Do Electric Cars Use Power When Not Moving?
People become more conscious about the environment and look for ways to reduce their carbon footprint. Cars and other vehicles emit gases and chemicals. Is there any alternative to such vehicles? Of course! Electric cars have become increasingly popular in recent years because of their overall performance and eco-friendliness, but the price is a significant barrier to EV expansion.
Many potential buyers ask whether electric cars use power when not moving. Yes, your car may use the battery power because of the running air conditioner, LED, and sound system. In this blog, I am going to explore this question and provide relevant information.
Overview of Electric Car Power Usage
Electric cars use an electric motor powered by a battery pack to drive the wheels. The battery pack provides the energy required to run the electric motor, and the motor provides the power to move the car. The battery pack also powers the car’s auxiliary systems, such as the lights, heating, and air conditioning.
When an electric car is not moving, it is still using power to run its auxiliary systems. These systems, which are similar to those found in gasoline-powered cars, use electricity to operate.
Do Electric Cars Use Power When Parked?
Electric cars do use power when parked, but the amount of power used depends on how long it remains parked. When an electric car is parked, its systems are still running, even if the car is not moving.
For example, the car’s battery management system, which monitors the battery’s charge level and temperature, continues to operate even when the car is parked. The car’s entertainment system, such as the radio or touchscreen display, may also continue to operate, depending on the car’s settings.
If the car is left parked for a long time, its battery will gradually lose charge, and the auxiliary systems will use more power.
However, modern electric cars are designed to conserve power when parked, and they will automatically shut down some systems to preserve battery life.
How Much Power Do Electric Cars Use When Parked?
The amount of power an electric car uses when parked depends on various factors, such as the car’s model, ambient temperature, battery age, and condition. Generally, the amount of power used is relatively small and does not significantly impact the battery’s lifespan.
According to a study, an electric car’s parasitic loads, which include the car’s monitor, sensors, and other electronics, use about 0.2 kWh to 0.3 kWh of power per day when parked. It means about 6 kWh to 9 kWh of power per month. However, please note that these are only estimates, and the amount of power used may vary depending on the car’s settings and how long it remains parked.
Now the question that comes to your mind is how much does it cost? According to the research of The AFDC, a resource of the U.S. Department of Energy’s Vehicle Technologies Office showed that “The fuel efficiency of an EV may be measured in kilowatt-hours (kWh) per 100 miles. To calculate the cost per mile of an EV, the cost of electricity (in dollars per kWh) and the efficiency of the vehicle (how much electricity is used to travel 100 miles) must be known. If electricity costs ¢10.7 per kWh and the vehicle consumes 27 kWh to travel 100 miles, the cost per mile is about $0.03.”
Do You Know How to Minimize Power Usage When Parked?
Indeed, there are different ways of minimizing your EV’s power usage when parked. Some of the important steps are:
- Turn off the car’s auxiliary systems, such as the radio and air conditioning, before parking.
- Switch off all the running settings/systems, which conserve the car’s battery and prolong its overall lifespan.
- Using a charging timer helps to schedule the charging during off-peak hours when electricity rates are lower. It reduces charging costs and minimizes power usage when parked.
- Consider using a smart charging system that monitors the car’s battery level and automatically adjusts the charging rate to optimize battery life.
Please remember the above aspects and control the use of the auxiliary system of your favorite electric car, especially when parked. Have you brought a new car? It is time to break in and check the car to ensure the best performance. If you have not brought an electric car, read my other blogs for general guidance. For personalized suggestions, you should contact a local expert.
Meet Rohan, a writer who loves to inspire and motivate others. He’s all about those feel-good quotes that can light up your day! When he’s not crafting words of encouragement, Rohan dives into the world of the latest technologies, exploring what’s new and exciting. But that’s not all—his heart beats for solar products, the kind that harness the power of the sun for a greener future. And guess what? He’s a total pet lover too! When he’s not busy writing, you’ll find Rohan surrounded by his furry friends, spreading joy and cuddles all around. Follow Rohan on Twitter and Facebook
