Electric Car
As the world increasingly prefers more sustainable means of transporting themselves, electric cars are becoming extremely popular because of their friendly aspect to the environment, cheaper running costs, and smoother travelling. Unlike a conventional engine, an electric vehicle produces no emissions that harm people’s lungs and the environment. Besides these, fewer mechanical parts mean a lower cost for their repair and replacement.
With governments offering incentives and the rising demand for green technology, electric cars are an eco-friendly choice and a cost-effective and efficient alternative to traditional vehicles. However, it is also essential for you to take care of EV to ensure it stays even longer and continues offering you memorable and comfortable rides. Let us take a look at a few tips that you can use to ensure the longevity and efficiency of your car:
Maintaining the Longevity and Efficiency
Tips to maintain the longevity and efficiency of your EV are below:
1. Keep an Eye on Battery Health
The battery is the heart of any electric vehicle. It powers the car and determines its range and performance. For example, the Tata Tiago EV battery options (19.2 kWh and 24 kWh variants) are designed for optimal longevity. Still, proper battery care ensures that your EV runs efficiently and serves you for a long time.
- Avoid deep discharges: Like smartphones, it’s important not to let the battery drop to 0% too often. Keep your battery level between 20% and 80% for the best health.
- Charge regularly: Charging your car regularly helps maintain the battery’s health. Avoid letting it sit unused for long periods.
- Use a fast charger cautiously: While fast charging is convenient, frequent use can degrade the battery faster. Using them occasionally is fine, but regular charging with a standard home charger can be gentler on the battery.
2. Check Tyre Pressure Regularly
Tyre health is just as crucial in an EV as in a regular car. EVs are generally heavier than their petrol counterparts due to the battery pack, putting more pressure on the tyres. Under-inflated tyres can reduce your car’s efficiency, leading to higher energy consumption and unnecessary wear and tear.
- Check tyre pressure: Check your tyre pressure regularly, especially before long trips. Keep the tyres inflated to the recommended PSI to maintain optimal efficiency and tyre life.
- Rotate tyres regularly: Like with any vehicle, tyre rotation helps ensure even wear on all tyres, extending their lifespan.
3. Keep Your EV Clean and Well-Maintained
Cleaning your electric car regularly isn’t just for aesthetics—it can also help preserve its condition. Dirt and grime can accumulate on the body and the wheels, potentially causing wear over time. Regular cleaning can also help you spot any issues early on.
- Wash the car often: Use a mild soap and water to clean your vehicle. Avoid harsh chemicals that may damage the paint. Clean the wheels and underbody, mainly if you’ve driven on wet or muddy roads.
- Check for wear and tear: While cleaning your car, look for any signs of damage or wear. Small cracks or chips in the bodywork can lead to more significant problems if not addressed.
4. Update Software Regularly
One advantage of owning an electric car is its advanced technology. EVs often have over-the-air (OTA) software updates, which can improve the car’s performance, fix bugs, or add new features.
- Install updates promptly: Watch for notifications from your car’s manufacturer about software updates. This will help maintain the car’s performance and ensure that the onboard systems, like the infotainment and battery management systems, run optimally.
5. Drive Smoothly
How you drive your electric car can significantly impact its longevity and efficiency. EVs have instant torque, which can be tempting to drive aggressively, but smooth driving is critical to getting the most out of your EV.
- Avoid rapid acceleration: While EVs have impressive acceleration, avoid sudden, harsh acceleration. Smooth acceleration and braking can increase your car’s efficiency and reduce wear on the components.
- Regenerative braking: EVs usually feature regenerative braking, which recovers energy while slowing down the vehicle. This feature reduces brake wear and improves energy efficiency.
6. Regular Servicing
While electric cars require less maintenance than traditional vehicles, they still need periodic check-ups. Regular servicing helps ensure that all systems, including the battery, motor, and electrical components, work correctly.
- Follow the manufacturer’s service schedule: The Tata Tiago EV, for instance, has a recommended service interval. Ensure you follow it to address potential issues early and keep your vehicle running smoothly.
Conclusion
Owning an electric car is an exciting and environmentally responsible choice. With proper care and attention, you can ensure that your electric vehicle remains efficient, reliable, and durable for years. By maintaining the battery, tyres, and overall cleanliness, along with smooth driving habits and regular servicing, you can maximise the performance of your EV and enjoy the many benefits of electric driving.
Whether it’s your first or fifth electric car, these simple maintenance tips will help keep it in top condition, save you money on repairs, and reduce your environmental footprint.
