Kathmandu. The battery of an electric vehicle (EV) is many times more expensive than the battery of our mobile phone. If the battery of a mobile phone breaks down, it can be easily replaced, but if something goes wrong with the battery of an EV, the wallet can be hit hard. Therefore, it is wise to protect this battery, which is considered the “heart” of an EV, as much as possible.
Current electric vehicles mainly use two types of batteries: lithium-ion and lithium iron phosphate (LFP). Popular EV models running in Nepal — Tata Nexon EV, BYD e6, BYD Dolphin, MG ZS EV, Hyundai Kona Electric, Neta V, Wuling Air EV, etc. — mostly feature lithium-ion batteries. These batteries are considered to have high energy density and are reliable, but if not properly maintained, the expensive battery can quickly deteriorate. Here are five common mistakes that can seriously damage your EV’s battery:
1. The habit of letting the battery drain completely
Many EV users have a habit of charging their vehicles only when the battery is completely empty (0% charge). But repeatedly fully discharging a Lithium-ion battery can be fatal. The battery has a limited number of charge cycles, and each time it drops to 0%, those valuable cycles are quickly wasted. Experts say it is best to start recharging the battery with at least 15–20% remaining, which will ensure both its lifespan and health.
2. Always keep it 100% charged
Many of us apply the same mindset to EVs as we do to mobile phones: “I will only take my EV out when it is fully charged.” However, keeping the battery at 100% charge continuously increases the likelihood of its long-term capacity decreasing. Lithium-ion cells feel most “comfortable” at medium charge levels (usually 50–80%). Some manufacturers even recommend charging EVs to only 80% or 90% for daily use. If not needed, stopping charging at around 80–90% instead of 100% will help the battery rest and reduce unnecessary charge cycle consumption.
3. Avoid extreme temperatures
Batteries don’t like extreme heat or cold. Lithium-ion batteries’ chemical reactions accelerate in extreme heat, leading to accelerated degradation – battery life begins to decline significantly above about 85°F (about 30°C). For example, a report published in the international media outlet Scientific Reports found that the average range of an EV can be reduced by about 12% in freezing temperatures as low as −7°C. To avoid these effects of temperature, park your vehicle in the shade whenever possible, store it in a garage during very cold weather, or use a battery thermal management system as needed.
4. Only fast charging frequently
Fast charging saves time, but this habit can gradually weaken the battery. Charging with DC fast chargers draws high current into the battery and heats up the battery quickly. Since high temperatures are the enemy of batteries, frequent fast charging puts additional stress on the cells. According to some experts, fast charging should be avoided even more in extreme heat, because the combination of fast charging and high heat accelerates battery aging. If you charge normally at home or in the office in daily use as much as possible and use fast charging only in urgent situations, the battery will breathe longer.
5. Aggressive driving and heavy loads
Your footwork (accelerator and brake) while driving can also affect battery life. Frequent sudden acceleration or sudden braking can drain a large amount of energy from the battery and cause it to overheat. Similarly, repeatedly driving up steep hills with a vehicle that is heavier than its capacity can put unnecessary strain on the battery. Aggressive driving and heavy loads can put additional stress on the battery cells, potentially reducing capacity in the long run. Therefore, it is important to limit your speed and accelerator as needed, and to take breaks when the vehicle is under heavy load.
The mistakes mentioned above may seem minor, but they are the enemy of your expensive EV battery. By paying attention to these simple things, you can keep your battery healthy for many years. Are you making any of these mistakes?
