SAE International recently announced that the organization had agreed on Differential Inductive Positioning System (DIPS) as the technology alignment methodology for the SAE J2954 standard. This is a great addition to the existing J2954 standard that was first ratified in 2020. But what does this mean?

In short: interoperability, consistency, and commercial adoption.

For every car manufacturer, infrastructure provider, and Tier 1 provider thinking about wireless EV charging, this is a great step forward in ensuring interoperability for public deployment. I chair the SAE J2954 Alignment and Controls sub-team and intimately understand the time and effort that went into evaluating several positioning options (including work done by third-party testing firms) and finally coalescing around a position detection system that the industry can depend on, and one which strengthens the J2954 standards. The technology behind DIPS is intimately familiar to WiTricity from our early and ground-breaking work on wireless power transfer.

WiTricity has been a pioneer in wireless charging for electric vehicles, leading the development and implementation of magnetic resonance technology across both passenger and commercial vehicles alike. We have been involved with SAE since wireless EV charging standards discussions began and were integral in helping establish the J2954 standards. With this work on a standard position detection system, we continue to lead the industry in ensuring interoperability across vehicles and infrastructure.

To clarify, this standard (once finalized) will be the minimum alignment methodology (fine alignment, pairing, and alignment check) for public infrastructure and light duty vehicles. It is not required for private use nor for buses, heavy duty trucks, or other commercial vehicles.

For those wondering what this means for the automotive industry, the standard will add flexibility for parking alignment within wireless power transfer, i.e., SAE has added minimum requirements for ground infrastructure to assist vehicles with final alignment. While there were many options before, this guarantees interoperability for any vehicle in a public setting.

An exciting outgrowth of this standard is its use in autonomous vehicles and automated parking. Vehicles that park by themselves will now have improved parking accuracy – and the ability to begin charging immediately – without human involvement.

I look forward to this standard being finalized so we can continue to move forward in making wireless EV charging available – and accessible – to all.

The post Why OEMs Should Care about SAE’s Latest Wireless Charging Standard appeared first on WiTricity.

The Space Dilemma

One significant challenge Japan faces in EV adoption is the simple lack of space. Japan’s population distribution shows a distinctive pattern, primarily due to its mountainous terrain, which results in the concentration of people in specific regions. In a nation where 123 million residents occupy a region about the size of California (but with a population exceeding three times that of the state), over 90% of Japanese citizens live in densely populated urban centers like Tokyo, Osaka, and Kyoto [1], Given this situation Japanese cities have had to embrace innovative solutions, such as automated multi-story parking facilities, which have proven to be game-changers in Japan’s unique urban landscape. These inventive spaces enable vertical parking, minimizing the car’s spatial impact and significantly reducing the required space compared to traditional parking lots. As Japan contemplates the widespread adoption of electric vehicles another issue emerges: traditional bulky plug-in chargers, with their sprawling cables occupying significant space in already packed cities. And this is precisely where wireless charging could shine.

The Convenience of Wireless Charging

In a society where convenience is highly valued, wireless charging for EVs is a natural fit, mirroring the efficiency and accessibility appreciated in Japan’s iconic symbols of convenience, like ‘konbinis’ (convenience stores) – numbering nearly 60,000! – and ubiquitous vending machines – over 5.5 million – selling anything one may need (and not need). By eliminating the requirement for cables, extra maintenance, and, what’s equally important, the need to find time to go to the charging station, wireless charging could improve the EV ownership experience significantly. Being able to charge your car right where it’s parked – whether at work, the grocery store, or home – would make life much easier. This is why Japan is ready to embrace wireless EV charging with open arms.

Last but not least: Japan’s Tech Obsession

Let’s not forget that Japan has long been one of the global leaders in technology, with a culture that passionately welcomes cutting-edge innovations. From everyday small appliances to consumer electronics to robot hotels and cafes, the Land of the Rising Sun consistently pushes the boundaries of what’s possible. It’s no surprise that Japan has taken a keen interest in the future of transportation.

