5 Tips for Parking Your Electric Vehicle Long Term

How to Park Your Electric Vehicle Long Term

Electric vehicles are becoming more popular every year, but many EV owners are still learning the best ways to care for their vehicles during long-term parking. Parking an electric vehicle for several days, weeks, or months is different from parking a gas-powered vehicle.

If you are leaving your EV at the airport while traveling, storing it during a long vacation, or parking it while away for work, it is important to understand how battery charge, temperature, tire pressure, charging access, and vehicle settings can affect your EV.

The good news is that a little preparation can help protect your electric vehicle while it is parked long-term. These five tips can help keep your EV in better condition and make it easier to get back on the road when you return.

 

 

Quick Answer: How Should You Park an EV Long Term?

To park an electric vehicle long term, choose a shaded or covered parking location, keep the battery at a moderate charge level, avoid leaving the vehicle at 0% or 100%, use Level 1 or Level 2 charging when appropriate, check tire pressure, turn off unnecessary battery-draining features, and inspect the vehicle regularly when possible.

Always check your EV owner’s manual for model-specific long-term storage guidance.

 

 

Why Long-Term EV Parking Requires Extra Planning

Gas-powered cars and electric vehicles both need care when parked for long periods, but EVs have unique needs because of their high-voltage battery systems, software features, and charging requirements.

When an EV sits parked, it may still use a small amount of power for battery management, security features, app connectivity, climate systems, and other background functions. This is sometimes called phantom drain or vampire drain.

Long-term parking can also affect:

• Battery state of charge
• Tire pressure
• Tire flat spots
• 12-volt battery health
• Exterior condition
• Brake surface rust
• Cabin temperature
• Vehicle software features
• Charging readiness

For airport travelers, long-term EV parking matters because your vehicle needs to be ready when you return from your trip. Preparing before you leave can help protect battery health and reduce the chance of surprises after landing.

 

 

Tip #1: Choose the Right Long-Term EV Parking Location

The location where you park your electric vehicle plays a major role in protecting it during long-term storage. Extreme heat, direct sun, freezing temperatures, snow, hail, and heavy rain can all affect your vehicle over time.

Whenever possible, choose a covered, shaded, or protected parking location.

 

Why Location Matters for EV Battery Health

EV batteries are designed to handle a wide range of temperatures, but long exposure to extreme heat can increase stress on the battery. Heat can also make the cabin hotter, affect interior materials, and increase the need for battery temperature management.

Cold weather can temporarily reduce EV range because battery chemistry is less efficient at low temperatures. In many cases, range and battery performance improve again when temperatures warm up, but cold-weather parking can still affect your driving experience when you return.

A good long-term parking location can help reduce exposure to:

• Direct sunlight
• Extreme heat
• Snow and ice
• Heavy rain
• Hail
• Wind-blown debris
• Rapid temperature changes

 

Best Places to Park an EV Long Term

The best long-term EV parking options include:

• Covered airport parking
• Garage parking
• Parking near EV charging access
• A location that avoids standing water or snow buildup

If indoor parking is not available, choose a shaded or covered area when possible. A high-quality car cover can also help protect the vehicle’s exterior, but make sure it is designed for your vehicle and safe for outdoor use.

 

PreFlight Airport Parking Tip

PreFlight Airport Parking offers convenient airport parking options for travelers, including covered parking at ATL, DEN, ORD, and PHX. Covered parking can be especially useful for EV owners who want extra protection from sun, rain, snow, and heat while they are away.

At select PreFlight locations, electric vehicle charging options may also be available in covered areas. EV charging amenities can vary by location, so check your PreFlight location before your trip to confirm available parking and charging options.

 

 

Tip #2: Protect Your EV Battery Before Long-Term Parking

Your EV battery is one of the most important and expensive parts of your vehicle, so battery preparation is one of the most important steps before long-term parking.

Most EV owners should avoid leaving the vehicle parked for a long time at a very low charge or a full 100% charge. A moderate state of charge is typically better for long-term battery health.

 

 

What Charge Level Is Best for Long-Term EV Parking?

Many manufacturers recommend storing an EV at a moderate battery level. For some vehicles, that may be around 50%. Others may recommend a range such as 40% to 60% or 50% to 60%.

