Quick charging is among the greatest perks of driving an electrical automobile. However to really unlock its potential, particularly on street journeys or throughout busy days, you want to do extra than simply plug in. Components like battery temperature, state of cost, and route planning could make a serious distinction in charging efficiency—significantly in fashions just like the BMW i4. And that’s much more vital in chilly climate. Right here’s learn how to put together your EV for quick charging to make sure you get the quickest, most effective cost potential.
1. Use the Constructed-In Navigation System
Earlier than you arrive at a charging station, set it as your vacation spot in your automobile’s built-in navigation system (not through Apple CarPlay or Android Auto). That is essential as a result of trendy electrical autos just like the BMW i4, i5, iX and i7, amongst others, use this enter to precondition the battery—basically warming it as much as the best 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 pace, particularly in colder climate or if the battery hasn’t been underneath heavy use. You’ll discover that typically it might take greater than half-hour, throughout chilly climate, for the charging pace to stand up to the marketed capability.
2. Allow Preconditioning Manually (If Out there)
In case your BMW is a more recent mannequin with a devoted preconditioning choice within the charging menu, make sure that to allow it earlier than you arrive. This offers you extra management and ensures that the battery shall be correctly warmed up by the point you plug in. Warming up the battery normally takes round 20–25 minutes, so give your automobile sufficient time to succeed in the proper temperature en route.
3. Attempt the “Yo-Yo Technique” If Preconditioning Isn’t Out there
Driving an older EV with out built-in preconditioning? You may nonetheless prep the battery manually utilizing a method recognized amongst EV homeowners because the “yo-yo methodology.” Right here’s how:
- Put the automobile in B mode (for stronger regenerative braking).
- On a freeway, speed up briskly to a snug pace, then permit the automobile to coast and regenerate all the best way again all the way down to a decrease pace.
- Repeat this cycle 10 occasions or extra.
This speedy acceleration and deceleration warms the battery by means of elevated power stream, mimicking the impact of a preconditioning system.
4. Perceive the Function 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 might 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 pace progressively slows as SOC will increase.
- At 50% SOC or increased, charging charges start to drop considerably.
- At 80% or extra, charging slows down considerably to guard battery well being.
So for those who’re planning a quick cost, attempt to arrive with 20% SOC or much less for optimum pace. For instance, our BMW i4 is getting 200 kW on a 350 kW charger at 20% SOC—a perfect state of affairs for speedy top-ups.
5. Plan Forward for Effectivity and Time Financial savings
Combining these methods—utilizing native navigation, enabling preconditioning, or warming the battery manually—can prevent precious minutes on the charger and lengthen your vary extra effectively. On lengthy journeys, this will add as much as main time financial savings and fewer downtime.
