How long can an electric car sit without charging

How Long Can an EV Sit Without Being Charged?

This article looks at how long your electric car can remain parked without losing its charge. We explore the factors that influence an electric vehicles battery charge when it is not being used and investigate topics such as battery self-discharge, temperature effects, and other electrical draining systems that consume power even when the car is not in use.By the end of this article, you should have a pretty good understanding of how long you can leave your EV fully charged and be ready to fire it straight up on your return!

How long can an electric vehicle sit without being charged?

How long an electric car can sit without being charged is typically between a couple of weeks to several months without significant loss of charge. This is a fairly broad range and thats because the actual time taken will vary from car to car depending on the following factors:

• The batterys state of charge
• The size of the battery
• How old or degraded is the battery
• The temperature outside
• Other systems in the car using power

What factors affect how long an EV can sit without charging?

Lets explore these factors in more detail.

Battery capacityThe size and capacity of an EV battery determine the amount of energy it can store. Vehicles with larger battery packs can typically sit idle for longer periods without charging, when fully charged they have more energy stored in the battery.

State of chargeThe obvious point on this list is the initial state of charge. Leaving a fully charged battery will clearly last longer compared to a partially charged one. However, did you know that its important not to leave the battery at 100% state of charge for extended periods? as this can cause the battery to degrade and cause charging problems in the future.

Battery age and healthAs batteries age, their capacity and performance gradually decrease (sounds familiar!). Older batteries tend to have reduced capacity and may run out more quickly than newer ones.

The temperature outsideTemperature can significantly affect an EV batterys discharge rate. Extreme temperatures, particularly high heat, can accelerate battery discharge and contribute to long-term degradation. In contrast, cold temperatures can temporarily decrease battery capacity, leading to reduced range. Storing an EV in a temperature-controlled environment can help maintain the batterys health and extend the duration it can sit without charging.

Other systems in the car might be using powerSome vehicle systems, such as security features and car infotainment systems, may use power when the car is not in use. You can disable anything you are not using if you plan to keep a vehicle idle for long periods without charging.Battery typesDifferent types of batteries have varying self-discharge rates, which can influence how long an EV can sit without charging. For example, lithium-ion batteries, commonly used in modern EVs, generally have low self-discharge rates compared to older battery chemistries, such as nickel-metal hydride.

How to look after an EV battery when you are not using it

Here are Electric Car Guides top tips for maintaining an EV battery when you are not using the car:

1. Charge the battery to an optimal levelBefore storing your EV, make sure the battery is adequately charged. Different manufacturers may provide specific guidance, but a good rule of thumb is to aim for a state of charge (SoC) between 20% and 70%. This range helps keep the battery running smoothly and reduces self-discharge during storage.
2. Avoid 100% full chargeFully charging can be detrimental to a batterys health, try not to do this!
3. Store in a cool placeYep, thats cool as in temperature! High temperatures can damage EV batteries. So try and park it in a shaded area or even better in a garage. Extremely low temperatures can also affect the battery, so avoid the Antarctica tundra if possible. The manufacturer will have a recommended temperature range so make sure you check that out before storing your EV.
4. Keep the EV connected to your chargerThis way if you plan to store your EV for an extended period, you can top up with a trickle charge to keep the battery at an optimal SoC without overcharging it. Configure this with your EVs smart charger.
5. Read the manufacturers guidelinesEV manufacturers often provide specific guidelines for storing and maintaining electric vehicles. Be sure to consult the owners manual or contact the manufacturer for any recommendations or precautions specific to your EV model.

What is the typical lifespan of an EV battery?

The current school of thought on this is that batteries will last between 10 and 20 years.The lifespan of EV batteries will vary depending on several factors, including:

• The materials used in the battery
• How you use or drive an EV
• How do you charge the EV (i.e. do you let it fully deplete or charge to 100%? both bad ideas)
• Environmental conditions

MORE> How Long Does a Tesla Battery Last?

Are EV batteries covered by a warranty?

On average, most EV manufacturers provide warranties for their main batteries that cover a certain number of years or mileage. Typically an electric car warranty averages between 5 to 8 years. Electric Car Guide research has found that the best EV battery warranty on offer currently in the UK are provided by Fisker and Lexus, they both offer 10-year or 100,000-mile warranty (whichever comes first).

Can an EV battery be revived if it has died after its not been used?

