Should you charge an electric car battery to full?

For long trips, it’s a good idea to charge the battery to 100%, but in everyday use a 70–90% charge is often enough for the health of the battery.

Most electric cars use a lithium-ion battery, which is stressed the most at the extremes:

very high state of charge (close to 100%)
very low state of charge (close to 0%)

Letting the car sit for long periods at 100% is not ideal for the battery. That’s why manufacturers often recommend limits for so-called daily use, for example charging only up to 80–90%.

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The battery performs worse in the cold, the air is denser, and the car has to heat the cabin – all of this increases energy consumption.

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Rust protection and treatment on electric vehicles requires special considerations. Although many electric vehicles have parts made of aluminum and other non-ferrous materials that are less prone to rust, they still have steel parts that can rust. It is important to use rust protection products that are compatible with electrical components and to avoid moisture in areas where the batteries and electronics are located. Regular inspection and maintenance are just as important for electric vehicles as it is for fossil fuel vehicles to ensure longevity and safety.

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In general, an electric car’s range decreases by about 20–40% in sub-zero temperatures, but in very cold conditions the range can be reduced by as much as 50%.

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Should you charge an electric car battery to full?

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