Japan’s Affection for Wireless Charging

Japan’s enthusiasm for wireless charging for electric vehicles is not just a theory; it’s been already grounded in real-world experience.

At the Decarbonized Management Expo in Tokyo this September, attendees got a hands-on introduction to the WiTricity Halo wireless charging system, courtesy of Sinanen, a leading Japanese energy solutions provider. Sinanen’s booth at the expo showcased a wide variety of decarbonization solutions, offering a glimpse into the future of a more convenient EV society, which includes wireless EV charging.

The recent cooperation between WiTricity and Sinanen to bring wireless charging to the streets of Japan is a testament to the country’s dedication to innovative solutions. This relationship signals the beginning of a revolution in how Japan powers its electric vehicles.

As Japan continues to embrace the future of transportation, wireless charging promises to be a major player in making EVs even more convenient, practical, and seamlessly integrated into the fabric of Japanese society. Japan’s love for technology and its dedication to convenience align perfectly with the potential of wireless charging, making it a match made in innovation heaven.

[1] https://www.cnn.com/2023/03/17/asia/japan-population-crisis-countryside-cities-intl-hnk-dst/index.html#:~:text=More%20than%2090%25%20of%20Japanese,on%2Dtime%20Shinkansen%20bullet%20trains

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WiTricity Licenses Wireless Power Transmission Technology to Nagano Japan Radio

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(Watertown, MA and Nagano City – November 27, 2023) WiTricity Corporation announced today that Nagano Japan Radio has entered into a license agreement with WiTricity with the aim of developing and promoting wireless power transfer products for industrial use.

Wireless power transmission technology allows for the transmission of power without a physical connection between transmitter and receiver. WiTricity’s magnetic resonance technology safely transmits power with high efficiency over a distance, making it suitable for supplying and charging power to industrial electric devices.

Nagano Japan Radio will integrate WiTricity’s wireless power transmission technology with its own wireless communication, power supply, and coil winding technologies to commercialize industrial wireless charging systems. In a manufacturing environment where automation is gaining momentum, integrating these technologies will reduce maintenance tasks and charging operations associated with cable usage, making factories smarter and more efficient.

About WiTricity

WiTricity is the pioneer in wireless charging for electric vehicles, leading the development and implementation of magnetic resonance technology across passenger and commercial vehicles alike. The company’s products are backed by an extensive patent portfolio critical to ratified global EV wireless charging standards including SAE, ISO, and GB. Automakers and Tier 1 suppliers rely on WiTricity to help accelerate the adoption of EVs by eliminating the hassle of plug-in charging and setting the stage for future autonomy. Beyond EVs, WiTricity technology is indispensable to the wireless charging of all products, from consumer electronics to micro-mobility to robotics.

About Nagano Japan Radio

Nagano Japan Radio Co., Ltd. (Nagano City, Nagano Prefecture, established in 1949) is a Nisshinbo Group company. Focusing in the field of wireless communications, the Company contributes to people’s safety and security, as well as to the global environment, through its manufacturing activities.

Inquiries:

CSR Dept., Corporate Management Div.

Nagano Japan Radio Co., Ltd.

Phone: +81-26-285-1205

Email: njrc_koho-info@group.jrc.co.jp

Efrain Olivares

Telemetry Public Relations on behalf of WiTricity

efrain@telemetryagency.com

818.254.7196

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The post WiTricity’s Vision for a Greener Future appeared first on WiTricity.

(Watertown, Mass., Nov. 13, 2023) – WiTricity, the pioneer in wireless charging for electric vehicles, will showcase its wireless EV charging technology at AutoMobility LA on November 16^th, the media and industry day for the Los Angeles Auto Show. WiTricity will display a Ford Mustang Mach-E outfitted with the WiTricity Halo wireless charging receiver as part of a special focus on EV charging innovations, located in the South Terrace Exhibition area.

WiTricity will also host an Innovation Spotlight Session in the South Atrium from 3:10-3:25 PM in the South Atrium.

