High-Voltage Battery Maintenance and Repair

One of the main factors that affect battery life is the operating temperature. Extreme hot and cold ambient temperatures will impact chemical reactions within battery cells and cause premature aging. High temperatures can cause thermal runaway and irreversible damage to internal battery components, whereas cold temperatures increase internal resistance and reduce the battery’s overall capacity.

Another factor to consider is charging habits. Fast charging or frequent, deep discharge can put stress on the battery cells, leading to potential loss of capacity over time.

Daily rapid charging might also be a harmful practice, as it can lead to premature degradation of the battery cells over time.

Except for some older models, most high-voltage batteries in electric vehicles are cooled with an internal system that uses coolant to regulate temperature. It is therefore essential that you have your vehicle inspected periodically for leaks, and that the coolant is flushed according to the manufacturer’s recommended maintenance schedule.

There is some good news for Canadian drivers, though. Vehicles sold here have fewer issues with battery degradation than those sold in the southern United States. That said, it is still crucial that you have your vehicle inspected and maintained annually.

We recommend that you avoid the use of a fast charger daily. The Tesla App, for example, encourages you to use your home charging station, then to keep the car’s battery charged between 80% and 85%. Avoiding frequent 100% charges will help maintain the battery’s health. Whenever possible, try to limit full charges to occasional long journeys. We also strongly encourage you not to let your battery drop below 25% to 30% too often, especially while idling.

It may seem obvious, keep in mind that battery cells are often located at the bottom of the car, embedded in the chassis. Be very careful if your electric vehicle has low ground clearance; debris can hit the chassis anytime at any speed, and can potentially damage the battery’s protective case.

Be careful when driving on rough roads or through large potholes. Remember that your EV weighs more than a conventional car; shock absorption components support a heavy load. You must avoid strong and sudden bumps on the road. Speeding on uneven roads will only increase the risk of inconvenient and costly repairs, putting your car’s integrity in jeopardy.