CYCD EV charging tips

Get moving, stay moving, keep charging!

Charge Your Car Day is mainly for ICE owners and occurs the 5th of October every year and it’s a day to celebrate the 12V car battery and all it does for them, and to remind ICE owners to charge it!

For EV owners, Charge Your Car Day is almost every day of the year.

Nevertheless, we also want to celebrate your EV's batteries by giving you the best tips we have to keep your EV is running as good it should. So Charge Your Car Day is here to remind, and help us all to look after and take care of our vehicles batteries.

Optimize Your Charging Routine

Did you know that charging your EV to around 80% instead of 100% can help extend the battery's lifespan? Most modern electric vehicles have settings to limit charging to a certain percentage, which helps maintain battery health over time. Use this feature regularly to ensure your battery stays in peak condition for longer.

Tip: Avoid frequent deep discharges (below 10%) and high charges (over 90%) unless necessary.

Understand How Weather Impacts Range

Cold weather can reduce your EV's range by up to 30%. To mitigate this, try pre-conditioning your car while it's still plugged in. This heats up the battery and the cabin, ensuring you start your journey with an optimal temperature and full range. Also, remember to drive at moderate speeds in cold conditions to preserve energy.

Tip: In hot weather, park in the shade or use a sunshade to keep the car cooler and reduce the need for air conditioning, which can drain the battery.

Charging Speed vs. Battery Longevity

Fast charging is convenient, but it’s best used sparingly. Regularly charging at high speeds (DC fast charging) can stress the battery over time, reducing its overall lifespan. For daily charging, stick to slower AC charging at home or work. This method is gentler on the battery and can help maximize its longevity.

Tip: Consider using a smart charger that allows you to set charging speeds and schedules.

Maximize Range with Smart Driving

Driving habits greatly influence your EV’s range. High speeds, rapid acceleration, and excessive use of heating or cooling systems can significantly reduce how far you can go on a single charge. Instead, drive smoothly, maintain a steady speed, and use eco-mode if your vehicle has one.

Tip: Use regenerative braking as much as possible to recapture energy and extend your range.

Did You Know About Your EV’s 12V Battery?

Many EV owners are unaware that their vehicles also have a 12V or 18V auxiliary battery, just like traditional cars. This smaller battery is crucial as it powers essential systems like lights, the infotainment system, and even your car’s locks. When you charge your EV using an EVSE (Electric Vehicle Supply Equipment), the main battery not only charges but also powers a DC-DC converter that recharges the 12V or 18V battery. This process ensures that all the auxiliary systems in your car are ready to go when you are.

Tip: Regularly check the health of your 12V battery, especially if you notice electrical issues, and remember that keeping your main battery charged also keeps this smaller battery in good condition.

Charge When Electricity Is Cheapest

Electricity prices fluctuate throughout the day, and you can save money by charging your EV during off-peak hours when prices are lower. Many modern EVSE systems, including CTEK’s, allow you to schedule charging sessions to take advantage of lower spot prices. Not only does this save you money, but it also helps reduce strain on the grid.

Tip: Look into time-of-use electricity plans that offer cheaper rates during certain hours.

Plan for Longer Trips

When planning a longer journey, take into account that your driving speed and the terrain can affect your range. Higher speeds increase air resistance, and hilly terrain requires more power, both of which reduce range. It’s a good idea to plan your route with charging stations in mind and start your trip with a full charge.

Tip: Use apps or your car’s navigation system to locate EV charging stations along your route.

Take Advantage of Regenerative Braking

Regenerative braking can recover energy that would otherwise be lost during braking, feeding it back into your battery. This feature is particularly useful in stop-and-go traffic or on downhill slopes. The more you use regenerative braking, the less you’ll need to charge, extending both your range and the time between charges.

Tip: Learn to drive with one pedal, allowing the regenerative braking to slow the car down without using the traditional brakes.

Smart Charging with Solar Energy

If you have solar panels at home, you can use them to charge your EV. Pair your EVSE with your solar setup to charge your vehicle directly from the sun’s energy. This not only reduces your carbon footprint but also cuts down on your electricity bills.

Tip: Consider setting up a system that prioritizes solar energy for charging during daylight hours.

Know When to Charge on the Go

Public charging stations can vary in cost, so it’s wise to know the pricing structure before you plug in. Some stations charge by the minute, others by the kilowatt-hour. Additionally, some stations offer free charging, especially at shopping centres or hotels, which can be a great way to top up while running errands.

Tip: Use apps that track charging station costs and availability to find the best options in your area.