Fully Electric and Hybrid Car Storage: What You Need to Know Before Storing an EV
Updated: 5 days ago
Electric vehicles are becoming increasingly common on roads across London, Kent and the Southeast. But what happens when you need to store an electric car for a few weeks, several months or longer? Whether you are going away, have a second vehicle, are between properties, need somewhere to keep a new car before delivery or simply want to free up space at home, secure electric car storage can be a practical solution. At South London Self Storage in Wilmington, Dartford, we provide secure vehicle storage for electric cars alongside conventional cars, classic vehicles, sports cars, vans and other vehicles.
Do electric cars need to be plugged in while in storage?
Not necessarily. One of the most common questions from electric vehicle owners is whether an EV needs to remain connected to a charger throughout its time in storage. The answer depends on the vehicle, its battery technology, the length of storage and the manufacturer's recommendations.
Modern EVs use sophisticated battery management systems, and the high-voltage battery does not simply lose all its charge as soon as the vehicle is parked. However, battery charge can gradually decrease while a vehicle is not being used, and different manufacturers provide different recommendations for long-term storage. For that reason, if you are storing an electric car for an extended period, you should always check the manufacturer's guidance for your vehicle. In many cases, the important consideration is not keeping the battery at 100% but putting the vehicle into storage with an appropriate state of charge and checking it periodically if it is being stored for a long time.
South London Self Storage does not require a dedicated EV charging bay
South London Self Storage does not currently have dedicated electric vehicle charging points on site. For many customers, however, this does not prevent the facility from being a practical option for electric car storage. If your vehicle has sufficient charge for the period, it will be stored, it can simply remain securely parked without being connected to a dedicated EV charger. If your vehicle does require charging before it leaves the site, an ordinary electrical socket may be available for this purpose, subject to prior agreement and the suitability of the vehicle's manufacturer's-approved charging equipment. This is different from offering a dedicated rapid or fast EV charging service. Customers should therefore discuss their requirements with the storage team before booking.
How long can an electric car sit unused?
There is no single answer that applies to every electric vehicle. Battery capacity, vehicle electronics, temperature, the battery's state of charge and the manufacturer's storage recommendations can all affect how long an EV can remain parked. Some manufacturers recommend checking the battery during prolonged storage, while others provide specific state-of-charge recommendations for vehicles that will be unused for an extended period.
If you are planning long-term electric car storage, it is sensible to:
Check your vehicle manufacturer's recommendations before storing the car.
Leave the battery at the manufacturer's recommended state of charge.
Avoid assuming that a 100% charge is best for long-term storage.
Check whether your vehicle requires periodic battery monitoring or charging.
Remember that an EV also has a conventional 12V battery, which can require attention when a vehicle is left unused for a long period.
Make sure you know what is required before collecting the vehicle.
The manufacturer's handbook should always take priority over general EV storage advice.
Why secure EV storage can be useful
Electric cars are valuable vehicles, and leaving one parked on a public road for a prolonged period may not be ideal. Secure vehicle storage gives you an alternative when you need somewhere away from home to keep your car.
At South London Self Storage, the vehicle storage site in Wilmington, Dartford benefits from:
24/7 monitored CCTV
Controlled access via electric gates
Keypad and security password access
A secure site managed by The Bridge Group
Indoor, covered and outdoor vehicle storage options
Convenient access from the M25, A2 and A20
The facility can accommodate a range of vehicles, including electric cars, everyday cars, classic cars, sports cars, race cars, vans and other specialist vehicles.
Preparing your electric car for storage
Before leaving your EV at a storage facility, it is worth taking a few simple precautions.
Check the manufacturer's guidance
Start with the owner's manual or manufacturer's official guidance for long-term vehicle storage. This should tell you the recommended battery state of charge and whether the vehicle needs to be checked or charged during storage.
Check the battery level
Do not automatically assume that a fully charged battery is best for long-term storage. EV manufacturers can recommend different charge levels, so follow the guidance for your particular vehicle.
Check the 12V battery
The high-voltage battery is not the only battery in an electric car. The 12V battery can also gradually discharge while a vehicle is unused, so check the manufacturer's recommendations for maintaining it during prolonged storage.
Remove unnecessary items
Take valuables and personal belongings out of the vehicle before placing it into storage.
Check your tyres
If the vehicle will remain stationary for an extended period, check the tyre pressures before storage and again when you return to the vehicle.
Plan ahead for collection
If you expect the car to have been stored for several months, allow enough time to carry out any recommended battery checks or charging before you need to drive it away.
Is electric car storage different from normal car storage?
There are some additional considerations, but storing an electric vehicle does not have to be complicated.
Unlike a petrol or diesel vehicle, an EV does not have fuel that can degrade in the traditional way during long-term storage. Instead, the main consideration is the condition and charge level of the vehicle's batteries, together with the manufacturer's recommendations.
The basic requirements remain the same: a secure location, appropriate access, suitable conditions and a plan for getting the vehicle back on the road when you need it.
Electric car storage in Dartford and South London
If you need secure electric car storage in Dartford, Wilmington, Bexley, Greenwich, Bromley, Sidcup or the surrounding South London and Kent areas, South London Self Storage offers flexible vehicle storage options to suit different requirements. The site is conveniently located inside the M25, close to the A2 and A20, making it accessible from South London, Dartford and the wider Kent and Southeast London area.
Car storage starts from £8 per week, subject to availability, with discounts available for longer-term storage.
If you are considering storing an electric vehicle, contact South London Self Storage to discuss your requirements and confirm the most suitable storage and charging arrangements for your vehicle.
Check prices and availability today or contact the team to discuss electric car storage in South London and Dartford.
