Life gets busy. Maybe you’re on vacation, working from home, or simply not using your car as often as before. If you own an electric vehicle (EV), you might wonder — “Is it okay if my EV just sits parked for weeks?”
Unlike petrol or diesel cars, EVs don’t need regular starts to keep the engine healthy, but that doesn’t mean you can ignore them completely. Batteries, electronics, and software systems in electric cars work differently, and they do need a little care when parked for long periods.
If you aren’t going to drive your electric car for several weeks, here’s a simple guide on what to expect and how to prepare, what risks are involved, and how to keep your car in perfect condition while it’s resting.
How an EV Differs from a Petrol Car?
Before diving into the details, it helps to understand one simple thing — EVs don’t have engines. Instead, they have:
- A main battery pack (the big one that powers the motor)
- A smaller 12V battery (that powers electronics like lights, locks, infotainment, etc.)
So, when a petrol car sits idle, engine oil thickens, fuel evaporates, and parts corrode. But in an electric car, the main concern is battery discharge and software systems staying active even when not in use.
What Happens When You Don’t Drive Your EV for a While?
Let’s look at the main effects that can happen if your EV stays parked for weeks — or even months.
1. Battery Slowly Discharges:
Even when your EV is off, some small systems (like remote access, monitoring, or battery management) continue to draw power.
- Over a few weeks, this causes slow discharge of the main battery.
- Most modern EVs lose around 1–2% charge per day if left unplugged.
If you leave it for a month or more without charging, the battery can drain to very low levels — and deep discharge is bad for battery life.
Tip: Always leave your EV with at least 50–70% charge before long parking.
2. 12V Battery Can Drain Completely:
All EVs have a smaller 12V battery, similar to what petrol cars use. It powers things like the alarm, infotainment, and electronics.
This small battery doesn’t recharge automatically unless the main system is active. So, if you don’t drive for weeks, it can die — leaving you with a car that won’t “wake up,” even if the main battery is fine.
Tip: Start your car once every 10–15 days for a few minutes, or keep it plugged in if your EV allows trickle charging.
3. Tires Can Develop Flat Spots:
Just like regular cars, when your EV sits for long, the weight presses on the same tire spots continuously.
Over time, this causes “flat spots,” making your ride bumpy once you drive again.
Tip: Move your EV slightly every week or inflate the tires a little above normal pressure before leaving it parked.
4. Moisture and Rust in Certain Parts:
EVs have fewer metal parts than fuel cars, but they still have brakes, suspension, and connectors that can catch moisture.
- Parking outdoors or in humid areas can cause light rusting on brake discs.
- The next time you drive, you might hear a light squeal — this usually goes away after a short drive.
Tip: Park your EV in a dry, shaded spot or use a car cover.
5. Software and System Updates Stop:
EVs are like smartphones on wheels — they get software updates regularly to improve performance or fix bugs.
If you leave your car disconnected or offline for weeks, you might miss updates.
Tip: Keep Wi-Fi or mobile data connection active if your EV supports it.
6. Cabin Smell or Dust Accumulation:
This one isn’t mechanical, but still important.
A parked car for weeks can build up musty air, dust, or even mold inside — especially in Indian humidity.
Tip: Crack open a window slightly or use moisture-absorbing gel packs inside.
How Long Can You Leave an EV Parked Without Issues?
It depends on the model and brand, but here’s a general idea:
| Duration | What Happens | Recommended Action |
|---|---|---|
| 1–2 weeks | Perfectly fine | Keep battery around 60–70%, park safely |
| 3–4 weeks | Minor battery drain | Check tire pressure, recharge before using |
| 1–2 months | 12V battery may weaken | Keep plugged in or use trickle charger |
| 3+ months | Deep discharge possible | Recharge monthly, store in cool, dry area |
What Happens to the EV Battery When Idle for Too Long?
The main lithium-ion battery in your EV is very similar to the one in your smartphone — just much bigger. If you leave your phone off for a month, it still loses charge slowly. The same happens with your car.
However, if the charge drops too low (below 10%), it can enter a deep discharge state, which affects battery lifespan. In some cases, the car’s system may even lock out charging until serviced.
To prevent this:
- Never park your EV with 100% or 0% charge.
- Keep it around 50–70% — the battery stays most stable in this range.
Should You Keep Your EV Plugged In?
If your parking area has a power socket, keeping your EV plugged in is the easiest and safest option. Most EVs automatically manage charging and won’t overcharge the battery.
Benefits of keeping it plugged in:
- Maintains ideal charge level.
- Keeps 12V battery healthy.
- Allows software and battery management systems to stay active.
If you don’t have that option, make sure to drive or start your EV once every two weeks.
Does Weather Affect an Idle EV?
Yes, temperature plays a big role in how an EV battery behaves.
Hot Weather:
- High heat speeds up battery degradation.
- Never park in direct sunlight for long weeks.
Cold Weather:
- Extremely cold conditions reduce battery performance temporarily.
- Park in a sheltered or indoor space if possible.
Ideal storage temperature: Between 15°C and 25°C.
How to Store Your EV for Weeks or Months?
If you plan to leave your EV unused for some time, here’s a simple checklist:
- Charge to 60–70%. Avoid full or near-empty charge.
- Turn off accessories (lights, A/C, infotainment).
- Check tire pressure and inflate slightly higher.
- Clean the car to prevent moisture and odor.
- Cover it properly — use a breathable car cover.
- If possible, keep it plugged in.
- Restart it every 2–3 weeks to recharge the 12V battery.
What About Plug-In Hybrids?
If you own a plug-in hybrid, the situation is similar.
The electric battery may discharge slowly, but the petrol engine still needs occasional use to keep fluids moving.
Try to start and drive for 10–15 minutes every two weeks — this keeps both systems healthy.
Common Myths About Leaving EVs Parked:
Let’s clear up a few misconceptions that confuse many first-time EV owners:
Myth 1: “EV batteries die if not driven for a few weeks.”
➡️ False. Most modern EVs can sit idle for weeks with minimal charge loss.
Myth 2: “You must fully charge before parking.”
➡️ Wrong. Overcharging actually stresses the battery. Mid-level charge is best.
Myth 3: “Leaving it plugged in damages the battery.”
➡️ Not true for modern EVs — smart systems stop charging automatically.
Myth 4: “Cold or hot weather instantly kills batteries.”
➡️ Not instantly, but extreme conditions can slowly degrade performance.
Real-World Example: Tata Nexon EV and MG ZS EV:
- Tata Nexon EV: Can sit idle for 2–3 weeks with minimal charge loss. Tata recommends keeping charge between 50–80%.
- MG Hector: Automatically maintains the 12V battery when plugged in. Users report no issues even after a month of non-use.
So, if you’re planning a long trip or have seasonal use, just follow basic care steps — no need to worry.
The Bottom Line:
Compared to petrol or diesel cars, EVs are more forgiving when parked for long periods. There’s no fuel to spoil, no oil to thicken, and no exhaust parts to rust.
The only real concern is battery health — and with proper precautions, it’s easy to manage.
Think of it like your phone or laptop. You don’t use it for a few weeks; it still works fine when you charge it again — as long as you didn’t leave it completely dead.
Conclusion:
So, what really happens if you don’t drive your EV for weeks?
✅ The battery slowly discharges.
✅ The small 12V battery might weaken.
✅ Tires can flatten a bit.
✅ A few software updates may pause.
But with simple steps like keeping the charge around 60–70%, parking in a shaded spot, and giving it a quick drive every few weeks, your EV will stay in perfect shape.