How do you maintain the battery of electric commercial vehicles?
The battery of your electric company car keep you in good condition by regular checks, proper charging habits and avoiding extreme temperatures. Check the charge level monthly, keep the battery between 20-80% charged and avoid draining it completely. Proper care significantly extends its lifespan and prevents costly repairs. Below, we answer the most important questions on optimal battery care for electric commercial vehicles.
What happens if you neglect your electric utility vehicle's battery?
Neglecting your electric utility vehicle's battery leads to reduced driving distance, shorter lifespan and unexpected failure during operations. You can drive up to 30% fewer kilometres per charge and the battery breaks down years earlier. This means thousands of euros in replacement costs and potentially missed business opportunities.
The consequences of poor maintenance accumulate quickly. Your battery loses capacity when you regularly drain it completely or keep it at 100% all the time. Extreme temperatures without protection further accelerate this process.
Unexpected breakdowns are perhaps the biggest risk. Imagine: you are in the middle of an important delivery and your company car stops starting. That costs not only time and money, but also your reputation with customers. A well-maintained battery gives you the reliability you need for day-to-day operations.
How often should you check the battery of an electric commercial vehicle?
Check the battery of your electric utility vehicle monthly on charge level, temperature and any error messages. Check the charging behaviour weekly and watch daily for warning signals such as sudden capacity loss or slower charging. In winter and summer, the battery deserves extra attention due to temperature fluctuations.
At your monthly check, you look at the maximum charge level. Can your battery still reach 100%? Does charging take longer than usual? These signs indicate possible problems.
Pay particular attention to these warning signs:
- Battery drains faster than usual
- Slower charging for no apparent reason
- Error messages on the dashboard
- Unusual noises during charging
- An extremely high or low battery temperature
In winter and summer, your battery requires extra attention. Cold temporarily reduces performance, while heat can cause permanent damage. Therefore, plan seasonal checks in your maintenance schedule.
What factors affect the life of your commercial vehicle battery?
The battery life of your electric utility vehicle depends on temperature, charging habits, driving style and vehicle load. Extreme cold and heat are its greatest enemies, followed by frequent fast charging and aggressive driving. Heavy loading and unfavourable parking conditions also significantly accelerate wear.
Temperature plays the biggest role. Batteries function best at moderate temperatures between 15 and 25 degrees. Therefore, preferably park indoors or in the shade. In winter, you can preheat the battery while charging.
Your driving style also matters a lot. Constant full throttle and hard braking demands more from the battery than gentle acceleration and anticipatory driving. Make the most of the regenerative braking function: it returns energy and saves the battery.
The load on your commercial vehicle determines how much power you need. A heavily loaded vehicle requires more power, causing the battery to wear out faster. Plan your routes smartly and avoid unnecessary weight.
Parking conditions are often underestimated. Long parking in direct sunlight or freezing temperatures harms the battery. If possible, use a garage or carport, especially during extreme weather conditions.
What are the best charging habits for electric utility vehicle batteries?
Keep your electric utility vehicle's battery between 20-80% loaded for optimum service life. Preferably charge slowly at home or in the office and use fast chargers only when really necessary. Avoid completely draining and keeping the battery constantly at 100%: both extremes damage battery cells and significantly shorten their lifespan.
The 20-80% rule is golden. Below the 20% the battery gets stressed, above the 80% too. For everyday use, this range is more than sufficient. Reserve full charging for long trips.
Slow charging is kinder to your battery than fast charging. At home at a wallbox or a regular wall socket gives the best results. Fast chargers are handy on the road, but use them sparingly: they heat the battery and accelerate wear.
Plan your charging sessions smartly:
- Charge at night when the battery has cooled down
- Stop charging at 80% for daily use
- Preferably charge immediately after a long ride, do not wait too long
- Use timers to prevent overcharging
Avoid these harmful habits: leaving the battery fully charged for days, waiting until it is completely empty or charging in extreme temperatures. These practices can cause your battery to fail years earlier.
How Van den Hurk helps with electric commercial vehicles
We help you with complete support for electric commercial vehicles, from battery maintenance to practical tips for optimal performance. We combine our experience of more than 60 years in commercial vehicles with the latest knowledge on electric mobility, so you can drive electric carefree.
Our support includes:
- Personal advice on the right electric company car for your business
- Explaining optimal charging habits and battery care
- Service and warranty on our electric commercial vehicles
- Practical tips for maximum driving distance and service life
- Flexible leasing options to suit your growth plans
We understand that the switch to electric driving raises questions. That is why we take the time to guide you through battery maintenance, charging options and cost savings. From tax advantages to practical tips, we make sure you are well prepared.
Want to know which electric company car is best for your business? Contact us for personal advice. We will be happy to help you make the switch to sustainable and cost-efficient mobility.
