As electric vehicle (EV) adoption continues to grow, so are fresh but relevant questions around their ownership, such as, 'What happens if I drive my EV on below
20 percent charge?'. Operating an EV with a battery charge below 20 percent can lead to several consequences that impact both vehicle performance and battery health. Here's what you need to know about running an EV under a low state of charge regularly. Driving an electric vehicle when the battery charge dips below 20 percent poses several risks to both the vehicle and the driver. One significant concern is the potential for battery damage due to deep discharging on a regular basis. EV batteries are designed to operate within a specific charge range, preferably between 20 percent to 80 percent, consistently allowing the charge to fall too low can potentially shorten the battery's lifespan or degrade its overall performance. Moreover, a low battery charge leads to reduced vehicle performance and range and EV owners may notice a decrease in acceleration and overall responsiveness when their battery is nearing depletion. This can make driving the vehicle potentially dangerous, especially in situations that require quick acceleration. Additionally, if a driver runs out of charge without access to a charging station, they risk being stranded, which can be inconvenient and stressful. To avoid the above mentioned pitfalls associated with low battery levels, EV owners must monitor their battery status regularly. All modern electric vehicles come equipped with dashboards that provide real-time information on battery charge and energy consumption rate. This can help owners calculate how much charge they need to do their daily commutes without letting the EV charge level drop down to dangerous levels. If faced with a low battery charge unexpectedly, utilising public EV fast charging stations can help drivers to replenish their battery quickly and reach home safely. It is always a good idea to be familiar with public charging points around your locality to help in an emergency situation. Also Read: Buying A Used Electric Car? 5 Precautions To Take Before Paying Overall, driving an electric vehicle regularly below 20 percent charge can potentially lead to battery damage, decreased performance, and the risk of being stranded. By actively monitoring battery levels and utilising available charging infrastructure, EV owners can enhance their driving experience and ensure their vehicles remain in optimal condition. While an EV may not show signs of decreased performance right away, the battery pack may start showing signs of reduced capacity over a prolonged ownership period.
