If you’ve just taken delivery of a new-plate electric car or bought your first used version, here’s some advice on the best times to recharge and get the most out of the battery and what you should avoid.
EV charging expert Chris Moniz at Volta EV has given their advice on the best, worst, and cheapest times to charge your car in order to make it last!
“While charging habits don’t directly impact battery life significantly, certain times can offer benefits for battery health and cost:
Best time (for battery health)
Early morning or late evening (around 10 pm-7 am.) This is when temperatures are generally cooler, which is ideal for lithium-ion batteries used in EVs. Cooler temperatures help reduce stress on the battery and minimise potential degradation.
Worst time (for battery health)
Midday (around 12 pm-4 pm.) This is typically when temperatures are highest, which can accelerate battery degradation over time.
Cheapest time
Off-peak hours (specific times vary by location): This usually falls overnight and early morning (around 12 am-7 am) when electricity demand is lower, leading to lower electricity rates. You can check with your electricity provider or use a time-of-use (TOU) plan to take advantage of these rates.