Electric Vehicle Battery Performance Degradation Cannot Be Avoided

The trend of using electric vehicles (EVs) in Indonesia has continued to increase in recent years. The growing variety of models, combined with advancements in battery technology, has made electric vehicles increasingly popular among the public as they are considered more efficient and environmentally friendly. However, the rising population of electric vehicles is also accompanied by different maintenance demands compared to conventional engine vehicles. One aspect that is now beginning to receive attention is battery health, given that this component plays a vital role in performance, range, and the vehicle’s long-term value. According to Mahaendra Gofar, founder of EVSafe, battery degradation in electric vehicles is indeed unavoidable. However, the rate of decline can still be slowed through proper usage patterns and charging habits. “EV battery degradation occurs naturally as the lithium-ion cells age and undergo chemical changes due to use, causing a gradual decrease in maximum capacity over time,” Gofar told Kompas.com on Sunday (10/5/2026). Gofar explained that one way to maintain battery health is to avoid the habit of charging to 100 per cent every day, especially if the vehicle is not used for long trips. According to him, keeping the battery level within a certain range can help reduce stress on the battery cells. Additionally, users are advised not to let the battery remain in a very low condition or near zero per cent too often. “Charging patterns have a significant impact on battery lifespan. More judicious usage can help slow degradation,” he said. In addition to charging habits, temperature is also a factor that affects the condition of electric vehicle batteries. Prolonged exposure to excessive heat is said to accelerate the process of performance decline. Therefore, electric vehicle owners are advised to park their vehicles in shaded areas if possible, especially in hot weather. Frequent use of fast charging should also be limited and adjusted to needs. As long as it is used and maintained well, EV batteries can generally last a long time with performance that remains suitable for daily use.