More and more Indonesians are switching to electric cars (EVs) for their daily mobility. Besides being environmentally friendly and more economical to operate, these vehicles also offer a more modern driving experience. However, behind all these advantages, there is one component that is the "heart" and also the most expensive part of an electric car: the battery.
Generally, electric car batteries are designed to last between 8 to 15 years. However, this number is not set in stone. Battery life greatly depends on how the owner takes care of it and develops proper charging habits. Wrong charging habits can actually accelerate the degradation of battery cells and permanently reduce their capacity. So, what is the correct way to charge an electric car to keep the battery durable? Here is a complete guide.
Important Habits for Charging Your Electric Car
To keep your electric car's battery performance optimal and prevent rapid capacity decline, pay attention to the following charging habits.
1. Limit the Use of Fast Charging Mode
Fast charging facilities are certainly very helpful, especially when you are in a hurry. In just 30 to 60 minutes, the battery can be charged up to 80 percent. However, this convenience should not become a daily habit.
Why Can Fast Charging Accelerate Battery Degradation?
Fast charging works by flowing high-voltage electric current into the battery cells in a short time. This process generates much more heat compared to slow charging. In fact, excessive heat is the main factor that accelerates the damage of lithium-ion batteries. When the battery is frequently exposed to high temperatures, the chemical reactions inside become unstable and cause the battery cells to wear out quickly.
When is the Right Time to Use Fast Charging?
Experts recommend making slow charging or home charging the main method for daily use. Charging at home using AC (Alternating Current) provides a stable current that is "gentle" on the battery cells. Use fast charging facilities only when really necessary, for example during long trips or in emergency situations. By limiting the frequency of fast charging, you help significantly extend the battery's life cycle.
2. Avoid Charging When the Battery is Too Low
Many electric car owners are used to using the vehicle until the battery is almost empty before looking for a charging station. This habit should be changed immediately.
The Danger of Deep Discharge for Battery Health
Letting the battery drain below 20 percent or even close to 0 percent is known as deep discharge. This condition causes severe chemical stress on the battery cells. As a result, the voltage can drop and the battery's ability to store energy is permanently reduced. If this happens continuously, the battery capacity will decrease drastically and quickly.
Building Smarter Charging Habits
To keep the battery healthy, try to charge as soon as the indicator shows 20 to 30 percent. With this habit, you ensure that the battery is never in a state of stress due to running out of power completely. Think of it like the habit of refueling a conventional car before it runs completely dry.
3. Charge to 80-90 Percent for Daily Activities
The fear of running out of power in the middle of the road often makes electric car owners always charge the battery to 100 percent. In fact, this habit is actually not good for long-term battery health.
Why is 100 Percent Not Always Ideal?
Charging to maximum capacity puts high voltage stress on the battery cells. The higher the charge level, the greater the stress experienced by the battery. Most electric car manufacturers recommend charging to 80-90 percent for daily use. This range is considered the "sweet spot" or comfort zone that can optimally extend the number of battery charge cycles.
When Should You Charge to Full?
There is no prohibition against charging the battery to 100 percent, as long as it is done at the right time. Do a full charge only when you need maximum range, for example for intercity travel or vacations. For daily mobility within the city, 80-90 percent capacity is more than enough.
4. Use Official and Certified Charging Equipment
Supporting components like chargers and cables are often underestimated, even though their role is crucial in maintaining battery safety and longevity.
The Importance of Compatibility and Safety Standards
Each electric car brand has a different electrical system and battery management system. Using unofficial chargers or cables can cause electrical current instability. As a result, the Battery Management System (BMS) can be disrupted and accelerate the damage of battery cells. Official chargers are specifically designed to ensure a stable power flow that matches your vehicle's specifications.
The Risks of Using Substandard Chargers
Besides damaging the battery, using non-standard charging equipment also increases the risk of short circuits and fire. Low-quality cables may not have sufficient insulation, making them prone to electrical short circuits. Investing in official equipment means investing in the safety of yourself and your family.
5. Pay Attention to Where You Park While Charging
Environmental factors also influence the charging process and overall battery health.
The Effect of Temperature on the Charging Process
Avoid charging your electric car under direct sunlight. A battery that is already hot from sun exposure will receive additional heat from the charging process. As a result, the battery temperature could exceed the ideal limit. The intelligent Battery Management System will respond by slowing down the charging current to protect the cells. If this happens continuously, it will accelerate battery degradation.
Tips for Choosing an Ideal Parking Location
Always try to park your car in a shaded area while charging is in progress. Your home garage, basement, or parking areas protected from direct sunlight are the best choices. Good air circulation around the vehicle helps keep the battery temperature stable while receiving an electric current.
Taking care of an electric car battery is actually not complicated. The key is to avoid extreme habits: don't use fast charging too often, don't let the battery get too low, and don't always charge it to full for daily use. Combined with using official equipment and choosing the right parking location, you can ensure your beloved car battery remains durable and its performance stays optimal in the long run.
To support good charging habits at home, you need reliable and safe charging equipment. Listrik Kita provides various quality and official EV charger options ready to meet your electric car's charging needs. Visit Listrik Kita now to get the best charging solution and protect your electric vehicle investment!
