Electric Vehicle Storage: How To Prep Your EV For Long-Term Parking

Electric Vehicle Storage: How To Prep Your EV For Long-Term Parking

Knowing how to store an electric vehicle properly is important for preserving its performance and health, regardless of the reason—travel, relocation, the need to store your vehicle for the winter, or just a brief break from driving. You’ll need to look into the best way to store your EV so that it functions well when you go back and start driving it again unless you have someone to drive it around for you and keep it in good condition.

Storing any type of vehicle is not ideal; cars are meant to be driven frequently, and electric vehicles are no exception. Unlike internal combustion vehicles, EVs require special care during long-term storage to maintain battery life, tire integrity, and software operation. Whether you’re storing your electric vehicle for weeks or months, wrong preparation might result in irreversible battery degeneration or other issues. So, how can you best store an EV for long-term parking? Here are a few important tasks you need to do.

As always, Carnex can provide you with detailed information about buying and selling used electric vehicles in Ontario.

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What’s the Best Way to Store an EV for Long-Term Parking?

Whether you’re storing your EV for a few weeks or months, following these best practices can help you prevent costly repairs and keep it in its best condition.

Battery State of Charge (SOC): The Goldilocks Zone

The battery is the heart of your electric vehicle, and it must be cared for while in storage. Most EVs are powered by lithium-ion batteries, which are sensitive to excessive charge levels. You want to leave an EV battery with a good amount of charge. 

What is the ideal SOC for Storage?

Recommendations for best storage practices differ depending on the EV manufacturer; make sure you consult your owner’s manual. Most manufacturers, including Tesla, Nissan, and Chevrolet, recommend storing your EV with a 50–60% state of charge. This range minimizes stress on the battery cells, preventing degradation over time. Some suggest leaving a vehicle on the charger. 

Check the battery level of your electric vehicle on a regular basis with the mobile app. Keeping the EV plugged in allows you to set the charge limit to 50%, allowing it to regulate temperatures and recharge as needed.

Why Not 100%? 

Storing at full charge increases the risk of lithium plating, a chemical reaction that reduces battery capacity.

Why Not 0%? 

A fully depleted battery can enter a “deep discharge” state, potentially causing irreversible damage.

12V Battery Maintenance

While the high-voltage battery drives your EV’s engine, the 12V battery powers essential functions such as door locks, lights, and entertainment. EVs, like combustion-engine vehicles, use a 12-volt battery to power accessories such as lights and electronic door locks. If the battery is dead, you may have difficulty starting the vehicle.

This is when trickle charging can be useful. When the car is not in use for an extended period of time, trickle charging can be used to keep the 12-volt battery charged. Trickle charging is the use of a level 1 charger or slow charging mode to provide just enough power to keep the battery from draining while the car is idle. In most cases, if your EV is plugged in, the 12-volt battery will not run out of energy.

Plugged In or Unplugged?

Whether to leave your electric vehicle plugged in during storage depends on the duration and environmental conditions. Different manufacturers recommend different ways to keep the battery in good health. Be sure to check your vehicle manual for specific recommendations.

Electric Vehicle Storage: How To Prep Your EV For Long-Term Parking

Temperature Control

Temperature plays a critical role in battery health. Lithium-ion batteries degrade faster in extreme heat or cold.

What is the Optimal Storage Temperature?

Store your EV in a climate-controlled area with temperatures ranging from 50–70°F (10–21°C).

Battery resistance increases at freezing temperatures, lowering efficiency and even causing damage. On the other hand, high temperatures increase chemical reactions within the battery, resulting in rapid deterioration.

Indoor vs. Outdoor Storage

The storage location significantly impacts your EV’s condition.

Indoor Storage:

A climate-controlled garage is ideal. It protects your EV from temperature fluctuations, moisture, and UV exposure.

Outdoor Storage:
If indoor storage is not an option, park your EV in a shady place with a waterproof car cover to protect it from direct sunshine and moisture. Many up-to-date EVs use thermal management technologies to maintain battery temperature. If your vehicle is plugged in during storage, these systems can activate as needed to maintain optimal conditions.

Tire Care

Tires are another critical component that requires attention during storage. Sitting still is not good for any vehicle’s tires. It increases the chance of the tires developing flat spots, which occur when the tread flattens out after being in the same location under constant load.

If you want to store your EV for several months, shift it forward or backward a few feet every 4-6 weeks to redistribute weight on the tires. Moving the automobile on a regular basis may be the best way to help the tires, but if that is not possible, follow these suggestions to minimize flat spots and dry rot.