“The promise of convenient wireless charging systems is now a reality, and we are excited to showcase our WiTricity Halo system at AutoMobility LA,” said Amy Barzdukas, Chief Marketing Officer, WiTricity. “This technology has already been deployed around the world in automotive and industrial applications, and Automobility LA is an ideal platform to showcase our technology to the North American industry.”

Industry Innovation

In July, WiTricity announced the FastTrack Integration Program for automotive OEMs that allows for an initial vehicle integration in just three months, dramatically accelerating automaker testing of wireless EV charging on existing and future EV platforms. Wireless charging will be fully enabled and operational on the automaker’s EV platform using the WiTricity Halo receiver and the WiTricity Halo 11kW charger.

“As OEMs manage the transition from internal combustion engines to electrification, WiTricity is ready to enable the transition from legacy plug systems to the convenience that wireless charging delivers,” added Barzdukas.

About WiTricity

WiTricity is the pioneer in wireless charging for electric vehicles, leading the development and implementation of magnetic resonance technology across passenger and commercial vehicles alike. The company’s products are backed by an extensive patent portfolio that supports ratified global EV wireless charging standards including SAE, ISO, and GB. Automakers and Tier 1 suppliers look to WiTricity to help accelerate the adoption of EVs by eliminating the hassle of plug-in charging and setting the stage for future autonomy. Beyond EVs, WiTricity technology is foundational to the wireless charging of many products, from consumer electronics to micro-mobility to robotics.

Media Contact:

Efrain Olivares
Telemetry Public Relations on behalf of WiTricity
818-253-7196
witricity@telemetryagency.com

The post WiTricity Brings Wireless Charging to AutoMobility Los Angeles appeared first on WiTricity.

Common EV Misconceptions You Might Have Heard About

Myth: Range anxiety – EVs don’t have enough range.

According to the U.S. Department of Transportation, Americans drive an average of 40 miles a day. Even the shortest-range electric vehicles can travel more than twice that distance before needing to be charge. Many can now travel over 200 miles on a charge with the Lucid Air surpassing 500 miles. Unless you drive very long distances regularly, you may be surprised to learn how well an EV can fit into your routine.

Myths: There is nowhere to charge.

According to the U.S. Department of Energy, 80% of charging occurs at home. That’s because while you don’t have a gas pump in your garage or carport, you have electricity. You may find that the Level 1 charger that comes with your car gives you enough juice overnight, or you may want to add a faster Level 2 charger. If you live where you don’t have a dedicated spot to park or to charge on the road, you’ll find over 51,000 stations in the U.S. available to the public. Granted, there are many rural areas where EV chargers are few and far between and drivers typically travel longer distances. The Inflation Reduction Act is focusing on filling in these gaps. In the meantime, a hybrid (or plug-in hybrid) may be the answer for you.

Myth: Electric vehicles are not as safe as comparable internal combustion (gasoline) vehicles.

We’ve all seen the stories of EV battery fires. But how often do you hear about ICE vehicles catching fire? Although you may not hear about them, they do, and have been for decades – it’s what’s new that gets all the attention. That’s why it’s good to know that electric vehicles must meet the same safety standards as conventional vehicles. All light duty cars and trucks sold in the United States must meet the Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standards. Separately, EV battery packs must meet their own testing standards.

Myth: EVs are as slow as molasses (or golf carts).

First, there’s a difference between “quick” and “fast.” Quick means how long it takes to get from Point A to Point B. Fast means the top speed a vehicle reaches. Electric vehicles are generally quicker from 0 to 60, which can make a difference when merging into traffic. Why? EV motors generate 100% of their available torque instantly. When the driver of an EV pushes down on the accelerator, the transition from stationary to speed is almost instantaneous. But yes, a gas vehicle can maintain a faster top speed.

Myth: EV batteries don’t last long.

A recent survey showed that the average new car buyer holds onto their car for 8.4 years (some longer, some less of course). Depending on what you read – or what you’ve heard – EV batteries last 8-10 or 15-20 years. With electric vehicles federally mandated to carry separate warranties for their battery packs for at least eight years or 100,000 miles, the average new EV car buyer shouldn’t have to worry about their battery. You can also take steps to maximize the life of your battery.

