If you have an electric vehicle, it is important to know how to take care of it’s gel batteries to ensure optimal service life and reliable performance. In this article, we will explore some essential tips for maintaining and extending the life of gel batteries of your electric vehicle.

First of all, it should be noted that the autonomy of the electric vehicle depends on certain physical factors, and they do not influence the health of the batteries in the long run. They can be:

• Loading of the vehicle weighing more than that permitted in the vehicle book
• Using the vehicle at extreme temperatures (autonomy can be halved)
• Reaching a number of complete charging cycles over time (for example, gel batteries have a lifespan of 600-800 complete charging cycles, and towards the end of them, batteries will no longer be able to provide the same efficiency to the vehicle’s autonomy – which is perfectly normal).

During travel, when batteries begin to reach a certain degree of discharge, the maximum travel speed may be reduced to half.

How to charge your batteries

A crucial aspect in maintaining the life of batteries is the correct charging. Here are some important principles to follow:

• Avoid excessive charging: Do not allow batteries to be charged at 100% constantly. Up to 80-90% is usually sufficient for most trips. This helps reduce battery voltage and prevent premature wear. In general, chargers automatically know how to make a correct charge.
• Avoid emptiness: Try to avoid letting the batteries fully discharge. Constant total discharge can affect the capacity and life of batteries. Try to keep the load level between 20-80% to get the best results.
• Avoid exposure to extreme temperatures: Extreme temperatures, whether very high or very low, can adversely affect batteries. Try to load the vehicle in an environment with the right temperature and keep it in a place away from excessive sun exposure or heavy cold (if possible).

Effective conduct

Your driving style can affect the life of your batteries. Here are some recommendations for effective leadership:

• Avoid sudden accelerations and brakes: Aggressive driving style can put extra pressure on batteries. Try to drive smoothly and anticipate traffic movements to avoid sudden acceleration and braking.
• Uses the energy regeneration system: Most electric vehicles are equipped with energy regeneration systems, which convert kinetic energy into electricity and recharge it into batteries. Try to take advantage of this feature as often as possible.
• Plan your trips: If you know you will cover a longer distance, plan your trip so as to avoid reaching the minimum level of loading, because this can put additional pressure on the batteries.

Regular maintenance

Pay attention to the regular maintenance of your electric vehicle batteries. Here are some key issues:

• Check and clean the charger connectors: Over time, the charger connectors can accumulate dust and dirt, which can affect the efficient transfer of energy. Make sure you check and clean them regularly to maintain a good (connection due to driving vibrations, the connectors may weaken, which may produce a short circuit or battery degradation)
• Respects the manufacturer’s service schedule: Always follow the service schedule recommended by the manufacturer. It may include periodic battery checks and other relevant components to ensure optimal operation of your electric vehicle.