Overinflate Tires:
To avoid flat spots caused by prolonged weight on one location, fill your tires to the maximum PSI recommended in the owner’s manual.

Use Tire Cradles or Jack Stands:
When storing a car for more than 6 weeks, consider using tire cradles or jack stands to lift it off the ground. This eliminates all pressure on the tires.

Dry Rot Prevention:
To prevent dry rot, apply a UV protectant when storing tires outdoors. This helps to prevent cracking and dry rot caused by prolonged exposure to sunlight.

By following these electric vehicle long-term storage recommendations, you can keep your EV in outstanding condition and ready to go when you return. Proper preparation helps to protect your investment, but also increases the lifespan of important parts such as the batteries and tires.

How to Store an Electric Vehicle: A Step-by-Step Checklist

What is the best approach to storing an EV for a few weeks or months? This step-by-step checklist includes everything from cleaning and charging to software upgrades, giving EV owners an easy way forward. Follow these steps to prepare your EV for short-term or long-term storage.

Step 1: Do a Thorough Cleaning

A clean car is less likely to develop corrosion, mildew, or pest infestations during storage.

Clean the outside to eliminate debris, grime, and road salt, which can corrode paint and metal surfaces. Use a pH-neutral auto shampoo and properly dry the vehicle to avoid water marks. Apply a ceramic coating or wax to provide further protection against environmental influences.

Vacuum the interior to eliminate any crumbs or trash that may attract pests. Wipe off surfaces with a microfiber cloth and use a light cleaner on upholstery and dashboards. To prevent humidity from building up within the cabin, use silica gel packs or a moisture absorber. If you reside in an area with salted roads, rinse the undercarriage to eliminate any corrosive residues.

Step 2: Charge the Battery to the Optimal Level

Proper battery preparation is crucial for keeping the battery healthy while in storage. Set the recommended storage level for your EV’s battery via the charging system or mobile app. Do not leave the battery fully charged or entirely discharged.

If your EV has a scheduled charging feature, disable it to save extra charging cycles during storage. Remove as many background activities as possible, such as dash cams or USB devices, as these can consume the 12V battery.

Step 3: Choose the Right Storage Location

The place in which you store your electric vehicle has a considerable impact on its condition. A climate-controlled garage is perfect. It protects your EV from temperature changes, dampness, and UV rays. 

If outside storage is unavoidable, park on a paved surface and use a breathable car cover. Avoid grassy or dirt regions, as they can trap moisture.

Step 4: Update Software and Disable Energy-Draining Features

Modern EVs rely heavily on software, which can drain the battery if left unchecked. Check for and install any available software updates before storage. These updates often include optimizations for battery management and performance.

Remember to turn off Sentry mode, cabin overheat protection, and other energy-intensive features. Disable any third-party apps that may ping your vehicle, resulting in unnecessary battery waste.

Before storing your EV, ensure your EV’s software is up to date. Some EVs, like Teslas, have a storage mode that improves battery management for long-term parking.

Step 5: Pre-Storage Inspection

A pre-storage examination ensures that your EV is in good condition and establishes a benchmark for post-storage comparisons.

Before you park your EV, do a complete inspection:

• Inspect for leaks, loose connections, and noticeable damage.
• Make sure all fluids (such as windshield washer fluid) are filled up.
• Take photos to document the vehicle’s condition for future reference.

Step 6: Plan for Periodic Maintenance

Even during storage, your EV may require occasional attention. Make sure to inspect your electric vehicle regularly.

• Check the battery SOC monthly: To check the battery level of your electric vehicle, use the smartphone app. If the battery drops below 20%, recharge to 50-60%.
• Inspect for pests and moisture. Check the interior and undercarriage on a regular basis for indicators of bug infestation or moisture buildup.
• Rotate the tires (if applicable). If your EV is not on jack stands, adjust it gently every 4-6 weeks to avoid flat patches.

Preparing your electric vehicle for long-term parking or storage requires careful consideration of several factors, including battery health, tire integrity, and overall vehicle maintenance. By following the tips in this article, you can ensure that your EV remains in excellent condition during its time in storage.

As always, Carnex can provide you with detailed information about buying and selling used electric vehicles in Ontario.

Carnex is the top online EV expert in Canada for buying and selling used electric vehicles in Ontario.

Checking out the cheapest electric vehicles from Carnex inventory today!

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