Benefits of EV Driving: Why the Pros Outweigh the Cons

Now that we’ve busted a few myths, let’s look at the benefits of owning an electric vehicle.

Benefit: Save on fuel costs.

Although gas prices go up and down (more up recently, than down), electric car charging costs roughly half the price of powering a standard gasoline car for driving the same distance. Many electric utilities offer special time-of-use rates that vary based on the time of day when energy is used. Off-peak rates offer much lower charging costs, and electric cars can be programmed to charge when you want.

Benefit: Save on maintenance costs.

Since electric motors have far fewer moving parts and never require oil changes, new spark plugs or fuel filters, you save on vehicle maintenance. Regenerative braking also extends the lifespan of brake pads by using the electric motor to decelerate the vehicle.

Benefit: You help save our planet.

There’s a lot of talk about carbon emissions, air pollution, and saving the planet. Whether you believe EVs help save our planet or not (though the evidence suggests they help), an electric car (in full electric mode) produces zero tailpipe emissions. The result is lower smog and greenhouse gas emissions. This is true even after accounting for the power plant emissions from the electricity to charge them. In over a year, just one electric car on the road can save an average of 1.5 million grams of CO2.

Benefit: Do you really like going to the gas station?

Unlike a gas-powered vehicle, where getting gas is the destination, you can charge many of the places you already go – shopping, restaurants, banking, etc. Even while sleeping. Each time you stop, you can power up your vehicle and extend your range. No need to go to the gas station. Ever.

Benefit: EVs are quiet.

EVs are so quiet that car manufacturers have had to add sound when EVs are put into reverse! Many drivers find a quiet drive to be a less stressful drive. As do your neighbors when you leave for work early in the morning.

Bonus benefit of ev ownership will soon be the opportunity to charge it wirelessly. No need to get out of the car to charge, nor hassle with the cord or plug. Simply park and charge. Learn more.

While we’re on the topic of benefits, there are a lot of benefits to wireless charging. No more having to remember to charge. No more getting out of the car to charge. And no more wrangling with a cord in a dark place. Just to name a few.  Like EVs, themselves, many myths surround wireless charging. Check out the Related Assets below.

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If you manage a fleet, I’m sure that electrifying it is something you think about often. How? When? How much? The more answers you get, the more questions arise. Here are seven steps that can help get you started.

1. Know when it’s the right time to electrify

How do you know when is the right time for to electrify your fleet? If a statute requires it, you’re directed by leadership, a grant funding opportunity arises or … your drivers are requesting it! Any one of these actions – or a combination of them – can jumpstart your process. But to begin the process, it’s important to understand the benefits of fleet electrification.

2. Justify your electrification costs

There are many benefits to fleet electrification, but one of the most important is a reduced total cost of ownership (TCO). Yes, the upfront costs of electrification can be overwhelming, but reduced maintenance, operating costs, and fueling on the backend can make up the difference. In addition, incentive funding on the front end can reduce your acquisition costs. And don’t forget to calculate a dollar value on reduced emissions as part of your total justification.

3. Engage your drivers

A great place to start your electrification journey is by training drivers to drive an electric vehicle. Once they become comfortable behind the wheel, and with the daily activities to support an EV, they will quickly become advocates. Many like the quietness of the trucks, the acceleration, no diesel smell, and less vibration in the tractor. A large part of the comfort factor is that they’re automatic, so easier to drive.

4. Focus on charging infrastructure

Before purchasing new vehicles, begin to investigate your infrastructure. You can operate a charger without a vehicle, but you can’t operate an electric vehicle without a charger. Consider incorporating solar power with battery backup into your infrastructure, along with wireless charging. No cables. No free-standing chargers. And no maintenance. Be sure your chargers match your vehicles so you can test compatibility, customer service, and downtime when evaluating electrification consideration.

