Preparing Electric Vehicles for Safe Long-Term Storage

Electric vehicles (EVs) have changed the car industry in terms of efficiency, sustainability, and technology. Nonetheless, as with any other vehicle, EVs must be addressed in a different way during long-term storage. Be it travelling overseas, the idle season, or protection of the investment, proper storage would keep your EV in great shape and ready to go when required. Reliable EV storage and electric car storage solutions provide the ideal environment for secure, long-term protection.

Why Proper Storage Matters for Electric Vehicles

The long-term storage of electric vehicles (EVs) poses a special challenge, mainly because of the highly engineered battery systems and the fragile electronic parts that go into them. As compared to the traditional combustion engine vehicles, which have relatively simple storage requirements, EVs require a more specialised approach. Failure to adhere to the correct storage practices may lead to profound implications such as faster battery wear, the emergence of system faults, and a considerable decrease in the level of overall performance of the vehicle. However, by adhering to expert-recommended EV storage practices and carefully selecting an appropriate storage environment, owners can proactively prevent expensive repairs and ensure their electric vehicle maintains optimal functionality and is ready for use when needed again.

Steps to Prepare Your Electric Vehicle for Long-Term Storage

1. Charge the Battery to the Optimal Level

The most crucial element of your EV is the lithium-ion battery. To have a longer battery life before storage

Charge to 50–60%: Avoid fully charging or completely depleting the battery; keeping it at 50–60% is ideal for long-term EV storage.
Monitor Battery Health: Monitor the health of the battery on a regular basis to make sure that it does not exceed the recommended limits. Many EVs offer a storage mode that automatically limits the charge level, which is ideal for electric car storage.

2. Keep Your EV in a Climate-Controlled Environment

High temperatures and varying humidity may adversely affect the battery as well as the sensitive electronics. It is strongly advised to store the garment in a climate-controlled storage unit to reduce these risks:

Stabilises Temperature: Maintains optimal conditions for the battery and sensitive components.
Regulates Humidity: Minimises moisture-related issues such as corrosion and mould.
This kind of secure environment is essential for adequate EV storage and overall electric car storage.

3. Turn Off Non-Essential Systems

Electronic features such as infotainment, alarms, and keyless entry can slowly drain your battery. To preserve energy:

Disable Non-Essential Electronics: Turn off features that are not needed during storage.
Activate Storage Mode: Use any available EV energy-saving modes to reduce battery drain.

4. Inflate Tyres to the Recommended Pressure

It is essential to maintain proper tyre pressure when storing a vehicle for a long period of time:

Check and Adjust Tyre Pressure: Fill up on the correct tyre pressure according to the recommendation of the manufacturer to prevent flat spots and structural problems.
Consider Using Jack Stands: Remove the strain on tyres and suspension parts in case the car is going to be kept idle.

5. Clean and Protect the Vehicle

A proper washing maintains the finish of your EV and avoids damage:

External Cleaning: Wash and dry the vehicle to clean it of dust, contamination and road salt and provide a protective wax.
Interior Detailing: Vacuum and clean the interior to avoid mould, smells and insect infestation.

Undercarriage Check: Wash away any deposits of mud and salt that may encourage rusting.

6. Use a High-Quality, Breathable Car Cover

Choose a high-quality breathable car cover that will protect your EV:

Give Protection without Traps Moisture: A breathable cover prevents dust, scratches, and condensation, which is essential for the electric car storage.
Secure Fit: A securely fastened cover increases security in general during storage.

7. Schedule Routine Check-Ups

In the case of long-term storage, it is also necessary to conduct periodic checks:

Monitor Battery and Tyre Condition: Have a regular check on the health of the battery, the pressure of the tyre and the whole vehicle’s health.
Flexibility of Access: Find storage facilities that make it possible to have your EV inspected by trusted people periodically.

Benefits of Climate-Controlled Storage for EVs

Climate-controlled storage offers several key advantages when it comes to EV storage:

Temperature Stability: Protects sensitive battery systems and electronics from harmful fluctuations.
Moisture Control: Reduces the chances of corrosion, mould and rust due to the regulation of moisture.
Increased Security: Your EV is protected by facilities that have 24-hour camera surveillance and limited entry to prevent theft, vandalism, and other environmental factors.

Why Choose Newbury Self Store for EV Storage?

Newbury Self Store has secure, flexible, and climate-controlled storage units that make it a perfect solution for EV storage and electric car storage space. Their plants are fitted with

Secure Facilities: Your EV will be guarded by 24/7 CCTV surveillance, controlled access and strong locks.
Climate Controlled Units: Temperature and humidity are maintained at a constant level to protect the battery and other electronic parts of your EV.
Flexible Storage Plans: There is an option of both short and long-term storage, depending on how you need to store the electric vehicle.
Comprehensive Storage Options: For additional needs, explore complementary services such as Personal Storage, Business Storage, Container Storage, and Packaging Supplies.

Final Checklist Before Storing Your EV

Charge the battery to 50–60%.
Inflate tyres to the recommended pressure; consider using jack stands if necessary.
Thoroughly clean the vehicle both inside and out.
Turn off all non-essential systems and activate storage mode.
Cover the EV with a high-quality, breathable car cover.
Store in a secure, climate-controlled environment.

Conclusion

When you are storing your electric vehicle in the long term, proper preparation is the key to keeping your electric vehicle in good condition. By adhering to these EV storage tips- taking good care of the battery, climate control, routine cleaning, tyre maintenance, using a high-quality car cover, and routine check-ups- you can protect your investment and make sure your EV is ready to hit the road in no time. Newbury Self Store offers a safe and flexible electric car storage environment, and a wide range of solutions to keep your EV secure. To find out more, please see the HOME, and to have individual help, see the CONTACT.