How to maintain the battery of an electric vehicle?

Demand for lightweight electric vehicles such as cars and motorcycles broke records in 2022. According to data from Abve (Brazilian Electric Vehicle Association), sales increased by 41% compared to the previous year.

The growing demand for electric cars is driving the growing demand for sustainability due to their potential to cause less damage to the environment.

This showed a study led by Ford and scientists from the University of Michigan (USA) published in the scientific journal Environmental Research Letters in March 2022. The results show that electric vehicles reduce greenhouse gas emissions by up to 64%.

According to Diogo Seixas, ABVE’s director of infrastructure and CEO of NeoCharge, a company specializing in charging electric vehicles, electric car maintenance is also simpler and cheaper because it involves fewer components than combustion-engined cars.

Seixas claims that the batteries are made of lithium, an element associated with greater durability and charging efficiency. They are found on devices such as mobile phones, laptops, and tablets. The difference is that the materials used in the vehicles are generally of higher quality, extending their lifespan and preventing them from becoming addictive.

According to Seixas, batteries in electric cars do not need to be replaced regularly, as they can last up to 20 years. This number drops to 15 for motorcycles and 10 for bicycles. Factors such as structure and chemical composition cause changes in durability.

Seixas says that on average, batteries lose about 2% of their capacity each year. The figure changes according to the type and make of the vehicle and with care to help prolong its useful life.

How to extend battery life?

One of Diogo Seixas’ advice is to opt for slow charges that last between 6 and 8 hours. Charging for longer requires less energy, preventing wear and tear. In daily life, fast charging in less than an hour at electric stations should be avoided. Ideally, according to Seixas, to use them only in certain situations, such as long journeys.

The driver also needs to be aware of the load percentage, which should be between 20% and 80%. According to the expert, the endpoints cause further deterioration of the battery, which can reduce its useful life. He suggests that the load is collected only in some cases, for example, on long trips.

Smooth driving with less sudden acceleration and braking is another way to extend battery life. This is because, according to Seixas, brutal driving can require more energy than necessary.

“The ideal is to drive more efficiently, economically and sustainably. It is possible to extend the service life with a calmer ride,” he said.

It is also recommended to avoid extreme temperatures as they can damage the equipment. In summer, the expert recommends always parking the vehicle in the shade so that the battery does not wear out.

Pay attention to the electrical installation

In general, chargers supplied with purchased tools can be used at home. But Seixas says attention needs to be paid to the electrical wiring. Drawing an electrical current greater than that designed for the socket can cause the vehicle to overheat.

“The power of the charger and which outlet to use needs to be checked. If the power is not compatible, the plug wires will need to be replaced,” he says.

According to the expert, it is important that the installation be carried out by a professional who will evaluate the ideal electrical sizing for the charger type.

Sizing varies by charger type and model, depending on the vehicle. Therefore, the setup for motorcycles, cars and bicycles tends to be different. In any case, it is necessary to have a protection board with a circuit breaker to prevent accidents.

There are also different options, such as the WallBox, a system that charges with more power. With more robust wiring, the WallBox offers faster charging times than a standard outlet, an average of two to four hours of charging time, and less power than power stations.