How to maintain an electric car

The electric vehicle is already here, and its popularity is only expected to grow in the coming years. The driving experience is different from an internal combustion engine vehicle, and so is the vehicle's maintenance. Here are a few things you need to know.

Transitioning from an Internal Combustion Engine Vehicle to an Electric Vehicle

The transition from an internal combustion engine vehicle to an electric vehicle requires a change in our thinking and daily behavior regarding vehicle maintenance in general and the long-term preservation of the vehicle's battery life and health in particular.

There are several simple rules that, if followed daily, will allow us to maintain the electric vehicle's lifespan and battery health over time. On the other hand, improper handling of this matter may cause unnecessary damage to the vehicle, which is unfortunate.

The Vehicle's Battery and Charging the Electric Vehicle

The most expensive and important component, which is essentially the heart of the electric vehicle.

The battery is located at the bottom of the vehicle and is used to store energy for driving the vehicle. The battery can be compared to the familiar fuel tank, which helps determine the vehicle's driving range. The battery can be charged with electricity using a cable connected to a power source, and proper charging of the electric vehicle will allow driving for hundreds of kilometers according to the declarations of the vehicle manufacturers/importers.

Here are some rules that will help you maintain and extend the lifespan of the electric vehicle's battery:

• The optimal range for maintaining battery life is 20% to 90%. You can connect the vehicle to the charging station every night, and it is even advisable to limit the charging to 80% to 90% of the battery capacity in vehicles where this can be done.
• It is advisable not to bring the battery to a 0% charge state. In such a case, damage may occur to various components in the vehicle, and the battery may be drained, requiring its replacement.
• It is advisable to primarily use a home charging station of type AC and reduce the use of a fast charging station of type DC. AC charging is slow charging that preserves battery life. DC charging is recommended for emergency use only, on long trips, and infrequently.
• Extreme temperatures of heat and cold harm battery life. It is advisable for the electric vehicle to be in a closed or covered place or alternatively park it in the shade, especially when intending to leave the electric vehicle unused for a relatively long period.
• It is advisable to rotate the vehicle's tires from time to time to maintain optimal battery efficiency due to tire wear and uneven wear between them.
• It is advisable to avoid continuous driving with accelerations and braking, which harms battery quality and shortens its lifespan.
• The charging station is connected to a cable used to charge the electric vehicle. The charging cable has natural wear and tear, so it is important to ensure its integrity.
• Do not charge the electric vehicle with a "granny cable" as a routine. If it is not possible to charge the vehicle in any other way, but only with a "granny cable," limit the charging to a maximum of two hours.
• Regular home charging is the best and cheapest option for preserving battery life.

Electric Vehicle Maintenance

One of the main advantages of transitioning to an electric vehicle is the significant reduction in routine maintenance and the need to visit the garage. The routine maintenance of the electric vehicle varies from manufacturer to manufacturer. In some cases, it is required to enter the garage only once every few years or when the vehicle reaches a certain mileage.

To help you maintain the electric vehicle and its health over time, we have gathered several maintenance actions that proper adherence to will assist in the vehicle's optimal operation:

• Performing the required routine maintenance according to the vehicle manufacturer's instructions will maintain both the vehicle's health over time and the warranty granted to the vehicle.
• Regularly checking the tire condition and air pressure to ensure efficiency and safety.
• The use of regenerative braking in the electric vehicle reduces the use of brakes, so the wear is significantly lower than an internal combustion engine vehicle. Nevertheless, it is advisable to check the brake system's health periodically.
• In a vehicle where the battery is equipped with a thermal management system (whose function is to maintain a "healthy" temperature range), it is important to perform routine maintenance of the coolant according to the vehicle manufacturer's instructions.
• Checking fluids, which can be done independently: windshield washer fluid and the coolant levels of the battery cooling system.
• Replacing wipers once a year or when they wear out.

Software Updates

The electric vehicle is equipped with software that controls various aspects related to vehicle operation. From time to time, car manufacturers release software updates that improve vehicle performance, fix malfunctions, and sometimes add new features. Keeping the software updated will help the vehicle operate optimally and correctly over time.