How to Keep an EV in Good Shape During Long-Term Storage
Before leaving an electric vehicle unused for an extended period, a few basic preparations can help protect its battery, tires, interior, and other components. EVs have fewer moving parts than gas-powered vehicles, but they still need attention while sitting unused.
Storing an EV for an extended period involves different considerations than leaving it parked for a night or two. During extended storage, pay attention to the high-voltage and 12-volt batteries while keeping the vehicle protected from extreme weather, moisture, and pests.
These steps can help prepare an electric vehicle for extended storage.
Choose a Suitable Storage Location
The storage environment can make a significant difference when an EV will remain parked for an extended period. A dry, covered garage is generally preferable to an exposed outdoor parking space. If a garage is not available, choose a level parking area away from trees, standing water, and areas with heavy exposure to direct sunlight.
A safe and secure location can help protect the EV while it remains in storage. Choose a place with limited foot and vehicle traffic to reduce the risk of accidental damage. If possible, avoid areas near construction, sprinklers, or other sources of dust, debris, and water.
When storing the vehicle for several months, look for a space with minimal temperature changes and low humidity. Good ventilation can also help reduce moisture buildup and keep the storage area more suitable for the vehicle.
Use a High-Quality Vehicle-Specific Car Cover
A quality car cover can provide an additional layer of protection when an EV must be stored outdoors. Choose a cover made for your vehicle's specific year, make, and model instead of using a generic cover. A properly fitted cover stays in place more securely and reduces the chance of excess material rubbing against the paint.
For example, owners storing a BMW EV can choose a BMW car cover designed around the vehicle's dimensions. Seal Skin Covers offers vehicle-specific covers for a range of makes and models, including BMW. Depending on the storage environment, consider features such as:
Weather protection: Helps reduce the vehicle’s exposure to rain, snow, UV rays, dust, and other outdoor elements.
Secure fit: An elastic hem and strap system can help keep the cover in position during windy conditions.
Breathable construction: Allows moisture and condensation to escape rather than trapping them against the vehicle.
Vehicle-specific sizing: A closer fit helps provide coverage without excessive material hanging over the vehicle.
Before installing the cover, wash and dry the EV thoroughly. Dirt, road salt, bird droppings, and other contaminants can remain against the paint for months and potentially cause surface damage. Never put a cover over a wet or dirty vehicle, as trapped moisture and debris can lead to staining, scratches, or other finish issues.
If the EV will be stored outdoors for several months, inspect the cover periodically. Check that it remains securely fastened and that there is no accumulated moisture underneath. A properly selected cover can help shield the exterior from weather and debris until the vehicle is ready to be driven again.
Set the High-Voltage Battery to the Right Charge Level
The battery requires particular attention during extended storage. Leaving it nearly full or nearly empty for months may contribute to unnecessary battery stress.
For extended storage, many EV manufacturers recommend leaving the high-voltage battery somewhere around the middle of its usable range. The exact recommendation varies by vehicle, so check the owner's manual before storing the car.
Avoid storing the vehicle with a nearly empty battery. The vehicle still uses a small amount of energy while parked, and a very low charge level can eventually create problems.
At the same time, keeping the vehicle connected to a charger indefinitely is not automatically the best approach. Some EVs have specific storage or battery-maintenance recommendations, while others can manage charging automatically.
Check the Manufacturer's Storage Instructions
EV charging systems and battery-management systems differ between models. Before storage, check the owner's manual for instructions covering:
Recommended battery charge level for extended storage
Whether the vehicle should remain plugged in
How to handle the 12-volt battery
Recommended tire pressure
How to disable unnecessary features or systems
Any specific storage mode or battery-saving settings
These instructions should take priority over general EV storage advice. Manufacturer recommendations can also change depending on the expected storage period and climate.
Take Care of the 12-Volt Battery
The high-voltage battery is only part of the EV’s battery system. Most EVs also have a conventional 12-volt battery that powers various electronics and helps operate the vehicle's low-voltage systems.
A vehicle that sits for months can gradually drain the 12-volt battery, even when the high-voltage battery still has plenty of charge.
Check the manufacturer’s guidance to determine whether the 12-volt battery should be disconnected or connected to a suitable maintainer. Do not disconnect it without checking the owner's manual first, as doing so incorrectly can affect vehicle systems or settings.
If the vehicle has a battery-management or storage mode, use it when recommended by the manufacturer.
