If you own an electric vehicle, your battery is the heart of the operation. It's also one of the most expensive parts to replace. That means taking care of it isn’t optional—it’s essential.
Unlike your phone or laptop, your EV isn’t something you’ll replace every few years. It’s built to last, and so is the battery, but how long it lasts depends a lot on how you treat it.
Here are some straightforward ways to help your EV battery stay healthy for the long haul.
1. Use the Right Charger for Daily Charging
Not all charging is created equal. Fast charging sounds great—until you realize what it’s doing under the hood. DC fast chargers (Level 3) push a lot of energy into your battery in a short time. That creates heat, and heat wears your battery down.
Level 1 chargers? Too slow for daily use.
That’s why Level 2 is the sweet spot. It gives you a faster charge without the battery stress. A good option for home use is the Pass & Seymour Level 2 EV Charger (48 amps). It's fast, reliable, and built to handle daily charging while keeping your battery in good shape.
2. Don’t Always Top Off or Let It Run Empty
Batteries don't like extremes. Running your EV down to 0% or charging it all the way to 100% every time is going to wear it out faster. Most EVs have software that manages this in the background, but you should still avoid letting the battery sit at either extreme for too long.
Try to keep the charge level between 20% and 80% when possible. Many EVs let you set charging limits so the battery doesn't go all the way to full unless you really need the range that day.
3. Heat and Cold Are Battery Killers
Your battery is sensitive to temperature. Leaving your EV baking in the sun or freezing outside for long stretches isn’t doing it any favors.
In summer, try to park in shade or plug into a Level 2 charger so the car’s thermal management system can do its job. In winter, a charger can keep the battery warm enough to avoid freezing-related performance drops.
If you don’t have a garage, a durable, weather-resistant charger like the Pass & Seymour Level 2 EV Charger, which is designed to work in a wide range of temperatures, is a solid investment.
4. Drive Smart, Brake Less, Coast More
Every time you slam the pedal or brake hard, you're using more energy and putting more stress on the system. Try coasting when you can. Regenerative braking is your friend—it helps charge the battery while slowing down and reduces wear on your brakes.
Smooth, steady driving habits are better for your battery and your wallet.
5. Don’t Ignore the Battery When You’re Not Driving
If your EV is going to sit for a while—say, you’re traveling or not commuting much—don’t just let it sit at 0% or 100%. Aim for around 50% before parking it for a few days or longer.
Also, check if your EV has a long-term storage mode. Some models have this built in and it can help preserve battery health over time.
Final Thoughts
Your EV battery might not need oil changes or regular tune-ups, but it still needs care. Smart charging habits, temperature awareness, and using the right equipment will extend the life of your battery and keep your car running smoothly.
A solid Level 2 charger at home—like the Pass & Seymour Level 2 EV Charger (48 amps)—can go a long way in simplifying maintenance and avoiding unnecessary battery degradation. It’s a small move that makes a big difference.
