What are the precautions for the first three charges of a new electric car?
2 Answers
Precautions for the first three charges of a new electric car are as follows: Use up but don't fully deplete the battery: Before the first charge, the battery should be used up but not fully depleted. When new, the battery of an electric car won't be completely full, but it also won't be too low unless it's an old or inferior battery. Therefore, when using it, you should estimate the approximate running distance based on the dealer's advice to avoid running out of power or overusing it. When the battery level indicator shows the last bar, you should prepare to charge. Charging during the day is more reliable: During the first charge, the battery should be fully charged but not overcharged. Charging during the day makes it easier to control the charging time, preventing the battery from being overcharged for the first time, which helps ensure the initial chemical reactions inside the battery proceed normally.
After purchasing a new electric vehicle, the first three charging sessions require extra caution as they significantly impact long-term battery health. I opt for slow charging instead of fast charging initially, using a home wall-mounted charger to allow the battery to gently adapt and minimize stress. Avoid charging to a full 100%—stopping at 80% to 90% helps prevent overcharging damage to internal chemical structures. Similarly, never drain the battery to 0%; maintaining a charge above 20% is safest. Temperature plays a critical role: avoid charging during peak summer heat or in extreme winter cold. These practices aren’t superstitions—they help calibrate the battery management system for more accurate range estimates, ensuring reliable performance. Establishing these habits extends battery life, reducing replacement costs. I also reviewed the vehicle manual to align with manufacturer recommendations.