5. Align EV purchases with infrastructure growth

Always align your EV purchases with infrastructure growth; as you expand, take into account that electrical charging requires additional electrical supply. And, as you look at power, think about the four levels of charging:

a. Getting power to the grid (and increasing it as the need expands)

b. Getting power to the facility

c. Getting power to the charger

d. Getting power to the vehicle

6. Work with your utility

A major player in your fleet electrification is your utility. You can’t do this without them. Ask about their load capacity. Ask about programs to help offset costs. And ask about permitting fees. Most importantly, get them involved early in your planning process. They’re happy to know you’re electrifying as it’s new earnings opportunities through increased capital investments. From the ratepayer perspective, increased electric loads from EVs could reduce average all-in retail rates.

7. Let funding availability help guide vehicle acquisition

You may only need eight new vehicles today, but if there’s funding for ten, take advantage of it. Grants, rebates, and special programs come and go. You never know how long they’ll last nor which vehicles will be covered. Funding to support your future growth today can help jumpstart your electrification program.

You’re going to make mistakes. We’re working in a rapidly evolving industry with rapidly evolving technology. Yes, some equipment will become obsolete, but you can’t wait until everything is perfect – and you have all the answers – before moving ahead. Get smart. Plan smart. Make decisions. And move forward.

Related Asset:

What Drains the Battery in a Car or EV? 7 Common Culprits

The post 7 Steps to Electrifying Your Fleet appeared first on WiTricity.

There are rules for everything. Pay your taxes… wear pants… don’t drive on the sidewalk … and if you own an electric vehicle, you need to be aware of the “80% rule.” Why is 80% an important number if you own an electric car, crossover, or pick-up?

There are two reasons: charging performance and battery longevity. Most of the time you should only charge an EV to 80% because charging rates slow down dramatically past the 80% mark. And two, the long-term health of your vehicle’s battery pack is improved when kept below 100%.

What does all this mean?

Concerning charging rates, a good example is the Hyundai Ioniq 5 with the optional, long-range battery. This hatchback-like crossover can DC fast charge from 10 to 80% in an incredibly quick 18 minutes. But it needs an additional 32 minutes to go from 80 to 100% – almost twice as long as it took to go from 10 to 80.

Why? Charging is not linear. Instead of batteries taking in energy at a constant, predictable rate, the rate actually changes based on a myriad of variables, though most importantly, the battery’s state of charge. Simply put, the fuller the battery is, the slower it absorbs energy. Imagine if a conventional car’s gas tank took longer and longer to fill up the closer it got to being full. It’s kind of crazy.

The best analogy I’ve heard for why charging slows down is that batteries are like theater seating. When you’re one of the first people to enter, it’s quick and easy to find a chair – you can sit anywhere – but as the theater fills up, it takes a lot longer to snag a spot and sit down. In the Li-MAX Cineplex above, the electrons are climbing over each other and spilling popcorn everywhere!

It’s important to know about the “80 % rule” if you’re on a long-distance drive in an EV. When it’s time to charge, it’s often smarter to stop at 80% and then get back on the road, instead of waiting for the battery to completely fill up. Doing so maximizes your use of time.

For example, if your EV has 300 miles of range when fully juiced up, that means it can go about 240 miles with an 80% state of charge. (Obviously, you’re going to stop and power up before hitting zero miles, but let’s keep things simple and say 240.) If the 0-to-80% recharge time is 40 minutes, you can hit the road in little more than half an hour. If you want to fully replenish the battery, it could realistically take an additional 90 minutes to go from 80 to 100%. In the time it took you to gain that extra range, you could be a hundred miles or more down the road and in the vicinity of another charger. That’s why stopping at 80% usually makes the most sense (though that is something YOU have to determine).

There are, of course, instances where you’ll want to wait longer to hit 100%. Maybe there are huge distances between DC fast chargers, and you need every bit of range you can get. It could be the dead of winter and you have range anxiety about making it to your destination. Or you’re towing a car or boat, and the extra weight means you need the additional kilowatt-hours to get you to the next charging station.

