Quick charging is likely one of the greatest perks of driving an electrical car. However to really unlock its potential, particularly on highway journeys or throughout busy days, you’ll want to do extra than simply plug in. Components like battery temperature, state of cost, and route planning could make a significant distinction in charging efficiency—notably in fashions just like the BMW i4. And that’s much more essential in chilly climate. Right here’s the way to put together your EV for quick charging to make sure you get the quickest, best cost attainable.
1. Use the Constructed-In Navigation System
Earlier than you arrive at a charging station, set it as your vacation spot in your car’s built-in navigation system (not through Apple CarPlay or Android Auto). That is crucial as a result of trendy electrical automobiles just like the BMW i4, i5, iX and i7, amongst others, use this enter to precondition the battery—primarily warming it as much as the perfect temperature for quick charging.
Preconditioning begins robotically when the automobile is aware of you’re heading to a high-powered charger. This makes an enormous distinction in charging velocity, particularly in colder climate or if the battery hasn’t been beneath heavy use. You’ll discover that typically it could take greater than half-hour, throughout chilly climate, for the charging velocity to rise up to the marketed capability.
2. Allow Preconditioning Manually (If Obtainable)
In case your BMW is a more recent mannequin with a devoted preconditioning possibility within the charging menu, be certain to allow it earlier than you arrive. This provides you extra management and ensures that the battery can be correctly warmed up by the point you plug in. Warming up the battery normally takes round 20–25 minutes, so give your car sufficient time to achieve the appropriate temperature en route.
3. Strive the “Yo-Yo Methodology” If Preconditioning Isn’t Obtainable
Driving an older EV with out built-in preconditioning? You’ll be able to nonetheless prep the battery manually utilizing a way recognized amongst EV house owners because the “yo-yo technique.” Right here’s how:
- Put the automobile in B mode (for stronger regenerative braking).
- On a freeway, speed up briskly to a snug velocity, then permit the automobile to coast and regenerate all the way in which again right down to a decrease velocity.
- Repeat this cycle 10 instances or extra.
This fast acceleration and deceleration warms the battery by way of elevated vitality circulate, mimicking the impact of a preconditioning system.
4. Perceive the Position of State of Cost (SOC)
Your battery’s State of Cost (SOC) dramatically impacts how briskly your automobile can cost. Right here’s the overall rule, however after all, it could differ from BMW to BMW, all based mostly on their charging capability and charging curve:
- Quickest charging (150 kW+) happens between 10–30% SOC.
- Charging velocity step by step slows as SOC will increase.
- At 50% SOC or larger, charging charges start to drop considerably.
- At 80% or extra, charging slows down considerably to guard battery well being.
So if you happen to’re planning a quick cost, attempt to arrive with 20% SOC or much less for optimum velocity. For instance, our BMW i4 is getting 200 kW on a 350 kW charger at 20% SOC—a really perfect state of affairs for fast top-ups.
5. Plan Forward for Effectivity and Time Financial savings
Combining these strategies—utilizing native navigation, enabling preconditioning, or warming the battery manually—can prevent precious minutes on the charger and prolong your vary extra effectively. On lengthy journeys, this could add as much as main time financial savings and fewer downtime.
