Quick charging is among the largest perks of driving an electrical automobile. However to really unlock its potential, particularly on highway journeys or throughout busy days, you could do extra than simply plug in. Elements 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 necessary in chilly climate. Right here’s easy methods 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 by way of 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 perfect temperature for quick charging.
Preconditioning begins routinely 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 below heavy use. You’ll discover that typically it could actually take greater than half-hour, throughout chilly climate, for the charging velocity to rise up to the marketed capability.
2. Allow Preconditioning Manually (If Accessible)
In case your BMW is a more recent mannequin with a devoted preconditioning choice within the charging menu, be sure that to allow it earlier than you arrive. This provides you extra management and ensures that the battery will likely 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 achieve the best temperature en route.
3. Attempt the “Yo-Yo Methodology” If Preconditioning Isn’t Accessible
Driving an older EV with out built-in preconditioning? You possibly can nonetheless prep the battery manually utilizing a way 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 all the way down to a decrease velocity.
- Repeat this cycle 10 occasions or extra.
This speedy acceleration and deceleration warms the battery via elevated vitality circulation, 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 final rule, however after all, it could actually fluctuate from BMW to BMW, all based mostly on their charging capability and charging curve:
- Quickest charging (150 kW+) happens between 10–30% SOC.
- Charging velocity 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 should 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—an excellent situation 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 worthwhile minutes on the charger and lengthen your vary extra effectively. On lengthy journeys, this could add as much as main time financial savings and fewer downtime.
