Hyundai EV Charging Beginners Tips and Tricks

The rising demand and need for electric vehicles have overtaken the automotive industry. Many experts see fully electric vehicles as the future because companies have started greenlighting more and more projects related to EVs. Many countries have taken the initiative to turn this future into a reality, from Europe paving its way to going fully electric by 2050 to car companies introducing their brand new EVs.

Hyundai entered this EV market cycle with a bang as the automaker introduced its 2022 EV and hybrid lineup, featuring the Kona, Tuscon Hybrid, Santa Fe Hybrid, and IONIQ series. Hyundai is offering a variety of models with striking designs and features with new and exciting battery technology to rival some of the biggest competitors in the electric vehicle segment. Hyundai plans to go carbon neutral by 2045, so optimal electric vehicle battery care will become even more vital. Here are some of the best tricks and tips you can use to charge your Hyundai EV’s battery. Give us a call today at 817-367-4000. 

Charge Your EV Regularly

The best way to keep your Hyundai EV battery sustainable for a long time is to make sure you charge it regularly because regular charging prevents the battery from dropping to a low level. Charging your car battery daily or every two to three days is ideal, based on how much you use your car.

Avoid Frequent DC Charging

Fast charging is helpful when you are in a hurry or in an emergency. Still, as indicated in the vehicle manual of every Hyundai EV, battery power and performance can quickly deteriorate if you use a DC charger too frequently. Hyundai recommends minimizing your DC charges to extend your battery’s life span. Unlike DC charging, regular charging will not drastically affect your EV battery’s lifespan or performance.

Lower the Maximum Charging Limit

Lowering your Hyundai EV’s maximum charging limit means charging your EV to 80% or 90% instead of 100%. This tip from Hyundai applies not just to EVs but most battery-operated devices. In some Hyundai models, there is an option where you can set up the maximum limit for the charge, and this excludes the DC and AC charging. Charging your EV battery to 100% is fine if you don’t do it every day because it accelerates the battery’s degradation and shortens its life. It is better to charge your vehicle to 80% for everyday use.

Avoid Discharging the Battery to Low Levels

Many things could affect your Hyundai EV’s battery life, which is why Hyundai has recommended all EV owners avoid discharging their cars’ batteries to low levels and going below the level of 20% too frequently. If your EV battery is under 20% full too often, it will degrade your battery life and performance sooner than expected. By keeping your battery over 20% capacity, you can ensure that you don’t use the full range of your EV repeatedly, which would help the battery life and performance in the long run.

Control the Optimal Battery State During Time of Storage

When you plan to go out of town or don’t use your vehicle for a while, make sure not to park your EV with an empty or full battery. Either state will shorten the battery life since the car is not in use. It is best to charge between an optimal level of 30% to 80% for regular driving and around 50% before storing your vehicle for a certain period.

Keep Your Electric Vehicle in the Shade When Parking for a Long Period

Hyundai recommends you park your EV in the shade as much as possible. If you are parking your car somewhere for a while, it would be better to park it where the sun doesn’t directly heat your car battery, especially in the summer. A temperature rise can compromise your EV battery’s ability to hold a charge. EV batteries contain Lithium-ion, which can degrade faster in extreme temperatures. Also, you should park your car where the temperature is not too cold because cold weather can lower your EV’s driving range.

Avoid Extended Periods of Heavy Acceleration

Heavy acceleration is harmful to all cars, be it regular cars or an EV. With a gas-powered car, heavy acceleration affects the vehicle’s fuel economy and engine performance. If you have a Hyundai EV, you should avoid heavy acceleration while driving since it drains the battery more quickly while gradually heating the battery cells. Therefore, driving your EV at a recommended speed is better for your battery life since it avoids too much accelerating or braking.

Develop a Plan Before Reaching your Destination

Before going out of town or to a new place, find your destination on a map. Also, track all the charging stations along the way. By researching and planning before your trip, you know you can charge your vehicle when required without the fear of getting stranded and won’t waste your battery.

EVs are the future, and Hyundai has established itself as one of the most prominent players in the market. Hyundai EVs provide a wide range of options, from fuel-cell, plug-in hybrid, and hybrid cars to fully electric vehicles. The lithium-ion batteries in the EVs can last throughout the lifetime of each car. However, the capacity varies due to the factors mentioned above.

Remember these tips and tricks as a current or future Hyundai EV owner because overcharging, undercharging, and extreme hot or cold can cause the battery to degrade sooner. Keep your battery level balanced, and charge it as frequently as required so your battery will be in good shape for a long time.

This information about charging your Hyundai EV to maintain good battery life and capacity is just one part of an overall care regimen. If you have questions about the 2022 Hyundai EV lineup or want help choosing which Hyundai EV suits you best, you can contact us online or call us at 817-367-4000. We at Hiley Hyundai of Fort Worth are here to help you drive off in a new Hyundai EV or hybrid and keep it at optimal performance.