Vehicles are made to be driven, not to be locked away in a storage unit. However, there will be periods when your car will have to sit idle, with no uptime. Storing it correctly in such circumstances thus becomes crucial.
Let us take a look at some tips that can help keep your EV in tip-top condition when it is stored.
Taking care of the high voltage battery:
Electric vehicles possess two batteries. One of them is a high voltage which powers the car, acting as a replacement for fuel. The other is a 12 volt required to run the vehicular components. Among the above, maintaining the charge of the former within the 10 to 80 per cent range is essential. If it falls below or rises above the given extreme values, the Li-ion battery can be damaged. A reduction in its capacity is also a possibility.
How you keep the EV charged correctly depends on its model, so be sure to refer to the manufacturer’s guide.
Some brands like Tesla advise keeping the vehicle in charging mode. That allows it to heat up or cool down as needed to maintain its temperature. If you choose to follow this route, restrict the charge inflow.
On the other hand, brands like Nissan recommend keeping the EV disconnected after it has been sufficiently charged. If you are opting for this method, take extra care of the cables. Loop them loosely without bending and put them away in a dry location.
Taking care of the 12-volt battery:
The low voltage battery powers the different elements of the car. Hence, some components continue to draw charge from it, even when the vehicle is not in use. That can cause it to wear out quickly.
If you plan on not using your vehicle for more than a month, it is usually recommended that you unplug the cell. To do this, first remove the negative terminal, which is commonly black, and then disconnect the positive one, which is red. Also, you must be mindful of how you store the cords. Ensure that they will not be in contact with any metals.
Turning off features that take up charge:
While many vehicular systems shut down when the EV is not running, some continue to work in the background. Hence, they drain the battery, making the car inappropriate for storage. Such systems include automatic GPS updates, pre-heating or cooling, and cell reconditioning.
Rotating the tyres:
If your EV remains in a storage facility for extended periods, its tyres will flatten under its weight. To avoid this, place your EV on lifts to keep the load off of the radials. You can also turn the tyres every once in a while, so the weight load falls on another part.
Selecting the right storage place:
When choosing the storage area for your EV, you have to take several factors into account. First of all, the garage should be enclosed with little to no leaks to avoid sun and water damage. If this is unavailable, be sure to get a high-quality water-resistant cover to give it some protection. Consistency in the temperature, which should neither be too cold nor too warm, is also essential. A power supply is also needed if you leave the high voltage battery connected or the low voltage one in trickle mode.
It is a good idea to keep a charger in your garage as this facilitates the storage process. So be sure to look into the EV charging point out there and select the one suitable for your house. It will also allow you to charge your vehicle at home instead of going to public charging stations when the car is out of storage.
As a driver, it is your sole responsibility to take good care of your car. That is not only restricted to when it is up and running regularly but also while storing it. So, get a good storage space and the right equipment, including an EO car charger. That way, you can keep your EV in good health for a long time.
