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Can an electric car sit unused for six months?

I'm leaving the country for half a year, and I want to know —can I safely leave my electric car unused for about six months?

avatar
Chanice Boyd · Updated on
Reviewed by Shannon Martin, Licensed Insurance Agent.
Not to worry—your electric car can sit unused in your garage for six or months with the proper preparations.
It’s true; cars are made to drive; even in the case of electric vehicles, regular use will keep them operating at their best. Some situations may require you to
park your car
for months at a time. Thankfully, there are safe ways to do so.
Electric car parking tips:
  • Charge it before you park it When parked, electric cars can still lose charge. Even though it’s not a lot, it adds up over time. Manufacturers’ guidelines suggest charging your vehicle between 50-80% before parking for long periods.
  • Deep sleep Put your electric car into ‘Deep Sleep’ or ‘Power Save’ modes, which help to minimize energy consumption while parked. This mode will turn off any background power systems to enable your vehicle to conserve power.
  • Temperature Adjustments Temperature is one of the biggest energy drainers for electric car batteries. Therefore, keeping your electric car in a garage will help keep a stable temperature during your absence.
  • Tire care To avoid any damage to your car, manufacturers suggest that you inflate your tires before parking.
  • Check your
    car insurance
    Ensure you have the right insurance coverage for events out of your control.
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