How to care for your EV

A guide to driving electric

Practical tips on battery care, charging options, maintenance differences compared to gasoline vehicles, and smart driving habits for those who travel long and short distances.

Battery Care

  • Avoid full charges and letting your car go below 20% charge. Ideally, keep battery between 20% and 80% for daily use.
  • Use Level 1 or Level 2 charging regularly. If charging with a DCFC (Level 3), use interchangeably with Level 2.
  • It is common for a battery to loose 2-3% battery capacity, Tesla’s lose up to 6% but then degradation slows down.

EV Maintenance differs from gas cars

  • No more oil changes are needed, but brake fluid, coolant, and cabin air filters still require replacement.
  • Brake wear is reduced due to regenerative braking, but periodic inspection is necessary.
  • Tire maintenance is key due to EV weight and torque. Rotate tires and check pressure regularly.

Understanding charger levels

  • Level 1: Standard 120V outlet – slow but good for overnight charging
  • Level 2: 240V outlet – ideal for home installation, also found in public settings
  • Level 3 or best known as “DC Fast Charging” – Public stations, can charge within 30-40 minutes

Driving Habits

  • Learn regenerative braking and adjust driving style to maximize energy recovery.
  • Use Eco mode to extend range and reduce energy use.
  • Plan for range and charging stations, especially in rural areas.
  • Use cruise control on highways to maintain a steady speed and help extend your range.
  • Sudden acceleration and hard braking in an electric car can wear down the battery and other components faster, so smooth driving helps your EV last longer and perform better.

Use EV Apps

  • Apps like PlugShare, ChargePoint, Electrify America, and Tesla will help you locate charging stations near you.
  • You can track charging progress, costs, and energy usage directly from your phone.

Warranty & Service

  • Most EVs come with battery warranties of 8 years or 100,000 miles.
  • Check your manufacturer’s recommended service schedule – this step is usually simpler than gas vehicles.