Because battery chemistry and vehicle software can vary, the best answer is always the one in your owner’s manual.

 

Why You Should Avoid 0% and 100%

Leaving an EV at 0% for too long can risk deep discharge, which may damage the battery or make the vehicle difficult to restart. Leaving an EV at 100% for an extended period can also add stress to the battery, depending on the vehicle and battery chemistry.

A middle charge level helps reduce stress while still giving the vehicle enough energy to manage standby power needs.

 

Should You Leave Your EV Plugged In?

Some EV manufacturers recommend leaving the vehicle plugged in during long-term storage if possible, with a charge limit set to the recommended storage level. This allows the vehicle to maintain the battery without charging beyond the selected limit.

If you are parking at the airport, charging access may vary. If you cannot leave the vehicle plugged in, arrive with enough charge to account for standby drain and your drive home after your trip.

 

Turn Off Battery-Draining Features

Before parking long term, consider turning off or reducing features that may use power while the vehicle is parked.

Depending on your EV, these may include:

• Cabin preconditioning schedules
• Sentry or security camera modes
• Always-on climate control
• Frequent app wake-ups
• Summon or remote standby features
• Scheduled departure settings
• Interior lights
• Accessories plugged into USB or 12-volt outlets

Check your owner’s manual or vehicle app for settings that may reduce battery drain while parked.

 

 

Tip #3: Use the Right Charging Option

EV charging levels matter, especially when you are thinking about battery health during long-term parking. Not every charging option is ideal for long-term storage.

 

Understanding EV Charging Levels

There are three main charging levels for electric vehicles.

Level 1 charging uses a standard household-style outlet. It is the slowest option, but it can be useful for maintaining charge over long periods.

Level 2 charging uses dedicated EV charging equipment and charges faster than Level 1. This is common at homes, workplaces, hotels, parking facilities, and some airport parking locations.

Level 3 charging, also called DC fast charging, is the fastest option. It is helpful on road trips when you need to recharge quickly, but it is generally not the preferred choice for long-term parking or everyday battery maintenance.

 

Best Charging Option for Long-Term EV Parking

For long-term parking, Level 1 or Level 2 charging is usually the better choice if charging is needed. These options are slower and more controlled than DC fast charging.

If you plan to leave your EV plugged in, set the charge limit according to your vehicle’s storage guidance. Do not leave the vehicle set to charge to 100% unless your owner’s manual specifically recommends it for your situation.

 

When to Use DC Fast Charging

DC fast charging is useful when you need to quickly add range before a drive. However, it is not usually necessary before long-term parking unless you need enough charge to safely reach your destination or charging location.

For airport parking, it may be better to arrive with a healthy mid-range charge rather than charging to 100% right before leaving your vehicle for several days or weeks.

 

PreFlight EV Charging Tip

If you drive an EV to the airport, check whether your PreFlight location offers EV charging before your trip. Charging availability may vary by location, and spots may be limited. Planning ahead can help you decide how much charge you need before you arrive and bring your charging cable. PreFlight will not supply a cable for you to use.

 

 

Tip #4: Maintain Proper Tire Care

When a vehicle sits in one place for a long time, tires can lose pressure or develop flat spots. This can happen to both gas-powered cars and EVs, but EVs are often heavier because of their battery packs, so tire care is especially important.

Proper tire preparation can make your EV safer and more comfortable to drive when you return.

 

Check Tire Pressure Before Parking

Before leaving your EV parked long term, inflate the tires to the pressure recommended by the vehicle manufacturer. You can usually find this information in the owner’s manual or on the tire pressure label inside the driver’s door area.

Do not guess based only on the number printed on the tire sidewall. That number is usually the maximum pressure, not the recommended daily driving pressure.

 

Why Tire Pressure Matters

Proper tire pressure helps:

• Reduce the risk of flat spots
• Support the vehicle’s weight
• Improve safety when you return
• Protect tire life
• Maintain efficiency
• Improve handling

For airport parking during a typical vacation or business trip, a tire pressure check before departure is usually a simple and helpful step. If your tire becomes flat PreFlight is equipped to help get you back on the road from your trip quickly.

