Battery reconditioning is the process of repairing a battery that is no longer working properly. This can be done by recharging the battery in a suitable way, or by replacing a damaged component. This process can return the battery to its proper working condition and...
Thanks to advances in electric vehicle (EV) technology, the average driving experience has never been easier. With the right charging station and care, your battery-powered car can go hundreds of miles on a single charge. Keeping your battery operating at peak performance, however, requires periodic maintenance. Below we outline five ways you can keep your EV battery operating at peak performance and extend the life of your battery pack.
Check the sulphation level
The sulphation level in an EV battery is one of the first things you should check when you open the hood of your EV. Although not all EV batteries show signs of sulphation at the beginning of their lives, a large number of EV batteries do show signs of degradation early on. Sulphation, also known as stratification, is the formation of an organic substance (sulphate) on top of the electrolyte in the battery. The stratification of the electrolyte in a battery causes the voltage of the battery to drop. If the battery continues to be used with the stratification, the battery will have a shortened life. Sulphation starts when the concentration of sulphate is higher than the concentration of electrolyte in a battery. When the battery is charged, the sulphate reduces the amount of electrolyte in the battery. As the battery ages, more sulphate forms, reducing the amount of electrolyte in the battery until the battery no longer has a full charge.
Properly charge your battery
A fully loaded EV battery will not last as long as one that is well maintained. Most EV batteries should be charged to between 90% and 100% of the capacity of their pack every month. If you charge your EV battery too little, it will not be fully charged and the lifespan of your battery will be shortened. If you charge your EV battery too much, it will not perform optimally and could damage your battery. To charge your EV battery correctly, you will need a charging system with a high charging rate, a charger that has a high charging rate, or a high amperage charger. Charging your EV battery too slow will cause it to damage faster.
Drain and recharge frequently
The best way to keep an EV battery operating at its peak performance is to drain and recharge the battery frequently. This will keep the battery fresh and reduce the amount of sulphation on the plates. To drain the battery, connect the EV battery to a high-amperage charger. Charge the battery at a high rate until it is half full. Then disconnect the battery from the charger. The battery will discharge with natural behavior and the sulphation level in the battery will go down. To recharge your EV battery, connect it to a normal home outlet adapter. You can either charge your EV battery at a moderate rate or at a low rate. The best way to keep your EV battery running like new is to drain and recharge it frequently.
Inspect the cables and connections of your system
A frequent maintenance task on an EV battery is inspecting the cables and connectors of the system. If there’s any sign of corrosion on the cables, you can bet that your battery will become sulphated. Corrosion on a cable can cause the current passing through the cable to be reduced and the voltage to be increased. This in turn causes your EV battery to discharge faster. To inspect the cables, open your EV battery and remove the cover. Start at the battery and inspect each component on the way down. If you find any signs of corrosion, clean the component and inspect it again.
Protect your pack from unexpected traumas
If you have a long drive ahead of you, it’s a good idea to Protect your battery pack from unexpected traumas. The impact of the traumas can be reduced by placing a sturdy box around your EV battery. Besides, you can also add extra security to your battery pack by using an anti-theft lock. If you own an EV with an open-air pack that is vulnerable to dust, sand, and other airborne particles, you can prevent degradation by enclosing your EV with a secure fence or a secure cage.
Wrapping up
For the best driving experience, you should protect your battery and maintain it regularly. This will keep the battery fresh and extend its life. If you charge your battery too little, the lifespan of your battery will be shortened. If you charge your battery too much, it will damage faster. To charge your EV battery correctly, you will need a charging system with a high charging rate, a charger that has a high charging rate, or a high amperage charger. A fully loaded EV battery will not last as long as one that is well maintained. A frequent maintenance task on an EV battery is inspecting the cables and connectors of the system. If there’s any sign of corrosion on the cables, you can bet that your battery will become sulphated. If you have an open-air EV battery that is vulnerable to dust, sand, and other airborne particles, you can prevent degradation by enclosing your EV with a secure fence or a secure cage. Many of these tips and tricks can be applied to any vehicle. However, there are some differences between maintaining an EV and maintaining a regular vehicle. For one, an EV has a larger battery pack that is more difficult to access. This means you might have to make some adjustments to the maintenance schedule. One final word of advice – don’t get too serious about your battery maintenance. A healthy battery is not a guarantee for a long life, but a good starting point for the average driver.