How to Maintain an Electric Vehicle Battery?
2 Answers
Maintenance measures and precautions for automotive batteries are as follows: 1. Keep the battery clean and dry at all times, ensuring the vent holes are unobstructed. If oxides appear on the plates or terminals, wipe them clean and apply a small amount of grease to prevent corrosion. 2. Avoid continuous use of the starter; each use should not exceed 5 seconds, with a rest period of 10-15 seconds between starts. In severe winter, the battery discharge level should not exceed 25%, and in summer, it should not exceed 50%. 3. A fully charged battery should not be left in a state of insufficient charge for extended periods; regular charging is necessary to prevent permanent damage. 4. When charging the battery, ensure the voltage is neither too low nor too high. Generally, the standard charging voltage for a 12V battery is within the range of (13.5~14.5)V, and for a 24V battery, it is within (28~29.9)V. 5. The electrolyte level should be (10~15)mm above the plates. If the level is too low, promptly add distilled water—do not add electrolyte. In the absence of distilled water, rainwater or melted snow can be used as a substitute, but never use river water or tap water.
I've always taken care of my electric vehicle battery maintenance myself, as a long-time car enthusiast, believing it saves a considerable amount of money. The key lies in charging habits: don't wait until the battery is completely drained to charge, and avoid charging to 100%. It's best to keep it within the 20%-80% range, which can extend the battery's lifespan by several years. Temperature management is also crucial—park in the shade or use a sunshade in summer, and park in an indoor garage in winter to avoid extreme cold or heat. Check the battery connections monthly, cleaning dust and corrosion with a cloth, and ensure there's no looseness. For long-term storage, charge the battery to around 50% and perform a charge-discharge cycle every three months to keep it active. Avoid frequent use of fast charging due to its high heat generation; once a week is sufficient. Don't neglect software updates, as automakers often release optimization features. These simple steps have kept my battery healthy for years, saving replacement costs and teaching me many DIY tricks.
