As an electric vehicle (EV) owner, you’ll want to take proper care of its batteries over its life span. Like the batteries in our phones and laptops, EV batteries are expected to gradually lose their capacity over time, and good charging practices can help keep this loss to a minimum. In today’s post, the local HVAC contractors at GO Green Air share tips and best practices on charging your EV batteries.
Rapid charging is intended for use in situations where your car is running low on energy and charging stations are few and far in between. Using it regularly can degrade an EV battery faster. There are three types of charging stations that can be used on an EV:
• Level 1 utilizes 120 volts and can be plugged into a dedicated standard wall outlet. It usually takes overnight for a full charge.
• Level 2 is the “standard” charging system that delivers 240 volts. An 80% charge can be achieved in 4 to 5 hours.
• Level 3 is the aforementioned rapid charging system. Given the prohibitive cost to operate one, level 3 chargers are only currently used for public-access chargers.
Unless you use your EV for your daily commute, you will want to drive it every now and then. Lithium-ion batteries need to be used regularly to maintain its capacity, much like the batteries in your smart HVAC system thermostat or smartphone. Regularly using your car can also help prevent flat spots in your tires, which can result from parking the car in one spot for too long.
Change the settings on your car so it limits the charge to 80% maximum. While EV charging systems are equipped to cut the charge once the batteries reach 100%, there is still a small amount of trickle charge that causes strain to the battery. Keeping it at 80% provides some overhead for the trickle charge. Only charge your EV to 100% if you are going on a long trip.
GO Green Air is your leading provider of EV charging station installation and HVAC repair services. Give us a call at (925) 284-7336 or (925) 627-6527. You can also fill out our contact form to schedule an appointment. We serve customers in Concord and the surrounding communities in California.
As we transition into the mild yet unpredictable weather of spring, many homeowners find themselves…
One of the prominent features that make electric vehicles (EVs) more convenient and viable for…
Sustainability is now at the forefront of home living, and many homeowners are taking advantage…
The arrival of spring is not just about the flowers blooming and the weather getting…
Solar panel efficiency is pivotal in determining the overall performance and effectiveness of a solar…
One of the perennial questions that homeowners grapple with each winter is whether it's cheaper…