How to look after your EV battery: 8 habits that actually matter

Modern EV batteries last a long time. Most manufacturers guarantee 70% of capacity for 8 years or about 160,000 km. A few habits help you stay well above that figure.

1. Daily charging to 80%, not 100%

Lithium-ion cells age faster when they sit at a very high state of charge. Most cars let you set a charge limit, and 80% is a good daily setting. Charge to 100% before a long trip and set off soon afterwards. Exception: many LFP batteries, common in Standard Range models, ask you to charge to 100% regularly. Follow your manual.

2. Avoid sitting near 0%

Deep discharges are harder on the battery than shallow ones. Plug in at 20–30% when you can.

3. Fast charging is fine, constant fast charging less so

Occasional DC fast charging does not harm a modern pack, because the car controls temperature and current. If you rely only on high-power chargers every day, degradation can be a little faster. Home AC charging is the gentlest option.

4. Precondition before fast charging

In winter, set the fast charger as your destination in the car's navigation. The car will then warm the battery on the way. You will charge faster and put less stress on cold cells.

5. Heat is the real enemy

High temperatures age batteries more than anything else. In summer, park in the shade and leave the car plugged in, so its thermal management can run from the grid.

6. Cold costs range, not health

Losing 20–30% of your range in winter is normal and temporary. Pre-heating the cabin while still plugged in brings back much of it.

7. Storing the car

Leaving the car for weeks? Park it at 50–60% charge and switch off any features that keep waking it.

8. Keep the software updated

Carmakers regularly improve charging curves and battery management in software updates.

Bottom line: set an 80% limit, avoid extremes and let the car's own systems do their job. If you follow the manufacturer's advice, it is very hard to wear out an EV battery early.