Quick charging is without doubt one of the greatest perks of driving an electrical automobile. However to really unlock its potential, particularly on street journeys or throughout busy days, that you must do extra than simply plug in. Components like battery temperature, state of cost, and route planning could make a significant distinction in charging efficiency—significantly in fashions just like the BMW i4. And that’s much more vital in chilly climate. Right here’s the right 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 automobile’s built-in navigation system (not through Apple CarPlay or Android Auto). That is crucial as a result of fashionable electrical autos 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 underneath heavy use. You’ll discover that typically it might take greater than half-hour, throughout chilly climate, for the charging velocity to stand up to the marketed capability.
2. Allow Preconditioning Manually (If Accessible)
In case your BMW is a more moderen mannequin with a devoted preconditioning choice within the charging menu, ensure that 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 automobile sufficient time to succeed in the correct temperature en route.
3. Attempt the “Yo-Yo Technique” If Preconditioning Isn’t Accessible
Driving an older EV with out built-in preconditioning? You’ll be able to nonetheless prep the battery manually utilizing a method identified 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 speedy acceleration and deceleration warms the battery by means of elevated vitality circulate, 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 in fact, it might differ from BMW to BMW, all primarily based on their charging capability and charging curve:
- Quickest charging (150 kW+) happens between 10–30% SOC.
- Charging velocity 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 in the event you’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 great situation for speedy 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 priceless 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.
