E-Car Battery Maintenance

You may have noticed it with your phone battery or other rechargeable batteries: as they age and go through multiple charge cycles, their performance declines. Unfortunately, the same applies to an e-car battery. As a result, the range of your electric vehicle decreases, and you’ll need to charge it more frequently. However, with proper maintenance, you can extend and improve the lifespan and performance of your e-car battery. At CARIFY, we’ll show you how.

Why Is E-Car Battery Maintenance Important?

The electrochemical processes within e-car batteries change over time and depending on the surrounding temperature, particularly during fast charging in cold conditions, deposits known as dendrites form on the electrodes, affecting voltage buildup and reducing the overall battery capacity.

Manufacturers typically provide a warranty of 8 years or 160,000 km. In many cases, e-car batteries last up to 10 years or 2,000 to 3,000 charge cycles before their performance significantly declines—provided they receive regular maintenance and care. Annual battery inspections are beneficial for several reasons:

• Lifespan

• Performance

• Safety

• Cost savings

We’ll explain how your e-car battery benefits from proper maintenance and what happens if you neglect it.

Benefits of Proper Battery Maintenance

Regular checks allow potential battery issues to be detected and resolved early. A well-maintained battery generally lasts longer and provides the vehicle with better performance. Both the range and efficiency of the car remain at a high level for longer. Additionally, maintenance reduces safety risks, such as fire hazards—an important aspect to consider.

A well-cared-for and properly maintained battery requires fewer repairs or replacements, which saves costs—especially considering that a new battery can cost between 10,000 and 20,000 CHF or more.

Consequences of Neglecting Maintenance

If battery issues—such as overheating—arise and are not addressed, performance will decrease, and the range will shrink. Charging problems may also occur, leading to longer charging times or an inability to fully charge the battery.

Increased energy consumption affects the environmental benefits of an e-car and raises the cost per kilometer. Additionally, faulty e-car batteries pose a safety risk. If problems are detected too late, expensive repairs or a complete battery replacement may become necessary.

Tips for Maintaining and Caring for Your E-Car Battery

How can you properly maintain and care for your electric car battery? Here are some key tips:

Proper Charging Habits

• In warm seasons, keep the battery charge between 20% and 80% to prevent electrolyte degradation and capacity loss.

• In winter, maintain a charge level between 40% and 80% to avoid deep discharge, which could damage the battery.

• If you won’t be using your car for an extended period (e.g., during vacation), keep the charge between 50% and 80%.

Additional Charging Tips:

• Avoid overcharging and deep discharging. Frequently charging to 100% or discharging completely can significantly reduce battery life.

• Limit fast charging. While it speeds up charging time, it strains the battery due to high temperatures, leading to deposits that can degrade battery health.

• Charge at the right temperature. After driving in cold weather, charge the battery while it’s still at operating temperature.

Temperature Management and Battery Cooling

Extreme heat and cold impact e-car batteries. If possible, park your e-car in the shade during summer and in a garage or covered parking lot during winter. Batteries perform best at temperatures between 15°C and 25°C.

Driving Behavior

Aggressive acceleration and sudden braking put extra strain on the battery. Driving smoothly and anticipating traffic not only improves safety but also extends battery life. Additionally, carrying heavy loads frequently accelerates battery wear.

If possible, drive in Eco mode, as it reduces energy consumption and extends battery lifespan.

Software Updates

Manufacturers regularly release software updates that improve battery efficiency. Keeping your system updated can help reduce costs and prolong battery life.

Common Battery Maintenance Mistakes to Avoid

Many e-car drivers unknowingly make mistakes that shorten their battery’s lifespan. Here are the most common ones:

Charging Too Frequently or Letting the Battery Drain Completely

Maintaining a charge that is too high or too low is one of the most common mistakes. Both overcharging and deep discharging can damage the battery.

Charging to 100% should only be considered before a long trip. Given Switzerland’s well-developed charging network, you can typically start a trip with 80% charge and find a charging station in time.

Tip: Avoid charging when the battery is too hot or too cold. The optimal charging temperature is between 20°C and 40°C.

Using Incompatible Charging Accessories

Always use manufacturer-approved charging cables and stations. Unapproved accessories might not be compatible, potentially damaging the battery or even posing a safety risk.

How Businesses Can Effectively Maintain Their E-Car Batteries

For companies managing a fleet of electric vehicles, battery maintenance is crucial since the battery is by far the most expensive component of an e-car. Ensuring longevity and minimizing downtime due to repairs and battery replacements is essential.

Fleet Management and Battery Maintenance Strategy

A fleet management system helps businesses keep track of service schedules and battery health. This ensures timely maintenance and reduces unexpected failures.

Key elements of a battery maintenance strategy include:

• Regular inspections – Detect corrosion, leaks, or signs of wear early.

• Charging management – Maintain ideal charge levels to keep vehicles ready for use.

• Employee training – Ensure staff understand best practices for battery maintenance and safety.

• Documentation – Track maintenance records and charge cycles to identify trends and make informed decisions.

Integrating Battery Monitoring Systems

A Battery Management System (BMS) allows real-time monitoring of battery health. It helps determine when vehicles need charging and detects potential problems early.

Government Incentives and Battery Guarantees in Switzerland

Switzerland’s electric mobility incentives fluctuate. Some programs have ended, while new ones have been introduced. It’s worth checking if your local area offers incentives for e-cars or batteries.

Current Incentive Programs

Some cantons offer full or partial exemptions from vehicle taxes for low-emission cars:

Additionally, Swiss Climate Foundation offers grants to SMEs for fleet electrification. In Basel-Stadt, the "Action Economy Under Power" program supports investments in e-mobility.

You can research Swiss funding programs for energy and mobility here.

Battery Guarantees and Legal Regulations

Most manufacturers provide warranties of 8 to 10 years or 150,000 to 200,000 km for e-car batteries. However, Switzerland has no specific legal requirements regarding battery lifespan.

Conclusion: How to Extend the Lifespan of Your EV Battery

With proper care, your EV battery can serve you well for up to 10 years before needing replacement. An annual battery maintenance check is recommended to prevent damage. Additionally, your charging habits play a crucial role in preserving battery performance for as long as possible.

By the way, battery maintenance is already included in the price of a CARIFY EV subscription. The monthly fee covers all ongoing costs, services, and repairs—including scheduling your workshop appointments for you.

FAQs

How often should the EV battery be serviced?

Most manufacturers recommend a maintenance interval of 12 months for EV batteries.

What should I do if my battery loses performance?

If your EV battery’s range decreases, the following measures may help:

• Check the charger: Ensure you’re using a manufacturer-approved charger and that it’s working correctly.

• Monitor charge levels: Keep the battery charge between 20% and 80% whenever possible.

• Battery care: Avoid fully depleting the battery and charging it above 80%.

• Perform software updates: Some updates optimize battery performance.

• Visit a certified workshop: If none of the above helps, have your EV battery checked by an authorized garage.

Are there subsidies for EV battery maintenance?

No, Switzerland does not offer specific subsidies for EV battery maintenance. However, it’s worth checking with your local authorities to see if there are any available incentives for electric mobility.