is our app that allows you to charge at over 17+ public charging networks without cluttering your phone with unnecessary apps. Bonnet’s partners provide charging in many different locations and at varying speeds to offer drivers affordable kWh and various charging choices.
We have a membership option called Bonnet Boosts, which allows electric car owners to access all our partners’ charging locations for up to 15% off. Bonnet Boosts is the perfect choice if you frequently charge at public charging points and are looking for a way to save money.
If you’re interested in levelling up your charging and accessing some of the best charging locations in the country easily, you should download Bonnet today.
You should avoid charging your battery unnecessarily. It’s fine to charge your battery overnight on occasion but try to avoid charging it every single night, as each charging cycle damages your battery’s condition.
Each charging cycle you do will damage your battery. To avoid degrading your battery further, you should maintain its charge between 20 - 80% and not charge it when you don’t need to.
It’s best to avoid charging your electric car to 100% as this can damage your battery’s health and lifespan. Instead, try to charge it to 80%, after which most EVs will start to slow down their charging rates.
It is completely safe to leave your EV plugged in. Electric cars have a built-in system which prevents your battery from overcharging, which helps protect it.