Not very easily, an EV battery that has completely died due to long periods of non-use may be challenging to revive. There are a few first steps to consider when trying to revive it:

1. Jump-start the 12-volt batteryIf you need to, jump-start the 12-volt EV battery with a portable car battery jump-start pack to fire up the infotainment system that gives you information about whether or not the EV is charging.
2. Allow time for chargingOnce you have reconnected the neglected device to a home charging station you must give it some time! It may take several hours or even days for the battery to regain a sufficient charge. Be patient and allow the charging process to continue.
3. Check for signs of lifeAfter some time of charging, monitor the charging progress and check for any signs of life in the vehicle. Look for indications such as dashboard lights illuminating or the vehicles systems responding.
4. Consult professional assistanceSo if the above steps dont result in any progress, its advisable to contact the manufacturers customer support, a local garage or your EV breakdown cover provider if you have the right level of cover to deal with this issue.

The final word on how long an electric car sit without being charged

We now know that EVs can stay charged when parked for between two weeks to two months and beyond if carefully maintained. However, there are tons of external factors that will influence how long an EV stays charged.Taking preventative measures, such as using a battery maintainer or trickle charger during extended periods of inactivity, can help maintain the battery charge and ensure the electric vehicle stays charged for longer and doesnt require a jump-start. Also, make sure you review the guidelines provided by the car manufacturer when it comes to storage and charging.Implementing best practices can help electric vehicle owners preserve their vehicles battery charge during periods of inactivity. As electric vehicle battery tech advances, we will no doubt see improvements in performance and we will see EVs hold their charge even longer when parked and not used.

Ready to dive even deeper...

John Ellmore

John is the Editor and Spokesperson for Electric Car Guide.

With over 20 years of writing experience, he has written for titles such as City AM, FE News and NerdWallet.com, covering various automotive and personal finance topics.

Johns market commentary has been covered by the likes of The Express, The Independent, Yahoo Finance and The Evening Standard.

How Long Can an Electric Car Sit Without Charging?

After a long vacation, the last thing you want to come home to is an electric vehicle with reduced range (or no range at all). Most electric cars lose charge when parked, even in optimal conditions.

However, there are a few tips you can use to preserve your battery power and ensure you can get from A to B without stopping to recharge or change your 12v battery.

Do Electric Cars Lose Charge When Parked and Not in Use?

While its true that electric cars lose minimal charge when parked (either as a result of battery self-discharge or vampire drain), its generally not a significant enough loss to raise concern.

Due to natural self-discharge, EVs typically lose a few percent of their battery charge, even when not in use. If you park your EV with a full charge and keep onboard systems like cabin climate control activated, your batteries will discharge between 0.5% to 1% per day.

But, if you plan on keeping your EV parked for longer than a few weeks, youll want to place your vehicle in deep sleep mode, deactivate onboard systems, and ensure it has at least 50% charge. After taking these steps, you can expect to see around 2-3% discharge per month.

Understanding Electric Car Battery Drain

Electric car battery drain can be influenced by various factors, such as the age of your EV batteries, vampire drain from onboard systems, and environmental factors like temperature.

Lithium-ion Batteries

Lithium-ion batteries are commonly used in electric cars because they self-discharge at a slower rate than lead-acid batteries. Plus, they have a higher energy density, which lets them provide longer driving ranges.

One of the benefits of lithium-ion batteries is that they last for a very long time, sometimes up to 20 years. As of today, lithium-ion is the only battery type used to power electric vehicles, but solid-state batteries may eventually replace them for environmental reasons.

EV charging plays a significant role in the rate of discharge while parked, especially as your vehicle ages. Note that most lithium-ion batteries experience a decrease in efficiency the longer you use them (studies have shown roughly 5% efficiency loss per 50,000 miles), meaning you can expect greater battery drainage in an older battery.

Vampire Drain

Vampire drain refers to the energy active onboard systems consume even when the car is parked (and especially in long-term storage). This drain can affect electric car batteries, resulting in a passive loss of energy over time that varies depending on the car and its systems.

To minimize vampire drain, its essential to be aware of your vehicles active systems when parked and take advantage of any power-saving features or settings provided by the manufacturer. Turning off features like Bluetooth, cabin climate control, and data sharing can increase the battery life while the electric vehicle is parked.

How Long Can Different Electric Cars Sit Without Charging?

