Image via Tehrani Motors.
Do you own an electric vehicle? The maintenance schedule you routinely follow will make a big difference to the longevity and performance of your EV’s battery. The Ford EV maintenance guidelines laid out below will help you get the most from your battery and car.
Keep Your Car Protected From the Elements
Valentine’s summers are often swelteringly hot, which can take its toll on unprotected EV batteries. When excessively heated, your battery can degrade more rapidly, so try to keep it out of direct sunlight and parked in a garage as much as possible. Likewise, sub-zero temperatures threaten the condition and lifespan of an EV battery; it’s best not to leave your car parked outside overnight in the depths of winter.
Neither Over Nor Undercharge Your Battery
EV batteries become damaged by full depletion, which can lessen the battery’s capacity, range, and lifespan. With this in mind, never allow your battery’s charge to sink all the way to zero. Similarly, fully charging to 100 percent accelerates wear and tear. Try not to charge past the 80 or 90 percent mark; you may be able to set a maximum charging limit to prevent this from happening.
Minimize Your Use of Fast-Charging Stations
While convenient at times, fast charging is not optimal for EV batteries. Rapid charging causes micro-damage to the battery’s interior, harming its long-term efficiency and capacity. It’s best to charge your battery more slowly to optimize longevity and avoid fast charging as much as you can.
Plan Your Charging Needs in Advance
If you always know roughly how far you’ll need to drive, you’re unlikely to accidentally deplete your battery or be forced to use a fast-charging station. Plan your driving needs in advance, and your battery will thank you with better performance for longer.
Accelerate and Brake Gently
Aggressive driving habits can also impact an EV battery’s lifespan, not to mention the condition of the brakes, tires, and other components. Rather than accelerating and braking abruptly, use both pedals more gently, allowing regenerative braking and gravity to slow your car whenever possible.
Consult Your Owner’s Manual for Guidelines
It pays dividends to read your owner’s manual and find out how to care for your EV’s battery exactly as the engineers advise. One of our experienced EV technicians can further help you understand how best to maintain your particular model.
Schedule Regular Ford EV Maintenance
Regular inspections and servicing are a crucial component of proper EV care. When you book regular checkups with us, we can courteously remind you whenever a scheduled servicing visit is approaching. Our award-winning service department can ensure that your battery and entire vehicle perform optimally for many years to come.
Visit Tehrani Motor Company in Valentine, NE, today to have your battery inspected by qualified professionals. We offer an extensive selection of new and pre-owned electric vehicles, comprehensive EV maintenance services, and friendly, personalized customer care.
Connect with us
