What Happens If You Do Not Drive an Electric Car for a Month?
Are you thinking of buying an electric car for occasional use? Many people still use gasoline cars as their primary vehicle. If you are thinking in such a way, you are not alone! However, one question that may come to mind is, what happens if you do not drive the car for a month or more? Generally, it will not affect the performance too much, but experts suggest driving the EV at least twice a week to keep the battery at an optimum level. In this post, I am going to describe it in detail.
Want to learn more? Please continue reading:
Effects of Leaving an Electric Car Parked for a Month
Indeed, many experts suggest that leaving an electric car parked for a month or more can have several effects on the vehicle’s battery and other systems, such as:
Battery Degradation
One of the most significant problems that many car owners face is battery degradation. Do you know the battery pack is the most expensive component of an electric car? Besides that, the battery’s performance and lifespan are crucial to the vehicle’s overall performance. When an electric car sits idle for a month, the battery pack can lose some of its charges due to a process called ‘self-discharge.’
Self-discharge occurs when the battery’s energy slowly dissipates over time, even when the car is not in use. Please remember it and maintain the battery level between 40%-80%.
Electrical System Issues
Leaving an electric car parked for a long time also causes electrical system issues. For instance, if the car’s 12-volt battery dies, it can cause problems with the vehicle’s electrical systems. This is because the 12-volt battery is responsible for powering the car’s auxiliary systems, such as the lights and sound system. If the 12-volt battery dies, it can cause these systems to malfunction.
Tire Issues of EV
When a car sits idle for a long time, the weight of the vehicle creates flat spots on the tires. Flat spots occur when the tires’ rubber becomes compressed in one spot due to the weight of the car (or the component). As a result, it also affects the vehicle’s overall control and performance.
Now you have an idea of the potential issues you may face after leaving the car for a few months.
Are there any solutions?
Yes!
How Can You Preserve the Car’s Battery Even When It is Parked?
If you plan on leaving your electric car parked for an extended period, there are several things you can do to preserve the battery life and ensure that the vehicle is in good condition.
Keep the Battery Charged
Are you planning to leave your electric car for a month? Do not forget to keep the battery charged. Please make sure to charge the battery to at least 50% before you park it. It prevents self-discharge and ensures that the battery maintains its capacity.
Use a Battery Maintainer for Your Car
Another way to preserve the battery life is to use a battery maintainer. It provides a low-level charge to keep the battery in an optimum state. It also reduces the self-discharge rate, ensuring a healthy battery life.
Disconnect the 12-volt Battery
If you plan on leaving your electric car parked for a few months, you can disconnect the 12-volt battery. It prevents the electrical system issues that I discussed earlier.
Inflate the Tires before Use
To prevent flat spots on the tires, do not forget to inflate them before using the car again. You can also consider using tire cradles to help distribute the weight of the car evenly across the tires.
I hope you have a detailed idea about the issues and solutions. Please let me know if you are facing any other issues. Read my other posts regarding the use of electric cars.
Meet Rohan, a writer who loves to inspire and motivate others. He’s all about those feel-good quotes that can light up your day! When he’s not crafting words of encouragement, Rohan dives into the world of the latest technologies, exploring what’s new and exciting. But that’s not all—his heart beats for solar products, the kind that harness the power of the sun for a greener future. And guess what? He’s a total pet lover too! When he’s not busy writing, you’ll find Rohan surrounded by his furry friends, spreading joy and cuddles all around. Follow Rohan on Twitter and Facebook
