Nowadays, electric vehicles (EVs) have become a popular transportation choice for many consumers. The battery is the core component of an EV, and its health directly affects the vehicle’s performance and lifespan. This article will focus on the 20 – 80 rule for batteries, and explore its benefits for batteries as well as how to protect batteries through proper operations.

1. What’s the 20 – 80 rule for batteries?

The 20 – 80 rule means keeping the EV battery level between 20% and 80% of full capacity. It’s a charging method suggesting to charge to 80% for daily use and avoid going below 20%. However, in special cases like long trips, you can check the mileage and occasionally charge to 100%, but not frequently.

2. The benefits of the 20 – 80 rule for batteries

2.1 Extending battery lifespan: Staying within the 20% – 80% range reduces battery stress and wear. It prevents capacity loss from overcharging or discharging, thus prolonging battery lifespan.

2.2 Enhancing charging efficiency: Charging within this range is most efficient. It minimizes the drop in charging speed above 80%, shortening charging time and making the process more efficient.

2.3 Stabilizing battery performance: It helps stabilize the chemical reactions inside the battery. This keeps the battery in its optimal working condition and ensures stable performance over the long term.

2.4 Meeting daily needs: Charging to 80% usually meets daily driving needs. It balances battery health and sufficient range, making it convenient and beneficial for battery maintenance.

3. How to protect battery health and extend its lifespan?

3.1 Controlling charging levels properly: Follow the 20% – 80% rule. Avoid letting the battery fully drain or overcharging to 100%. This helps extend battery lifespan.

3.2 Choosing the right charging method: Use home slow charging regularly. If fast charging is needed, opt for Level 3 fast charging, but avoid frequent use. Prefer an AC EV charger to reduce the burden on the battery.

3.3 Paying attention to charging timing and environment: Precondition the battery pack before fast charging in extreme temperatures. In hot weather, avoid parking in direct sunlight. Find shade or plug in the vehicle. In cold weather, park in a garage if possible. Let the battery rest and cool down before charging, especially if it’s already hot.

3.4 Optimizing driving habits: Drive at a slower speed. Avoid unnecessary acceleration and sudden braking. Try to avoid steep hills and highways that require high-speed driving to reduce energy consumption. This makes the most of each charge and indirectly eases the battery’s burden.

4. Summary

By following the 20 – 80% charging rule, EV users can effectively extend battery lifespan in daily use. It maintains efficient charging speed and stable performance. This charging method meets daily travel needs and reduces battery stress to keep it healthy in the long run. Combined with proper charging habits and driving practices, users can further optimize battery performance. This ensures the EV runs well over time, enhancing the overall experience and economy.

Common Questions

1. How to limit the charge of an electric vehicle to 80%?

When charging an EV, use the vehicle’s built-in charging management system to set the charge limit to 80%. Some vehicles have this function in the charging settings on the center console screen. Once enabled, the vehicle will stop charging automatically when it reaches 80%. If your vehicle doesn’t support this, you can use smart EV chargers. They usually have options for customizing the charge percentage. Just follow the instructions to set it to 80%.

2. What impact does fast charging have on battery lifespan?

Fast charging can affect battery lifespan to some extent. It speeds up the chemical reactions inside the battery, causing more polarization and increasing battery temperature. Over time, this accelerates battery aging and shortens its lifespan.

3. When should the battery be charged to 100%?

Generally, before long-distance trips, you need to charge the battery to 100% to ensure there’s enough power for unknown road conditions and longer mileage. Also, in cold weather, low temperatures can reduce battery performance. Charging fully can guarantee the vehicle starts and runs normally. When the vehicle is parked for a long time, keeping it fully charged prevents over-discharging and damage.

4. How to relieve range anxiety?

Range anxiety is the worry that an EV’s battery will run out before reaching the destination. To relieve it, you can plan your trip. Know the locations of charging stations along the way so you can charge in time when the battery is low. Also, develop good driving habits in daily use, such as avoiding hard acceleration and braking. This can effectively reduce energy consumption and extend the vehicle’s range.