As more people switch to new energy electric vehicles (EVs), it's essential to develop good driving and maintenance habits. However, many EV owners still have some common bad habits that can negatively impact their vehicle's performance and longevity. Here are eight frequent mistakes and tips on how to avoid them.
1. Waiting Until the Battery is Below 20% Before Charging
The battery is the heart of an EV, so proper maintenance is crucial. Many owners tend to wait until the charge drops below 20% before recharging, which can be harmful.
- Recommended Practice: Charge your EV when the battery level is above 20% and aim to keep it between 20% and 90%. This practice can significantly extend the battery's lifespan and ensure your vehicle is always ready to go. Over-discharging can lead to battery damage, while overcharging can also cause harm.
- Avoid Overcharging: Once the battery reaches about 90%, most charging systems switch to a trickle charge mode, slowing down the charging process. Frequent overcharging can degrade the battery. You can usually set a charging limit on your car's display to prevent this.
2. Frequent Sharp Acceleration and Deceleration
Many drivers enjoy the instant torque of EVs, leading to frequent sharp acceleration and deceleration, which can be detrimental.
- Impact on Battery: High current discharge during rapid acceleration can cause crystallization in the battery, damaging its physical properties and reducing its efficiency.
- Recommended Practice: Drive smoothly and steadily. Avoid rapid acceleration, high-speed driving, and sudden stops. Gentle driving not only saves energy but also helps extend the vehicle's range.
3. Neglecting Regular Maintenance
Some EV owners believe that their cars don't need maintenance, but this is a misconception.
- Maintenance Needs: Although EVs require less maintenance than gasoline cars, they still need regular check-ups. At 5,000 km (or every six months), you should conduct a basic inspection, top up washer fluid, and replace any worn parts. At 10,000 km (or annually), replace the air conditioning filter. At 40,000 km (or every two years), check and possibly replace the brake fluid.
4. Washing the Car Under Direct Sunlight
Washing your car under the hot sun can damage the paint.
- Why It's Harmful: Water droplets can act like magnifying glasses on the paint, creating local hotspots that can cause the paint to lose its luster over time.
- Recommended Practice: Wash your car in the morning or evening when the sun is not as strong.
5. Always Using Sport Mode
While the sport mode of an EV can offer an exhilarating driving experience, it’s not always the best for your vehicle.
- Impact on Battery Life: Aggressive driving in sport mode can reduce battery life due to higher energy consumption and increased stress on the battery.
- Recommended Practice: Use gentle and smooth driving modes for daily commutes. This not only extends battery life but also improves overall efficiency.
6. Long-Term Parking Without Precautions
Leaving your EV parked for extended periods can lead to power loss and battery degradation.
- Precautions: If you plan to park your EV for more than two months, disconnect the low-voltage battery's negative terminal. Aim to keep the battery charge between 50% and 80%.
- Power Loss: EV batteries naturally discharge over time, with an average loss of 4%-5% per month. If possible, recharge the battery every 1-2 months to prevent performance degradation.
7. Ignoring Tire Pressure
Maintaining the correct tire pressure is as crucial for EVs as it is for gasoline cars.
- Consequences: Incorrect tire pressure affects handling, range, and tire wear, compromising safety and performance.
- Recommended Practice: Regularly check and maintain the recommended tire pressure to ensure optimal performance and safety.
8. Not Frequently Checking Wires and Circuits
Regular inspection of the electrical components is vital for the safe operation of EVs.
- Importance: Ensure that all wires and circuits are free from moisture and dirt to prevent electrical issues.
- Recommended Practice: Regularly inspect these components and promptly address any issues at a professional service center.
Installing Charging Stations at Home
When you purchase an EV, installing a home EVCS can greatly enhance your convenience and efficiency.
- Personal Choice: Installing an EV home charger is a wise choice, as it allows you to charge your vehicle overnight without consuming excessive electricity.
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Types of Chargers:
- Level 2 EV Charger: Level 2 EV charger is the most common home charging solution, offering a balance between speed and convenience. It can charge your EV significantly faster than a standard wall outlet.
- Fastest Home EV Charger: For those who need quicker charging, high-power home chargers are available, such as those from one of the EV charger manufacturers AMPROAD, which offer faster charging times while maintaining battery health.
- Tesla Destination Charger: These are designed specifically for Tesla vehicles and can be found at many hotels, restaurants, and other public locations, providing convenient charging away from home.
AMPROAD: A Reliable EV Charger Manufacturer
AMPROAD is a North American company dedicated to providing high-quality EV chargers. Their products are designed to enhance the EV ownership experience by offering efficient and reliable home charging solutions. AMPROAD chargers are known for their durability, ease of use, and compatibility with various EV models.
Charging Strategies
To get the most out of your EV and maintain its battery health, consider these charging strategies:
- Regular Charging: Avoid letting your battery level drop too low before charging. Regularly top up your battery to keep it between 20% and 90%.
- Use Smart Charging: Many modern EVs and chargers offer smart charging features that optimize charging times and rates to extend battery life and reduce costs.
- Public Charging: Utilize public charging stations, especially when traveling long distances. Knowing where Tesla destination charger and other public charger is located can alleviate range anxiety.
The Future of EV Charging
The future of EV charging looks promising with ongoing advancements aimed at making charging faster, more accessible, and more efficient.
- Ultra-Fast Chargers: New technologies are being developed to further reduce charging times, potentially adding 100 kilometers of range in just a few minutes.
- Wireless Charging: This innovative solution allows EVs to charge without plugging in, simply by parking over a wireless charging pad.
- Battery Swapping: Some companies are exploring battery swapping stations, where you can quickly replace your depleted battery with a fully charged one.
Optimizing Your EV Ownership Journey
Adopting good habits and avoiding common mistakes can significantly enhance your EV ownership experience. Proper battery management, regular maintenance, and efficient charging practices are crucial for maintaining your vehicle's performance and longevity. By understanding and implementing these best practices, you can ensure your EV remains in excellent condition, providing you with reliable and eco-friendly transportation for years to come. With reliable products from companies like AMPROAD, charging your EV at home has never been easier or more efficient. As technology continues to evolve, the future of EV ownership looks bright, promising even more convenience and advancements in the years ahead.