The other reason to avoid going all the way to 100 is because it can help preserve battery life. Whether it’s a phone, cordless drill, or your car, batteries simply don’t like to be full. Keeping them topped to the brim means, over time, the maximum kilowatt-hours they can hold shrinks faster than it would otherwise. Always concerned about warranty costs, automakers even suggest limiting how much you charge. Car companies make this easy to do with an infotainment system that allows you to set your preferred charge level – even when you’re not at home.

It’s important to note that you can charge your EV to 100%, but it’s just that for optimal battery life over the long haul, charging to a lower percentage is a good idea. It’s like changing engine oil in an old-school vehicle. You can follow the manufacturer’s recommendation, but doing it more frequently is never a bad idea, especially if you plan on keeping your car or truck for years and years.

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Craig Cole is Senior Editor at EV Pulse. He brings 15 years of experience to EV Pulse and is a proud member of the Automotive Press Association and the Midwest Automotive Media Association. Check out the EV Pulse YouTube channel here.

The post The 80% Rule: Why You Shouldn’t Charge Your EV to 100% appeared first on WiTricity.

Do you know how to be a good electric vehicle owner? Electric vehicles are different, and a lot of drivers don’t have experience with them, so they don’t know the best ways to use their battery-powered cars and trucks. To help you avoid any faux pas, here are 10 simple dos and don’ts to make sure everyone has a good EV experience.

Tip No. 1 – DO use an appropriate charger for your vehicle.

If you drive a Chevy Bolt that DC fast charges at a maximum of around 55 kW, there’s absolutely no reason to plug into a 350-kW charger. Your car’s battery will NOT juice up any quicker and you WILL irritate and annoy any Hummer EV or Hyundai E-GMP drivers that need to DC fast charge. So, know what your vehicle is capable of and use the appropriate hardware. You might also consider wireless charging.

Tip No. 2 – DON’T DC fast charge to 100% unless you absolutely have to.

There are situations where this might be necessary, but they’re rare in everyday use. Most EVs charge the quickest from 10 to 80%. Beyond this range, the speed PLUMMETS, meaning that getting the last 20% can take longer than the previous 70. Look at the Hyundai Ioniq 5, for instance. In our testing, it DC fast charged from 10 to 80% in a lickety-split 18 minutes, exactly like the manufacturer said. But going from 80 to 100% required 32 additional minutes. So, be courteous and avoid hogging a charger if you don’t need to. Check out this blog post for more on this very important topic.

Tip No. 3 – DO move your vehicle as quickly as reasonably possible when finished charging.

By not moving, you’re blocking other drivers. Few things are more frustrating than waiting to reenergize your EV and there’s another vehicle in the way, one that’s done charging. Operators disincentivize outlet obstructing by charging users idle fees when they’re plugged in and not juicing up. But still, be courteous and vacate the stall as soon as you reasonably can.

Tip No. 4 – DON’T unplug other EVs.

Just like you should have been taught as a child, keep your hands to yourself and don’t touch other people’s stuff. J It doesn’t matter if a vehicle is at 97% or even if charging is complete. Be kind and don’t interrupt another person’s session, even if they need to learn tips No. 2 and 3 above.

Tip No. 5 – When you’re done charging, DO put the cable back where it belongs.

Connectors usually click into a holster on the power dispenser’s cabinet. Doing this keeps the plug end, and much of the cable, up off the ground where these parts are less likely to get dirty or damaged. Please don’t lazily dump the cable on the asphalt where the next person could run over. it That’s not good for anyone. It’s also worth noting, sometimes Tesla owners leave Supercharger cables unhooked if the station doesn’t work. This is a way of signaling the problem to other drivers. And remember … with wireless charging, you don’t have to worry about a cable because there aren’t any! Simply park and charge.

Tip No. 6 – DON’T public charge unless you need to.

If you’re driving to the grocery store, then heading home after shopping, and your battery is at 95%, reconsider using a DC fast charger that another driver might need. The US public charging infrastructure is still a regrettably finite resource, so if you’ve got plenty of range and you’re just heading home, think of other motorists who might need to charge more than you do.

