One of the biggest challenges of owning an electric vehicle (EV), or a conventional gasoline-powered car, is finding a trustworthy, skilled mechanic who can work on your vehicle when service is needed.
At Crown Nissan, we understand this issue. That’s why we have a network of factory-trained service technicians at our onsite service center who are ready to tackle all your electric and gas-powered car needs. Besides, whether you believe it or not, EV maintenance needs are actually very similar to those of conventional vehicles.
Many batteries in electric drive cars come with lengthy warranties, like the one that is offered on the 2016 Nissan LEAF – an ultra-popular EV that goes up to 107 miles per charge.
However, aside from the benefits that already come with most battery packs, there are some simple steps that you can take to prolong their life even longer.
Try to Steer Clear of Full Charging
While charging to maximum capacity can provide the most possible use for that one charge, it is also one of the worst things for lithium batteries, which is the most common battery found in today’s EVs.
For your convenience, the Nissan LEAF has a Long Battery Life setting that instructs the car to stop charging at 80 percent. This will reduce range, but it also prolongs the lifespan of your battery pack.
Pay Attention to Timing Schedules
Research shows that lithium-ion batteries are most stable when they are half charged – not too empty or too full. But, a 50 percent charge might not offer enough range for your daily commute, or it may force your state of charge to the limit during your next drive. So how do you avoid these problems?
First and foremost, try to insure that your vehicle has the charge level you need about an hour before you plan to head out on the road. This way, if something comes up, you won’t have to worry about waiting for your car to charge.
Avoid Deep Discharging
Try to avoid a deep discharge of your car’s lithium-ion battery pack. Instead, shoot for partial charge cycles of your battery. This will help avoid excessive wear and it will also help you arrive at your destination with some range left over.
Are you in the market for an EV that offers style, comfort and reliability? If so, then you’ll want to consider the 2016 Nissan Leaf. Stop by Crown Nissan today and take this sophisticated car for a test drive.