Guide for electric vehicle owners: How to maintain the battery

Battery maintenance plays a decisive role in the service life of electric cars, hybrids and plug-in hybrids. Proper maintenance and care of the batteries not only helps to extend the service life of the vehicles, but also contributes to sustainability and efficiency. 

The service life of an electric car battery varies depending on the technology, usage pattern and maintenance. In general, e-car batteries last between 8 and 15 years or around 150,000 to 300,000 kilometers. Good maintenance can significantly extend the service life of your battery and thus also reduce operating costs.

Here are some practical tips to maximize the life of your e-car battery:

1. Charge the battery correctly

• Always use high-quality chargers and ensure that the charging connections are clean and in good condition.
• Ideally, keep the charge level of your battery between 20% and 80%. Full charging or deep discharging should be avoided as this can have a negative impact on the battery's service life.
• Although fast charging stations are practical, they should not be used regularly as they can put more strain on the battery. 
• Preferably use normal charging stations with a charging capacity of up to 22 kilowatts for your daily charging needs. 

2. Avoid extreme temperature fluctuations

• Extreme heat or cold can impair battery performance. If possible, park your vehicle in a garage or shaded area to minimize temperature fluctuations.
• If you are not using the vehicle for a longer period of time, park it at moderate temperatures and make sure that the battery level is around 50%.

3. Maintain and service the battery regularly

• Have your battery checked and serviced regularly by qualified personnel to ensure that it is in good condition.
• Keep the vehicle software up to date. Updates may contain improvements in the battery management software that increase the efficiency and service life of the battery.

Owners of hybrids and plug-in hybrids can also use recuperation to gently charge the battery while driving. 

Neglect or improper handling can affect the service life, efficiency and also the operating costs of your vehicle. You must then expect the following consequences: 

• Reduction in service life: The capacity of the battery decreases more quickly, so that the battery is unusable after just a few years.
• Loss of range: A poorly maintained battery can lose its ability to store a sufficient amount of energy. More frequent charging leads to higher charging costs. 
• Higher operating costs: If the battery is not working optimally, the vehicle may need to be serviced or repaired more frequently. 
• Overheating and safety risks: Extreme temperatures, especially overheating, can lead to serious safety risks such as fires.
• Lower resale value: The service life and condition of the battery have a significant impact on the resale value of an electric vehicle.