Prepare the Tires
Extended periods of stationary storage can lead to flat spots on the tires. The risk depends on factors such as storage duration, tire type, temperature, and vehicle weight.
Before storage, check all four tires and inflate them to the pressure recommended by the manufacturer. Some owners choose to move the vehicle periodically during storage, but this is not always practical or necessary.
For very long storage periods, follow the vehicle and tire manufacturer's recommendations rather than relying on a generic tire-pressure target.
Do not release air from the tires to reduce pressure while the vehicle is parked. Proper inflation provides better support and helps protect the tires during storage.
Clean and Protect the Interior
A clean interior is easier to maintain during long-term storage. Take out food, drinks, trash, and other potential pest attractants before storage.
Vacuum the seats, carpets, and floor areas, then wipe down appropriate interior surfaces. Make sure the cabin is dry before closing the vehicle.
For storage in a humid environment, moisture control may also be useful. A suitable moisture absorber can help reduce excess humidity inside the cabin, provided it is safe for automotive interiors and positioned where it cannot spill.
Leave windows and doors closed unless the manufacturer's storage instructions state otherwise.
Protect Against Pests
A vehicle left parked for an extended period may attract rodents and pests, especially when stored near vegetation or in enclosed areas. Before storage, inspect the vehicle and its parking area for signs of pests. Remove potential food sources and keep the surrounding area clean.
Avoid placing materials around the vehicle that could create additional nesting opportunities. If pest activity is a concern, use appropriate prevention methods that will not damage the vehicle or create safety hazards.
Turn Off Unnecessary Features
Modern EVs can continue communicating with apps, networks, and other systems while parked. Features that remain active while the vehicle is parked, including remote controls, scheduled functions, and security systems, may gradually use battery power.
Review the vehicle's settings before storage and disable features that are unnecessary for the storage period, if the manufacturer allows it.
Also check whether software updates can run while the vehicle is parked. Some models may require the vehicle to have sufficient battery charge or an active connection for certain updates.
Secure the Vehicle Before Leaving It
Once the mechanical and battery preparations are complete, make sure the vehicle itself is ready to remain unattended.
Remove valuables, close all windows, lock the doors, and confirm that the charging equipment is stored safely. If the vehicle will remain plugged in, use only the charging setup recommended by the manufacturer.
If someone will have access to the vehicle during storage, provide clear instructions about charging, moving the vehicle, or checking the battery.
For electric pickup trucks, consider using a truck cap to protect the bed and its contents during extended storage. A truck cap can provide additional coverage from rain, dust, UV exposure, and other outdoor elements while the truck is parked. PeakGear offers truck caps for select pickup models, providing an option for owners who want added protection for the cargo area.
Check the EV Periodically
Long-term storage should not always mean completely forgetting about the vehicle. If possible, arrange for periodic checks, especially when storage will last several months.
A basic inspection can help identify low battery levels, tire-pressure problems, moisture, pest activity, or other issues before they become more serious.
When checking the vehicle:
Look for visible leaks, damage, or signs of pests.
Check the high-voltage battery's state of charge.
Check tire condition and pressure.
Inspect the 12-volt battery as outlined in the vehicle manufacturer’s instructions.
Confirm that the storage area remains dry and secure.
Avoid starting or driving the vehicle simply for the sake of running it unless the manufacturer recommends doing so. If the vehicle must be moved, refer to the manufacturer’s instructions for bringing it back into operation safely.
Getting the EV Ready to Drive Again
When the storage period ends, inspect the vehicle before returning to normal use. Examine the tires, brakes, exterior, charging equipment, and battery condition before driving.
Reconnect or charge the 12-volt battery if it was disconnected, following the manufacturer's procedure. Check the state of charge and recharge the high-voltage battery as required.
If the vehicle has been stored for a particularly long period, or if any warning lights or unusual behavior appear, have it inspected by a qualified EV technician before regular driving.
A few basic precautions can help prepare an EV for long-term storage without extensive maintenance. Pay attention to the battery, vehicle cleanliness, tires, 12-volt battery, and the manufacturer’s storage instructions. Taking these steps before parking an EV can make it much easier to bring the vehicle back into regular use when the storage period is over.
Author Bio
Mark Adams is a content writer and automotive research specialist at Seal Skin Covers, specializing in vehicle and outdoor protection solutions. He focuses on helping readers safeguard their investments through practical care tips, storage advice, and product insights. With a strong interest in automobiles and vehicle maintenance, Mark enjoys exploring ways to extend the life and performance of cars, trucks, and recreational vehicles.
