EV battery longevity has gotten complicated with all the conflicting advice flying around. As someone who has owned three electric vehicles and obsessively tracked their battery health, I learned everything there is to know about charging habits. Today, I will share it all with you.
The 20-80 Rule Actually Works
Keeping your battery between 20 and 80 percent for daily driving genuinely extends its life. The chemistry stresses lithium-ion cells most at the extremes. Full charges and near-empty levels both accelerate degradation.
Fast Charging Heat Matters
DC fast charging generates heat, and heat kills batteries over time. Using Level 2 at home whenever possible saves wear on the pack. Reserve fast charging for road trips and emergencies.
That’s what makes home charging endearing to us EV owners — gentle overnight fills at 7kW put almost no stress on the battery compared to hammering it with 150kW at a highway station.
Temperature Management
Probably should have led with this section, honestly. Parking in shade during summer and garages during winter helps more than any charging habit. Extreme temperatures accelerate calendar aging regardless of how carefully you charge.
The Pacific Northwest Advantage
Our mild climate gives EV batteries an easy life compared to Arizona summers or Minnesota winters. Most PNW owners see minimal degradation after years of driving. Keep up the basics and your battery should outlast the rest of the car.