Tip No 7 – DO unhitch your trailer while charging.

Yes, this can be a major pain, but unless the parking lot where chargers are located is massive or otherwise empty, it’s courteous to disconnect your trailer while charging so you don’t block traffic or access to other chargers.

Tip No. 8 – DON’T use a non-Tesla charger if you drive a Tesla.

Tesla Superchargers are plentiful, reliable, and incredibly convenient, so, please don’t feel the need to power up at an EV Go, ChargePoint, or Electrify America station unless you absolutely have to. Try to save those brand-agnostic options for other EV drivers. They WILL thank you.

Tip No. 9 – DO exercise common courtesy.

When charging …

• Park neatly between the lines so you don’t block access for others.
• Avoid cranking your music to obnoxious levels while chilling and charging.
• Don’t leave any garbage behind in the parking lot.

A little thoughtfulness goes a long way toward making the EV experience a positive one for all drivers.

Tip No. 10 – If you can help it, DON’T use the same charger as another driver.

Of course, this is NOT always possible. Use your judgement and try to avoid plugging into the same charging cabinet as someone else. Many chargers are load balanced, meaning they share a certain amount of power. So, if you start pulling electricity from the same cabinet, you could significantly reduce the other driver’s charging speed. Again, this is NOT always possible, but use a separate charger if you can.

Thanks for being part of our EV community and helping everyone to have a positive electric vehicle experience.

Craig Cole is Senior Editor at EV Pulse. He brings 15 years of experience to EV Pulse and is a proud member of the Automotive Press Association and the Midwest Automotive Media Association. Check out the EV Pulse YouTube channel here.

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The post 10 Tips for EV Etiquette appeared first on WiTricity.

Based on the popularity of our 80% Rule blog post, it’s obvious there’s a lot of interest in increasing an electric vehicle’s battery life. So here are two additional tips for charging that can have a direct impact on your battery’s lifetime.

Using a Derating Approach Can Extend the Life of Your EV Battery

Derating? What’s that? Let’s start with a couple definitions.

State of charge (SOC) is the ratio of the energy in the battery relative to the maximum energy that the battery can hold. A fully charged battery has 100% SOC, while a totally empty battery has 0% SOC. Generally, EVs have battery management systems that prevent these extremes.

Derating? It’s the operation of a device at less than its maximum capability in order to ensure safety, reduce degradation, and avoid system shutdown.

The battery in your EV is one of the most expensive components of the car, so protecting it is critical. Derating is one approach for extending the life of the battery. Better still, derating can be implemented easily and has no impact on system reliability.

It’s time to rethink your charging behavior and forget the gas station model you grew up with. Most people driving an ICE vehicle wait until the gas tank gets low and then fills it up to the top. This brings us to …

Rule #1: Don’t completely deplete your battery and minimize 100% SOC. Electric cars already have an installed battery management system that prevents the battery from being charged and discharged at the extremes of SOC, and every EV manufacturer has charging recommendations for their individual models. So, in general, don’t regularly charge to more than 90% or drop below 10%. Yes, it’s ok to charge to 100% (if the car will allow it) for a long trip, but the optimum charging range for maintaining battery integrity in most electric vehicles is 25-75%. It will improve the overall lifespan of your battery.

Rule #2: Fast is not your friend. Don’t rely on fast charging to meet your day-to-day charging needs. Unless you’re going long distances, it’s important to use a Level 2 (or equivalent) charger for daily charging. Fast charging puts more stress on a battery and reduces battery life and, as a result, the battery will drain faster.

It’s hard to break old habits but, with an electric vehicle, you have an opportunity to create new habits that will prolong the life of your vehicle. To explore more about EV charging,  check out this blog post.

Battery derating will become easier when there is pervasive wireless charging. Then, wherever you go or wherever you park, you can get a little Power Snack so you’ll always have sufficient battery power, Goldilocks style. Not too much, not too little, just right.

Related Asset:

What Drains the Battery in a Car or EV? 7 Common Culprits

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