Quick charging is likely one of the greatest perks of driving an electrical automobile. However to actually unlock its potential, particularly on highway journeys or throughout busy days, you could do extra than simply plug in. Components like battery temperature, state of cost, and route planning could make a significant distinction in charging efficiency—notably in fashions just like the BMW i4. And that’s much more essential in chilly climate. Right here’s how you can put together your EV for quick charging to make sure you get the quickest, most effective cost doable.
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 by way of Apple CarPlay or Android Auto). That is vital as a result of fashionable electrical automobiles 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 perfect temperature for quick charging.
Preconditioning begins routinely when the automotive 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 generally it could actually take greater than half-hour, throughout chilly climate, for the charging pace to rise up to the marketed capability.
2. Allow Preconditioning Manually (If Obtainable)
In case your BMW is a more moderen mannequin with a devoted preconditioning possibility within the charging menu, ensure that to allow it earlier than you arrive. This offers you extra management and ensures that the battery can be correctly warmed up by the point you plug in. Warming up the battery often takes round 20–25 minutes, so give your automobile sufficient time to succeed in the correct temperature en route.
3. Strive the “Yo-Yo Technique” If Preconditioning Isn’t Obtainable
Driving an older EV with out built-in preconditioning? You’ll be able to nonetheless prep the battery manually utilizing a way recognized amongst EV house owners because the “yo-yo technique.” Right here’s how:
- Put the automotive in B mode (for stronger regenerative braking).
- On a freeway, speed up briskly to a snug pace, then enable the automotive to coast and regenerate all the way in which again all the way down to a decrease pace.
- Repeat this cycle 10 occasions or extra.
This fast acceleration and deceleration warms the battery by way of elevated vitality move, mimicking the impact of a preconditioning system.
4. Perceive the Position of State of Cost (SOC)
Your battery’s State of Cost (SOC) dramatically impacts how briskly your automotive can cost. Right here’s the final rule, however in fact, it could actually range from BMW to BMW, all primarily based on their charging capability and charging curve:
- Quickest charging (150 kW+) happens between 10–30% SOC.
- Charging pace step by step 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—an excellent situation for fast 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 may add as much as main time financial savings and fewer downtime.
