For BEV operators, these recommendations will help maximize performance and range:
- Always use a battery management system to recharge an electric vehicle battery, particularly during extreme cold and hot weather. The system will protect the battery from damage by appropriately regulating the charge rate in extreme temperatures.
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- Whenever possible, avoid running an electric vehicle below 20% charge, particularly in winter. Unless you can warm up the battery using a block heater or parking in a heated garage, the BEV may need that power to warm itself up to where it can accept a charge.
- Use an application associated with publicly available charging stations to locate them along your route to recharge the battery.
- Remember that most charging stations are designated Level 2, which means it could take up to several hours to get a full charge. Need a faster charge? Look for “DC fast charge” or Level 3 charging stations. While few in numbers at this stage, these stations can recharge batteries in as little as 30 minutes.
- Wind speed can also greatly impact BEV range.
- When the battery is low, or the vehicle isn’t running, be sure to limit the use of or shut off unnecessary accessories that will continue to drain the battery and reduce range.
- The capacity of BEVs to receive charges can vary, particularly in extreme temperatures, which will affect recharge times.
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