Manual
Video gallerySoftware updates

Managing battery health and performance

There are user practices that can help maintain the traction battery's condition and performance over time. Some scenarios can lead to battery damage and should always be avoided.

Low battery level and discharged battery

 Important

The traction battery can sustain severe damage if it is not charged after the battery level reaches 0%. The vehicle draws a small amount of power when parked. This means that leaving the vehicle with a low battery level without charging can lead to a discharged battery, which can harm the battery. If the battery level is below 20% when you park it, you should connect it for charging as soon as possible.

If the battery level reaches 0%, the battery is considered discharged or empty. The vehicle then needs to be charged as soon as possible to reduce the risk of battery damage.

The smaller 12 V battery is also at risk of going flat if the traction battery can't supply it with power. If both batteries are discharged, the vehicle will have no power at all and no ability to initiate charging.

High state of charge

 Important

The traction battery can sustain damage if the vehicle's battery level is kept very high for a long period of time.

For regular charging, battery wear can be reduced by selecting a target battery level lower than 100%. Only charge to 100% if the full range is needed for your next trip.

If you leave the vehicle plugged in for charging without any immediate plans to drive it, select the target battery level recommended in the vehicle's charging view.

Charging habits

AC charging is the recommended charging mode for everyday charging. This helps maintain the condition of the battery over time. DC charging causes more wear.

Long-term parking

  • When leaving your vehicle parked for longer than one month, the recommended battery level is 40-60%. Use or charge the vehicle to reach the recommended level.
  • If you are leaving the vehicle parked for longer than three months, you should keep it plugged in but set the battery charging limit to 50%. This is for better battery health.
  • Choose a cool and shaded location. An environment with controlled and consistent conditions is recommended.

 Tip

There is a separate section in this manual with more recommendations for long-term parking.

Parking in hot weather

 Important

Avoid exposing the vehicle to extreme temperatures. Avoid leaving the vehicle parked for longer than 24 hours if the temperature is at risk of reaching 55 °C (131 °F).

When it's warmer outside, it's a good idea to plug in the vehicle when it's parked. High temperatures cause battery damage, especially if the vehicle is exposed to hot weather for prolonged periods. The vehicle can actively cool the battery while it's parked, but that uses power. When you' return to your parked vehicle, the battery level may be noticeably lower than before. If the vehicle is plugged in for charging, it can cool the battery without lowering the battery level and risking a discharged battery.

In hot temperatures, it is recommended that you park in a shaded spot. Strong sunlight combined with high temperatures can lead to very high battery temperatures and excessive cooling needs.

Parking in cold weather

When the battery is cold, the vehicle temporarily reduces battery performance until it warms up. Driving the vehicle in a state of reduced performance doesn't harm the battery.

To avoid temporarily reduced performance due to a cold battery, connect the vehicle for charging and activate the vehicle's preconditioning ahead of your trip. The vehicle can then heat the battery without affecting performance and available range.

At temperatures below -30 °C (-22 °F), avoid leaving the vehicle parked without charging for longer than 24 hours.

Related articles