Things to know about Tesla and Electric Vehicle

Published on: 5 May 2023 | Last Updated on: 9 September 2024 | Reading Time: 3 minutes

The performance of electric vehicle batteries is influenced by a wide variety of factors. Here, you can learn which measures help to conserve capacity in the long term and protect the battery. Age, charging process, temperature, and other factors can reduce the battery capacity of electric cars like Tesla and the electric driving pleasure. However, there are ways to keep the power loss of the electric car battery as low as possible.

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Innovative technology and size against loss of performance

The composition of the raw materials used in lithium-ion batteries in Tesla and other electric cars is being modified more and more, and the capacity of the electric car battery is increasing. All batteries lose power over time. With the lithium-ion battery that is usually installed in electric cars, however, the loss of performance is minimized by intelligent load management. The temperature and voltage of each individual cell in the battery are constantly measured and regulated so that they neither overheat nor cool down too much.

Basically, the following applies: The battery capacity and the size of the e-car battery have a significant influence on the longevity of an electric car. The larger the battery, the longer the lifespan, as more powerful batteries need fewer charging cycles than smaller batteries for the same mileage. Therefore, they age slower.

Fast charging only when necessary

In addition to the number of charging cycles, the type of charging also influences the lasting performance of the battery of Tesla and EVs. Fast charging is sometimes necessary over long distances, but it reduces battery life. When charging in fast charging stations, the battery is exposed to enormous stress, especially in the range of 80 to 100 percent of the capacity. The fast charging process should charge up to a battery capacity of 80 percent. It is ideal to charge the electric car as often as possible using an AC wall box, which takes longer but is much gentler. You should avoid extreme discharges, because if the battery level falls below 20 percent, this puts a lasting strain on the battery capacity of the electric car.

The batteries appreciate relaxed driving

The driving style has consequences for the battery capacity. Heavy acceleration and braking as well as continuous driving at maximum speed worsen the maximum capacity. On the other hand, an annual check and cleaning of the batteries by a trained vehicle mechatronics technician pays off in the long term for the performance. Regular software updates are also indispensable for this.

And: Stay away from improper retrofitting, such as installing a trailer hitch, which can have a negative impact on the battery capacity of your Tesla and electric cars.

Moderate temperatures extend the life of the electric car battery

The accumulators in electric cars are now thermally well insulated. Nevertheless, if possible, Tesla and electric vehicles should not be exposed to unnecessarily extreme cold. Temperatures below 20° C are the natural enemy of every battery. The batteries of the EV, which are usually housed in the vehicle floor, appreciate a garage space in winter. Especially in cold temperatures, the EV should be charged immediately after the journey. This has the advantage that the battery has not yet cooled down. If a large amount of current is then pressed into the cold battery by means of quick charging, this can lead to irreparable damage. Heat is just as harmful. Temperatures above 40° C reduce the service life of the batteries considerably. Therefore, it is advisable to park in the shade if possible. Extreme temperatures, in particular, can permanently damage the battery.

Good news for EV drivers in Hong Kong: extreme weather conditions are not common in Hong Kong!

To conclude, measures help to conserve and protect the electric vehicle battery are:

• 1. Rapid charging and extreme discharging put a strain on the battery capacity.
• 2. Relaxed and sustainable driving behavior protects the battery.
• 3. Extreme temperatures in particular can permanently damage the battery.

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