EV batteries degrade with use, but charging habits play a large role in how quickly. A recent Engadget report outlines practical steps owners can take to preserve range and avoid premature capacity loss. The key is treating the battery more like a smartphone: avoid full charges unless necessary, and keep the state of charge in a moderate band.
Specifically, lithium iron phosphate (LFP) batteries can handle a full charge about once a week, while nickel manganese cobalt (NMC) batteries should typically stay between 80 and 90%. A general rule is to keep the car between 20% and 80%, since both extreme low and high states stress the chemistry. Charging beyond 80% is also slower, so stopping there saves time on routine trips.
Heat is a bigger threat than cold, with temperatures near 104°F actively accelerating degradation. The article recommends charging in cooler hours or a garage, and letting the car cool down after a long drive before plugging in. DC fast chargers should be reserved for road trips, as the high power generates waste heat that adds wear. Gentler driving and keeping the car sheltered from extreme temperatures also help, though the report stresses that occasional full charges or fast charges are not catastrophic—consistent habits matter most over the long run.