This video provides valuable tips for charging an electric car. It covers best practices for extending battery life, optimizing charging times, and making the most of available charging infrastructure. The video also discusses the differences between home and public charging.
If you own an electric car, you'll want to take care of the battery so it can last as long as possible. Paying attention to your driving and charging habits can make all of the difference. Taking it easy on the accelerator is a great way to avoid extra wear and tear on the battery. The more aggressively you drive, the faster the battery charge runs down. And over time, that constant battery drain will impact overall battery life. When charging, it's best to only charge to around 80% rather than to a full charge. Most electric cars let you set a target charge of whatever level you desire. Your owner's manual will indicate the optimal charge level for your car. When parking on a hot day, find a shady spot. Preventing a battery from overheating protects it from damage. Avoid battery depletion on long trips by searching ahead of time for available charge stations using GreenCars.com or the car's navigation system. Battery depletion reduces overall battery life. It's ideal to charge up when the battery dips below the 30% mark. Electric car batteries charge best under optimal temperature conditions. When connected to a Level 3 DC fast charger, a battery at its optimum temperature will quickly reach its maximum charging speed and maintain it for longer than if it's too cold or too hot. Battery pre-conditioning will ensure the fastest charge times. The best way to do this is by programming the charger as a destination in the navigation system. Your car, knowing you'll be charging soon, will heat or cool the battery to accept the fastest charge automatically. But remember, limiting fast charging will prolong battery life. Make sure your car isn't on the charger for too long. If the charger has a timer, set it to shut off for at least an hour or two before leaving the house in the morning. Many EVs will even allow you to control the charge timing with an app, making it incredibly convenient to take good care of your battery. Thanks for watching. Be sure to subscribe to our YouTube channel to get recommendations for other useful content on green cars and how they can work best for you.