Quick charging is without doubt one of the largest perks of driving an electrical automobile. However to actually unlock its potential, particularly on highway journeys or throughout busy days, you might want to do extra than simply plug in. Components like battery temperature, state of cost, and route planning could make a serious distinction in charging efficiency—notably in fashions just like the BMW i4. And that’s much more necessary in chilly climate. Right here’s how you can put together your EV for quick charging to make sure you get the quickest, best cost potential.
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 trendy 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 best 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 pace, particularly in colder climate or if the battery hasn’t been below heavy use. You’ll discover that generally it will possibly take greater than half-hour, throughout chilly climate, for the charging pace 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 certain that to allow it earlier than you arrive. This offers you extra management and ensures that the battery will probably 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 succeed in the best temperature en route.
3. Strive 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 methodology.” 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 permit the automotive to coast and regenerate all the way in which again all the way down to a decrease pace.
- Repeat this cycle 10 instances or extra.
This fast acceleration and deceleration warms the battery by means of elevated power circulate, 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 final rule, however in fact, it will possibly differ from BMW to BMW, all based mostly on their charging capability and charging curve:
- Quickest charging (150 kW+) happens between 10–30% SOC.
- Charging pace steadily slows as SOC will increase.
- At 50% SOC or larger, charging charges start to drop considerably.
- At 80% or extra, charging slows down considerably to guard battery well being.
So in the event you’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 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 may add as much as main time financial savings and fewer downtime.
