Although the proper storage of electric car batteries emerged as a major question during the covid pandemic, it remains an important topic to this day. Both charging and storage contribute to the lifespan of the battery (or can reduce it), so it is worth being aware of the correct battery charging methods as an electric car owner. At the same time, it should not be forgotten that without adhering to these, batteries do not die within 1 year.

The ideal level is 40-60%, both for storage and use

It is no coincidence that car batteries leave the factories at a charge level between 40 and 60%, and stores also aim to maintain this state. Researchers and development specialists agree that a charge level between 40-60% is best for batteries. This is also why battery energy storage systems, which work on stabilizing the electrical grid, aim to operate around a 50% charge level.

Do not continuously charge the battery to 100%

The most valuable component of electric cars is the battery, and its long-term lifespan can be greatly contributed to by not charging it continuously to the maximum. Of course, for small battery cars, this is unlikely, as in many cases they can completely discharge within a day, but if we have the opportunity and the battery range is sufficiently large, it is better to stop charging at 70 or 80%. This can already be set in the mobile applications of several cars, as well as tracking how far along the charging process is.

With fast charging, the battery cannot be fully charged anyway, because the charging stops somewhere between 80% and 90% depending on the car model. Since charging beyond that would happen with such a small current that it is not even advisable to use a fast charger.

Although continuous charging is not a good idea, it is worth charging the battery to 100% once every two weeks or once a month. Today's batteries consist of many lithium-ion cells, which develop an increasing voltage difference among them. One of the tasks of the BMS (Battery Management System) is to balance the voltage of the battery cells, which helps to maintain the battery in the long run and requires 100% charge.

Consumption varies by type in the off state

If possible, always leave the electric car with a battery charge around 50%. In the off state, some types approach zero consumption, while other types have systems that constantly draw power from the battery (such as Tesla).

For those cars that discharge on their own, it is advisable to check the battery charge level every few days during longer stationary periods, which can be done through a mobile application for many types. If the battery charge level falls below 30%, it is advisable to recharge it to 50%, as being completely discharged is not beneficial either.

Extra tip to keep your battery happy

Batteries do not just dislike being fully charged and fully discharged, but also extreme cold and extreme heat. If stored in a garage between 10 and 20 degrees, they will live much longer than in winter's minus temperatures or on a hot summer day parked on the scorching asphalt.

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