Most important 8 mistakes should be avoided while charging EVs

Some people are in a hurry to get their EV batteries charged in a shorter time. They do not consider the issues that can occur due to wrong approaches to charging EV batteries. In this, they neglect the mistakes that they are being made while charging the electric vehicle.  Nickel manganese cobalt (NMC) and lithium iron phosphate (LFP) are essential components of electric cars.

If you use the wrong approach to charge the EV battery and make mistakes, the composition of these elements will be affected. As a result, your battery will not support EV to work. Due to a lack of knowledge and negligence, it is generally common for people to make some common mistakes while charging. To update about the latest information on battery charge, check manufacturers' updates. Here, we explore and briefly discuss the common mistakes to avoid while charging an EV; it will be helpful for the long life of your its battery.

Overcharging and battery shut down:

It’s a common mistake that users of EVs make due to a lack of knowledge and negligence. Charging the battery 100% is not a recommended approach. Overcharging adversely affects battery life. The optimal and recommended battery charge level is 80% for a long-life EV battery.

The second mistake people make regarding battery charge is that they do not care about low charge and let the battery charge fall to 0%. The minimum recommended level of battery charge is 20%. For the long life of your EV battery, never let the charge fall below 20%, and do not charge the battery above 80%.

Charging EVs in hot climates:

All EV users must charge the batteries of their vehicles in suitable climates and weather conditions. Hot weather or high temperature increases the pressure of the current, which boosts the chemical reaction in the battery. It negatively affects the battery life and its capacity. If the vehicle is charged in extremely cold temperatures, it will slow the rate of charging, which will reduce the regenerative braking system capability. Most people like to charge EVs at Level 3 charging stations, which is the fastest way to charge the battery.

However, fast charging produces more heat, which causes gradual capacity loss of the EV battery. It is recommended to charge batteries in suitable weather climates to increase their working life.

Negligence to inspect the Battery Management System:

People mostly don’t care whether the Battery Management System is working or not, and it's considered one of the crucial mistakes made during charging.

Make sure that your vehicle's BMS is working well. You can verify its working accuracy with the help of a multimeter by checking its voltage reading at various points of the battery. If it shows unusual results, understand that the system is malfunctioning. Battery Management System controls current voltage to protect the battery from damage and ensure it is working properly.

This system controls every cell within the battery to balance and prevent the overcharging and undercharging of specific cells. This system controls every cell within the battery and avoid the specific cells from overcharging and undercharging. It also controls the voltage and monitors temperature to protect the battery from adverse conditions. Therefore, it is highly recommended that you should inspect the BMS system of your EV after a regular interval.

Incorrect Charging Speed for EVs

Quick charging saves time, but an increased current increases the battery heating, which causes its capacity to be lost over time. The higher charging speed will sometimes cause the battery to burst, and it cannot be used again in electric vehicles. It recommends to charge EV at level 2 charging station that is more computable and charge battery at a stable  and appropriate speed.  An excess charging speed or lower rate of charging both effect the battery. 

For overheating issue, it must check ensure there is exist properly operated cooling system. Batteries without a cooling system in the EV cannot efficiency cannot maintain their efficiency. You can also install the cooling system in the batteries to tackle overheating problem.

Continue charging your phone with EV batteries

EV offers option to charge phone. So, it’s an important precaution not to charge your phone while EV is being charged.  If you charge phone or any other appliance while charging is being charged, it will affect the performance of the EV battery. The lifespan of the battery will get low and will ultimately lower the performance. Don’t charge your mobile, when the battery of the automobile is being charged.

Damaged charging cable

If you use a damaged charging cable for your battery charging kit,

its performance will be affected. The electric voltage supply with a damaged cable will be reduced or discontinued. When the voltage is affected, the lifespan of your electric vehicle battery will be a shorter period of time.

Ignored battery maintenance

You must take a thorough outlook to maintain your battery performance. There will be no chance to recover your battery if any burst or damage occurs during charging. Maintenance of the battery must always be kept in proper consideration to keep it in working condition.

Not using the original charger

Charging the battery of an EV without the original charger is a big mistake

that should be understood. It usually occurs when you regularly or mostly charge EV at public charging stations. Different companies have the different charger formation, when a mismatched charger will be inserted to EV for charging, its flow of current may be varied, that also can cause an issue.

You must have to avoid above mentioned mistakes while charging EV and follow all the charging recommend, it will increase the battery life and keep you save from any serve issue during driving an EV.

Frequently Asked Questions:

Will the overheating of a battery affect its lifespan?

When the battery is overheating due to overcharging or extreme temperature, it will affect the working of your battery, and the lifespan of the electric vehicle battery is damaged. Sometimes, the battery gets damaged due to overheating.

What will happen if you do not turn off charging when the battery is full?

Overcharging will damage the battery and it will not work for a long time, and you must spend a lot of money to repair it.