How long electric cars can sit without charging largely depends on the make and model. Heres a breakdown of some of the most popular electric vehicles on the market:

Tesla Model 3

The Tesla Model 3 can sit for several weeks without charging and, in the right conditions, will only lose around 0.5% of its charge per day. In 2021, YouTuber Tesla Joy left her Model 3 unattended for more than a month in Los Angeles, and the car only lost 15% of its battery charge. Its also been noted that opening the Tesla App rouses the car from sleep mode, which can also drain the battery.

Nissan Leaf

The Leaf has been available since 2010 with multiple models offering between 80 and 140 miles of range. The Leafs lithium-ion battery experiences vampire drain due to built-in systems such as battery temperature control, status monitoring, and theft protection. In an experiment done by Green Car Reports, a Leaf left unattended for eight days lost around 6 miles of range, which is a bit more than 2-3% Nissan states is the average battery loss per month.

Chevy Bolt

The Bolt is an all-electric car that was introduced in 2017. Multiple people on EV forums have noted that they have left their Bolt unplugged for weeks or even months at a time in moderate temperatures without loss of range.

However, the 12v battery that powers auxiliary systems will not be replenished if the car isnt connected to the grid. So while you might not experience loss of range, your Bolt may not start after a few weeks because of a dead 12v battery. GM advises (page 259 of the manual) attaching the 12v battery to a trickle charger if left for more than four weeks.

Tips for Preserving Electric Car Battery Life While Parked

To extend the life of your electric car battery while parked, there are several measures you can take, including maintaining an optimal charge level, parking in a suitable location, and utilizing power-saving features.

Maintain the Optimal Charge Level

Aim for a charge level of around 80% before parking your car for extended periods. Most new EVs should never be charged above 80% or discharged below 20% to maintain battery health, with 50% being ideal for most electric cars. Charging within this range helps prevent overcharging and deep discharging, both of which can lead to reduced battery life.

Avoid letting the battery level drop below 20% to ensure the vehicle starts after sitting. Similarly, dont charge your vehicle to 100% if the SoC is already above 80%. Excessive charging can lead to battery degradation and reduced driving range. Regularly monitoring your battery state and adhering to best charging practices will ensure optimal battery health and performance.

Pick the Right Parking Location

To minimize the impact of environmental factors on battery drain, park your electric vehicle in a cool, shaded location or a temperature-controlled garage. Prolonged exposure to sunlight and high temperatures can significantly diminish the lifespan of electric car batteries, resulting in costly replacements.

Similarly, cold conditions and snowfall can impact your parked electric vehicles range. Parking your EV in a garageor even a storage unitcan counteract some of the elements that contribute to battery drain (even if the location isnt climate-controlled).

Pay Attention to the Temperature

Be mindful of temperature when charging and parking your electric car, as extreme temperatures can affect battery performance and lifespan. The optimal temperatures for electric car batteries are generally between 59F and 95F

Cold temperatures can also have a detrimental effect on electric car batteries, reducing their capacity to store and discharge energy, leading to slower charging and a short-term decrease in range. Consumer Reports ran a study on a few of the top EVs on the market and found that in cold weather (around 17F), the range of each vehicle significantly decreased.

Use Power Saving Features

Utilizing features like power save, energy-saving mode, deep sleep mode, or deactivating unnecessary systems can help minimize battery drain while your electric car is parked. These features reduce vampire drain, conserve energy, and prolong battery life, allowing your vehicle to remain idle for extended periods without requiring a charge.

Most electric car manufacturers offer power-saving settings that can be customized to suit your needs. As an electric car owner, getting acquainted with these settings (and putting them to use when needed) will help keep your electric car in top-notch condition, even during prolonged parking periods.

Maintain Battery Life With Proper EV Storage

Temperature changes, exposure to the elements, and the make and model of your EV can all play a part in battery drain. As an electric car owner, one of the most important steps to avoiding a depleted battery is to store your vehicle in a climate-controlled environment, preferably with access to charging equipment.

If you live in an apartment complex or dont have a garage at your location, we recommend finding a storage space that meets your EVs needs. A local self-storage marketplace like Neighbor.com offers convenient, safe storage for electric vehicles. All local hosts are thoroughly vetted, and locations are rated for safety and affordability.

Remember: Finding the right EV storage isnt just about preserving your battery but about ensuring the longevity of your vehicle as a whole.