Driving an electric vehicle (EV) requires an understanding of the battery’s functions, maintenance, charging variations, energy loss during charging, and the advantages of pre-conditioning the battery for maximum efficiency. It is also important to know that extreme cold or heat can affect charging speed and performance because EV batteries work best in a particular temperature range. Manufacturers recommend preconditioning, which involves warming or cooling the battery before plugging it in, and every EV owner needs to make this a habit. Here is why.
What is Preconditioning
Preconditioning is the process of optimizing battery temperature before charging or driving. Modern electric vehicles (EVs) often have built-in systems that allow users to precondition their battery via a mobile app or infotainment system. Some vehicles even automate this process when setting a navigation route to a charging station.
For instance, when Tesla’s software recognizes that you’re going to a Supercharger, it preconditions the battery to ensure that you receive the quickest charge possible when you get there. Comparable preconditioning features are integrated into the EVs of other manufacturers, including as Ford, Rivian, and Hyundai (Vocal Media).
Benefits of preconditioning
Faster Charging Times: A cold battery takes a lot longer to charge. By ensuring that the battery achieves the ideal temperature prior to charging, preconditioning greatly cuts down on the amount of time needed for charging.
Improved Driving Experience: In addition to improving battery efficiency, preconditioning can warm or cool the cabin, which makes driving in harsh weather conditions more comfortable.
Longer Battery Life: A battery’s lifespan can be shortened by regularly charging it in extremely hot or cold conditions. Preconditioning prolongs the life of battery cells by lessening their strain.
Better Range in Cold Weather: Your battery’s driving range will be more reliable and steady if it is initially charged at the optimal temperature.
How preconditioning improves EV range
Preconditioning in electric vehicles (EVs) helps preserve the predicted range available at the start of a journey, consuming less energy and reducing the need for high-setting air conditioning. If traveling alone, it is recommended to use the heated seat and steering wheel, as they use less electricity than warming the entire interior.
Cold batteries can reduce electric range by up to 30%, especially during winter months. Preconditioning warms the battery to the optimum temperature using power from the mains, preserving the cells and extending the battery’s life.
In some EVs, like the Porsche Taycan, the battery is automatically heated or cooled on the move to maintain the optimal temperature range and anticipate charging stops. This preservation of range is crucial for completing a journey without a charging stop.
How to Precondition EV Battery for Charging
Activate Preconditioning Before Charging: The majority of EVs let you do this manually via the infotainment system or smartphone.
Head to a Fast Charger: With a Tesla Supercharger Time Calculator, you can see how long it will take to precondition and achieve your desired charge level.
Monitor Battery Temperature: You can optimize efficiency by monitoring your battery temperature, even though some EVs do this automatically.
For EV owners who have preconditioning features, this practice should be a habit to save their time, wallet, and range.
