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Electric vehicles have come a long way since their debut about 15 years ago. One of the first EVs, the Nissan Leaf, had just over 120 miles of range. Meanwhile, many of today's EVs boast 400-plus miles on a single charge.
That hasn't stopped EV owners from feeling what's known as "range anxiety." If your gas tank says you have only 50 miles left, there's comfort in knowing you can quickly find a gas station and fuel up in five minutes. With electric, though, "drivers tend to watch the miles-remaining estimate way more than they did in the gas car," John Higham, a board member of the Electric Vehicle Association, said.
So for many consumers who have purchased an electric vehicle, or are ready to take the plunge, range is a big factor. How do you keep your car's range going strong?
You don't need to become an engineer or battery expert to keep your EV in top shape. Following a few simple tips can help you make the most of your car.
As Higham said: "Arming yourself with a few facts will help alleviate some anxiety."
Best practices for charging your car depend on which vehicle you have and the composition of its battery.
"When you buy or lease an EV, the dealer or manufacturer" lets you know "the best charging level for the vehicle," said Ingrid Malmgren, a senior policy director at Plug In America, an organization focused on EV education, advocacy, and research.
For many vehicles, keeping the battery charged between 20% and 80% can minimize stress on the battery cells, according to Aatish Patel, the president and cofounder of XCharge North America, a provider of EV charging solutions.
Think of it like charging your phone, said Mark Barrott, a partner in the automotive and mobility practice at the consulting firm Plante Moran. Leaving your phone plugged in for a long time after it's reached 100% can overcharge the battery and could reduce its capacity over time.
On the flip side, other vehicles and batteries function better when charged to 100%, Malmgren said.
She and Higham advised reading the owner's manual and following the manufacturer's recommendations for charging your car.
EV owners don't necessarily need to shy away from fast chargers. In extreme circumstances, like if the battery is under 5% or over 90%, fast charging could stress the battery, Malmgren said. But her organization has seen many EV drivers who used fast chargers for years and didn't see abnormal battery loss.
Car and battery makers have also refined the technology so that batteries can accept charge much faster. At this point, the time to charge your EV is similar to how long it takes to fill your gas tank, Barrott said. That helps with range anxiety, since a low battery doesn't mean you'll be waiting hours before you can get on the road again.
Modern EVs are designed to maintain their own temperatures, but you can help further that. If possible, park in the shade when it's hot or inside a garage if it's cold.
Range can decrease in colder temperatures. It's a best practice not to leave your car with a nearly zero charge in extremely cold weather. Owning an EV in a cold climate isn't a dealbreaker, though.
"Hey, over 95% of car sales in Norway are electric, where it actually gets cold," Higham said. "EVs do work in the cold. You just need to know how they are affected."
You can also regulate your car's speeds, accelerating and braking smoothly when it's safe to do so, which helps prolong the vehicle's range. Aggressive acceleration can wear on the battery over time, Patel said.
The technology continues to advance as the auto industry invests in electric vehicles. Carmakers, battery manufacturers, and charging providers continue to look for ways to lengthen range, "working together in concert to design solutions that make sense," Barrott said.
If you're already an EV owner and suspect your car's range may be declining, contact your dealer or manufacturer. Technicians can check out your car, and there may be software updates to make the vehicle more efficient. Battery replacements, which are extremely rare, may be covered under warranty.
But for the most part, unless you spot a big red flag, experts say you don't need to worry about your car's battery health or have anxiety about your EV's range. Stick to the manufacturer's recommendations for charging, and do your best to avoid extreme temperatures or speeds.
"Focusing on proper habits ensures you get the most out of your EV for years to come," Patel said.
