Charge more efficiently with this helpful guide
Most electric vehicle (EV) batteries last between 8-12 years, but with smart charging habits, you can extend that lifespan to get the most out of your investment. Below, we break down how EV batteries work, best charging practices, and how to avoid common mistakes that can wear your battery down.
How EV batteries work
The concept behind EV batteries is very similar to smaller batteries that power everything from your TV remote to your phone and so many things in between. They all operate on a circuit system that has two electrodes:
- The cathode (positive electrode)
- The anode (negative electrode)
Electrons travel between these electrodes through an electrolyte, typically a liquid solution made of lithium salts and organic solvents. Once this electron exchange begins, ions flow through the battery’s electrolyte in the other direction — this results in electron neutrality and a pure electric current that can power an EV motor.
Healthy charging habits help keep this process efficient and sustainable, often extending the life of your EV’s battery.
8 daily EV charging best practices
Practicing recommended EV charging habits reduces the risk of battery degradation, prolongs the lifespan of your electric vehicle battery, and ensures that you get the most reliable range estimates from your EV.
Using these eight habits can help protect your EV’s battery and optimize long-term performance:
1. Follow the 20%-80% battery rule
Keep your battery’s state of charge (SoC) between 20%-80% for daily driving. Regularly charging to 100% or letting the battery drop to near 0% adds stress and can shorten its lifespan. The exception to this rule is taking your EV on long trips, when you need a full battery range.
2. Avoid charging your EV to 100% and draining the battery to 0%
So important, we had to say it twice (with slightly different wording). While it may seem counterintuitive, a 0% → 100% → 0% charge cycle puts undue strain on your battery. Instead, plan top-offs between trips, keeping your EV in that coveted 20-80% SoC.
3. Charge overnight or during off-peak hours
Charging during off-peak times can lower your electricity costs and ease pressure on the grid. By charging when demand is low, you’re also contributing to a more sustainable energy system.
4. Use scheduled charging features
Automating your EV’s charge schedule to align with low-cost time windows or target charge levels can increase efficiency. Most modern-day EVs come with battery management systems that facilitate this style of charging.
5. Precondition your EV battery before charging in cold weather
Warming your EV’s battery before plugging it in helps it accept a charge more efficiently and contributes to its long-term health and function.
There are two kinds of preconditioning: battery and cabin. In cold weather, you might precondition the battery for 20-30 minutes before you use a supercharger/fast charging to protect the battery. If you’re plugged into a Level 2 charger at home, you might precondition the cabin of your EV before you get in, so that you’re using electricity from your home rather than your car’s battery to warm it up.
6. Use Level 2 chargers for daily use
Level 2 chargers offer the best balance between speed and battery care, typically charging your EV in 4-10 hours. Save DC fast charging for long road trips or emergencies.
7. Use manufacturer-recommended charging settings
Always set daily charge targets based on your car’s OEM guidance, as certain EV models may have preferences that differ from the general recommendation of 20%-80%.
8. Inspect charging equipment regularly
Worn or loose cables and outlets can lead to heat buildup and inefficiency over time. Check your equipment routinely to ensure safe and optimal charging.
Common EV charging mistakes to avoid
Even with good charging habits, there are a few common mistakes that can reduce your EV battery’s lifespan or efficiency. While these tips are generally applicable, always refer to your manufacturer’s recommendations for the most accurate guidance.
Here’s what to avoid:
- Charging your EV battery to 100% daily. Yep, here it is again. Keeping a lithium-ion battery at full charge accelerates chemical reactions and heat buildup, which can result in long-term battery degradation. Reserve full charges for longer trips to mitigate this risk.
- Letting your battery drop to 0%. As we said above, deep discharges put unnecessary strain on the battery. Make it a habit to recharge before your SoC drops below the general recommendation of 20%.
- Overusing DC fast charging. While rapid charging is convenient, it generates heat and strains your battery over time. Consider using a Level 2 charger for day-to-day top-ups.
- Ignoring climate conditions. Failing to precondition your car in excessive temperatures, or charging in direct sunlight or cold, reduces efficiency and leads to long-term battery degradation.
- Neglecting software & firmware updates. Automaker and charger updates often improve charging efficiency and thermal management. Skipping them means missing out on protective features. Stay up-to-date with your update schedule to mitigate this risk.
- Overlooking your home’s electrical capacity. Some households may require panel upgrades or dedicated circuits for safe Level 2 charging. Ignoring this can lead to slower charging or safety issues. If you’re considering installing a Level 2 charger in your home, reach out to your local electrician to determine your home’s compatibility.
