Performance standards begin to fade after five years of regular driving, even though batteries are designed for a decade’s worth of use. Regardless of the battery’s tech specs, regularly driving in certain severe conditions, i.e., hilly terrain and extreme heat and cold temperatures, for example, will blunt the battery’s longevity. But there are daily maintenance best practices you can follow to maximize its lifespan:
- Limit the use of heating, cooling and entertainment accessories. Blasting the air or heat with the sound-system on too long will quickly sap the battery’s juice. One tip: Use the seat warmers instead of the cabin heat to extend the range.
- Use the “economy” mode for long hauls. Most EVs are equipped with a feature that can maximize fuel economy by limiting other performance functions, such as acceleration rate.
- Think ahead. Pre-heat or pre-cool the cabin while the vehicle is still plugged in.
- Ease up on hard braking and anticipate stops. EVs have two braking systems. One is regenerative, which restores energy through the vehicle’s forward motion. Braking too hard forces the vehicle to use its conventional braking, the other system, which doesn’t reuse energy.