 

Tip #5: Check on Your Vehicle and Prepare for Your Return

Even if your EV is parked safely, it is smart to think about what happens while you are gone and what you will need when you return.

If you are parking for a short trip, you may not need anyone to check on the vehicle. If you are parking for several weeks or months, regular checks can help catch issues early.

 

What to Check Before Leaving

Before you leave your EV parked long term, check:

• Battery state of charge
• Tire pressure
• Charging settings
• Charge limit
• Windows and doors
• Trunk and frunk
• Interior lights
• Climate settings
• Security settings
• App notifications
• Charging cable connection, if plugged in
• Parking location details

 

What to Check When You Return

When you return from your trip, take a few minutes before driving away.

Check:

• Battery charge level
• Tire pressure warning lights
• Visible tire condition
• Brake feel
• Windshield and wipers
• Any warning messages
• Charging cable, if used
• Exterior condition
• Range estimate for your drive home

If the vehicle has been parked in rain or snow, brakes may make noise at first because of surface rust. This is common after vehicles sit, but if something feels wrong, stop and inspect the vehicle or contact your service provider.

 

Watch for 12-Volt Battery Issues

Many EVs also have a 12-volt battery that supports accessories, computers, locks, and startup systems. If a vehicle sits too long or has too much background drain, the 12-volt battery may become weak.

If your EV has a 12-volt battery health screen or app notification, check it before long-term parking. For longer storage, follow your owner’s manual for 12-volt battery care.

 

 

Bonus Tip: Check Your Owner’s Manual Before Long-Term EV Storage

Every EV is different. Tesla, BMW, Ford, Hyundai, Kia, Rivian, Chevrolet, Nissan, Volkswagen, and other manufacturers may have different storage recommendations based on battery type, vehicle software, and charging system.

Your owner’s manual may include specific guidance for:

• Recommended storage charge level
• Whether to leave the vehicle plugged in
• Charge limit settings
• 12-volt battery care
• Tire pressure
• Deep sleep or storage mode
• Security features
• Climate control settings
• Long-term storage warnings

If the owner’s manual gives a specific instruction, follow that guidance over general advice.

 

 

Long-Term EV Airport Parking Checklist

Before parking your EV at the airport, use this checklist:

• Check your owner’s manual for storage guidance.
• Choose covered or shaded parking when available.
• Confirm whether EV charging is available at your parking location.
• Set your battery charge level to the recommended range.
• Avoid leaving your EV at 0% or 100% for long-term parking.
• Set a charge limit if leaving the vehicle plugged in.
• Turn off unnecessary battery-draining features.
• Check tire pressure.
• Remove food or items that could attract pests.
• Lock the vehicle.
• Save your parking location.
• Keep your charging adapter or cable secure.
• Make sure you have enough range to drive home after your trip.

 

 

Why PreFlight Airport Parking Is Helpful for EV Travelers

PreFlight Airport Parking can help EV owners make airport travel easier by offering convenient parking options near major airports, shuttle service to and from the terminal, and covered parking options at select locations.

For EV owners, PreFlight can be a smart choice because airport parking planning matters even more when you are thinking about battery charge, weather protection, vehicle security, and your return trip.

 

Benefits of Parking Your EV with PreFlight

PreFlight Airport Parking offers:

• Convenient airport parking near major airports
• Shuttle service to and from the terminal
• Covered parking options at select locations
• EV charging at all locations
• Mobile app tools for making easy reservations, shuttle tracking, and Express parking
• Frequent Parker Program rewards
• A smoother airport arrival and return experience

Availability of EV charging and covered parking can vary by location, so check your specific PreFlight location before booking.

 

 

Plan Ahead Before Parking Your EV Long Term

Long-term EV parking does not have to be complicated, but it does require planning. Choosing the right parking location, protecting your battery, using the right charging option, checking tire pressure, and preparing for your return can help keep your EV in good condition while you are away.

Before your next trip, review your owner’s manual, check your battery settings, and choose an airport parking option that fits your needs.

PreFlight Airport Parking can help make airport travel easier with convenient parking, shuttle service, covered parking options at select locations, EV charging at select locations, and rewards opportunities. Whether you are traveling for a weekend, a business trip, or an extended vacation, planning ahead can help your EV stay ready for the road when you return.