Here’s a review of EV battery maintenance tips to keep in mind:
| Do | Don’t |
| Keep your battery charge between 20%-80% for daily driving | Charge to 100% every day |
| Charge overnight or during off-peak hours | Let the battery run down to empty regularly |
| Use scheduled charging features to automate timing and limits | Rely on DC fast charging as your primary charging method |
| Precondition the battery before charging in cold weather | Ignore climate impacts (whether you’re charging in hot or cold temperatures) |
| Follow manufacturer-recommended charge settings | Skip software updates that optimize charging and battery health |
| Leverage solar or renewable energy when possible | Overlook home electrical capacity or safety requirements |
| Check charging cables and outlets regularly for wear | Assume charging hardware is safe without periodic inspection |
Seasonal and climate EV charging tips
Extreme temperatures — hot or cold — contribute to battery degradation over time, especially if you don’t take steps to prepare your vehicle before charging. Preconditioning your EV and adjusting your habits based on the weather can help preserve battery life and improve charging efficiency.
Here are simple ways to protect your battery in different climates:
In hot weather:
- Park in the shade wherever possible to limit your vehicle’s time in hotter ambient temperatures (like parking in a garage or under a tree).
- Avoid charging during the hottest part of the day.
In cold weather:
- Preheat your battery before you charge in winter, especially if you know you’ll be using fast charging. Most EVs allow this via the climate control system or mobile app. Many EVs benefit from 20-30 minutes of preconditioning, but check your car’s specifications if you want to optimize yours.
- Expect slower charging times in colder temperatures, and plan accordingly.
EV smart charging and energy management
Looking for ways to charge smarter? We recommend exploring syncing your local programmable schedules with time-of-use rates, investigating utility-based demand response tools, and considering solar and EV integration.
- Solar and EVs go hand-in-hand. Incorporating a solar charging system into your regular EV charging setup is a great way to support the grid and save on charging costs. If you’re looking for quotes from vetted and trusted installers in your area, visit the Aurora Marketplace.
- Demand response tools help support the grid and allow for sustainable charging systems for every EV owner. Statewide grids are typically strong enough to withstand the charging demands of their residents’ EVs. However, if you live in more densely populated areas, you may find yourself in seasons of grid strain — especially during summer or winter.
If you’d like to help further lessen the strain on the grid by using responsible EV charging practices, consider investigating time-of-use rates and other demand response tools to learn the best, most cost-efficient times to charge your EV by season.
Planning your home EV charging setup
Both Level 1 and Level 2 chargers are safe for overnight use at home, but the Alternative Fuels Data Center recommends Level 2 charging for drivers who:
- Need more charging time overnight to reach their desired battery level
- Have irregular driving schedules and want to maximize efficiency
Before choosing a charger, it’s best to consult a licensed electrician to determine where your home’s electrical system can support a Level 2 charger. If you need upgrades — like a dedicated circuit or panel expansion — they can help guide the process safely.
Check for local, state, or federal incentives to help reduce your installation and equipment costs. You can search for reimbursement opportunities by state using the U.S. Department of Energy map.
Need help comparing installer options? The Aurora Solar Marketplace connects you with vetted local professionals who can provide reliable pricing and support.
Moving forward with good EV charging habits
Following these EV battery best practices and recommendations actively prolongs the life of your EV’s battery, ensures safe charges at home or on the road, and gives you the most affordable and efficient charge possible.
Looking to upgrade your home setup? Visit the Aurora Solar Marketplace for trusted solar and EV charger installation support.
Frequently asked questions
What state of charge is best for daily driving?
Keeping your vehicle’s battery at a state of charge between 20%-80% of its capacity — based on your personal preferences, vehicle recommendations, and travel habits — allows you to travel effectively while reducing stress on the battery and system.
Can frequent fast charging damage my EV’s battery?
Yes, frequent fast charging can damage your EV’s battery, especially if the car isn’t equipped with a thermal management system. However, since most EVs do have this system in place, the estimated damage is typically minimal. Many drivers are able to further limit these risks by charging their EV primarily via Level 2, saving their fast charging for longer-than-average drives — like a road trip.
How do temperature extremes affect charging?
Extreme weather, both hot and cold, affects EV charging efficiency. Cold weather slows EV charging rates and limits the efficiency of battery discharge, resulting in delays and reduced range for drivers. Hot weather causes similar EV effects, while also further contributing to battery degradation — especially when the EV is kept in hot temperatures for an extended period of time.
Drivers can limit these effects by keeping the car in a state of charge between 20%-80%, pre-conditioning the car to the ambient temperature around it, and driving at reduced speeds when possible and safe to do so.
Is it safe to leave my EV plugged in overnight?
It’s generally considered safe to charge an EV overnight, as they are equipped with battery management systems (BMS) that shut off once the car battery reaches a full state of charge.
How do I choose the right home charger for my EV?
It depends on how much you drive every day and how much you need to be able to charge your battery overnight. EVs are typically compatible with both Level 1 and a Level 2 chargers. The primary difference between them is the rate of charge they offer and the type of voltage outlet they use.
For example, a Level 1 charger uses a standard 120-volt AC outlet and can charge an EV to 80% in 40-50+ hours from empty. A Level 2 charger uses a 240 or 208 volt outlet and can bring an EV to the same state of charge in just 4-10 hours. Your manufacturer’s guidelines and dealership should be able to give you recommendations based on the vehicle you’ve purchased, and your electrician can assess your home to see if it’s compatible with a Level 2 charger if you’d like faster charging speeds.
