Frequent full charges and heat can shorten EV battery life

Frequent full charges, extreme heat and regular DC fast charging can accelerate wear on an electric vehicle’s battery, reducing the range it retains over time. Managing these habits can help preserve capacity and make it more likely the car will manage longer journeys without an extra stop.

The article advises checking the battery type: LFP batteries should generally be charged to 100 per cent about once a week, while NMC batteries are usually best kept at 80 to 90 per cent. A range of 20 to 80 per cent is a useful general target; drivers should also avoid charging near 40°C, use fast chargers mainly when travelling, and drive efficiently. EV batteries typically have around 1,000 to 2,000 full charge cycles, and sheltered parking can help keep them nearer their preferred temperature of 20 to 30°C.