Electric Car Batteries: 5 Tips to Prolong Life

So you’ve decided to ditch gas stations and opt for a fully electric vehicle. Electric vehicles are gaining popularity in South Florida and across the U.S. as gas prices drive consumers to look into alternative options; however, the question of EV battery lifespan sits at the top of drivers’ minds, replacing the question of “When do I need to get gas?” with “How long do EV batteries last?” Let’s dive into how to extend EV battery life in your new vehicle and the steps to take to avoid EV battery degradation.

How Long do EV Batteries Last?

According to a 2023 report by the National Renewal Energy Laboratory, a division of the U.S. Department of Energy, lithium-ion batteries — the ones found in the majority of modern electric vehicles, can last between 12-16 years, given optimal charging practices and climate conditions. A safe estimate to operate on is that EV batteries can last that length of time and around roughly 100,000-150,000 miles driven.

Is Cold Bad for an EV Battery?

The shortest answer if cold is bad for an EV battery is yes, to a degree. However, cold can negatively impact the efficacy of the batter in the form of:

• Driving range
• Additional energy consumption
• Longer charging times
• Overall performance

While it won’t render your electric vehicle useless or leave you stranded when you need to drive to work or home, just prepare for the possibility that your car may not have the same power and range that you’re used to during normal weather conditions.

Here are five tips on how to combat these cold-weather problems for your EV.

Tip #1: Precondition Your Vehicle

Many electric vehicles have an option to set a preconditioning phase while they are plugged in. This phase allows your car to begin warming up before you begin your journey.

Tip #2: Park in a Garage or Covered Building Where Possible

Having your car in an indoor space can keep it a bit warmer when cold weather hits, especially if your home has a garage with heating. If you need to park outside, please refer to tip #1 and precondition your vehicle to warm up before driving.

Other Ways to Extend EV Battery Life

No one can control the weather, so the best you can do is try to maintain a warm enough environment for your car. When the weather is favorable, there are plenty of other ways to improve your EV battery lifespan.

Tip #3: Don’t Overcharge Your Battery

While it may seem counterintuitive, most electric vehicle manufacturers recommend not charging your EV to 100% as it isn’t what’s best for the battery. The optimal charging range for your battery should be between 20-80%. You can edit the maximum charge point in most EV consoles.

Tip #4: Charge Your Battery Before Extended Parking

Do you work from home or have a longer vacation planned? Over time, your electric vehicle’s battery can lose its charge; if it dips too low, it can damage the battery overall. If you plan on parking your car for an extended period, make sure you charge it rather than leaving it at a lower percentage.

Tip #5: Don’t Opt for Fast Chargers (Often)

Fast chargers are helpful when you need extra range and don’t have enough time or are on a long drive and don’t want to sit around for hours while your electric vehicle battery recharges. However, frequent fast charges lead to EV battery degradation quickly compared to using a standard DC charger. While the occasional fast charge is fine, try not to rely on them.

Armed with the knowledge to extend EV battery lifespan, you can confidently drive South Florida roads without fear of running out of charge — and you can do it in comfort in a 2025 3 Series or 5 Series EV. If you’d like to test drive a new BMW EV, contact us today or call us at 786-235-9765 to schedule a test drive to find out which EV is right for you.