Quick charging is among the greatest perks of driving an electrical automobile. However to actually unlock its potential, particularly on street journeys or throughout busy days, it’s good to do extra than simply plug in. Elements 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 necessary in chilly climate. Right here’s the best way to 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 through Apple CarPlay or Android Auto). That is important 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 robotically when the automotive 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 may possibly 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 recent mannequin with a devoted preconditioning possibility within the charging menu, ensure to allow it earlier than you arrive. This offers you extra management and ensures that the battery shall 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 achieve the appropriate temperature en route.
3. Attempt the “Yo-Yo Methodology” If Preconditioning Isn’t Accessible
Driving an older EV with out built-in preconditioning? You may nonetheless prep the battery manually utilizing a method identified amongst EV house owners because the “yo-yo methodology.” Right here’s how:
- Put the automotive in B mode (for stronger regenerative braking).
- On a freeway, speed up briskly to a cushty velocity, then permit the automotive to coast and regenerate all the best way again all the way down to a decrease velocity.
- Repeat this cycle 10 instances or extra.
This fast acceleration and deceleration warms the battery by means of elevated vitality stream, 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 automotive can cost. Right here’s the overall rule, however after all, it may possibly fluctuate 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 step by step slows as SOC will increase.
- At 50% SOC or greater, 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 velocity. For instance, our BMW i4 is getting 200 kW on a 350 kW charger at 20% SOC—an excellent state of affairs 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 worthwhile 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.
