What Happens When an EV Is Parked for Months?

Electric vehicles (EVs) are changing the way we drive across the GCC and beyond. They’re smooth, quiet, and clean to run. But here’s a question many new EV owners often ask, what happens if you leave your electric car parked for weeks or even months without driving it?

Maybe you’re traveling abroad, or you have a second car you use more often. Whatever the reason, letting an EV sit idle for a long time can create issues you may not expect. From battery health to tire pressure, every part of the car reacts differently when not in use.

Let’s take a closer look at what really happens when your EV sits still for too long, and what you can do to protect it.

Why Idle EVs Behave Differently Than Petrol Cars

At first, you might think an electric car should handle long periods of parking better than a petrol one. After all, there’s no engine oil to dry out or fuel to go stale. But EVs have their own unique systems that can suffer when left unused.

A petrol car’s biggest risk during long storage is the engine or fuel system. An EV, on the other hand, relies heavily on complex electronics and its high-voltage battery pack. If either of those weakens, your car won’t start even if everything else looks perfect.

So, while EVs need less routine maintenance, they are more sensitive to being parked for long stretches without proper care.

The Main Effects of Leaving an EV Parked for Months

Here is what you need to know. 

Battery Drain and Degradation

Your EV’s high-voltage battery slowly loses charge even when the car is turned off. This process is known as vampire drain, a small but steady loss of energy caused by background systems that stay active, such as the battery management system, connectivity features, and security sensors.

If the battery drops too low, it can go into a “deep discharge” state. That’s dangerous because lithium-ion cells don’t like being left empty. Over time, this can permanently reduce the battery’s ability to hold charge or even require costly service.

12-Volt Battery Failure

Every EV also has a smaller 12-volt battery that powers door locks, alarms, and electronics. This battery can discharge much faster than the main pack because it’s not automatically recharged unless the car wakes up periodically. If it dies, you might not even be able to unlock your car or start the systems needed to charge the main battery.

Tire Flat Spots

Leaving a car parked for months can lead to flat spots on the tires, especially in hot climates like the UAE. The constant pressure on one section of the tire makes the rubber lose its shape. Once you drive again, you’ll feel vibrations or roughness.

Corrosion and Moisture Build-Up

Even though EVs don’t have exhaust systems, they still have brake rotors, suspension parts, and underbody panels that can rust when exposed to humidity or salty air. Cars parked near the coast are more vulnerable to corrosion.

Missed Software Updates

Many electric cars depend on regular software updates to improve performance and security. If your EV isn’t driven or connected for months, it may skip important updates. That can cause bugs or system errors once you start using it again.

How Long Is Too Long to Leave an EV Parked?

The answer depends on your model, climate, and how the car is stored. Most automakers recommend driving your EV at least once every two weeks.

For short periods (up to a month), your car should be fine if it’s parked indoors and charged to the right level. But for two months or more, special care is needed.

A general rule:

• Keep your battery charge between 50% and 60% before parking.
  
• Avoid fully charging to 100% or draining it to 0% before storage.
  
• If possible, keep it plugged into a slow (Level 1 or trickle) charger.
  

Best Practices Before Parking an EV Long-Term

If you’re planning to leave your EV unused for several weeks or months, take these preventive steps:

1. Charge the Battery Wisely
   Set the charge level between 50% and 60%. A full charge might stress the cells, while low levels can lead to deep discharge.
   
2. Disable Energy-Draining Features
   Turn off Sentry Mode, overheat protection, or pre-conditioning systems to reduce vampire drain.
   
3. Inflate Tires Properly
   Fill tires to their maximum recommended pressure before storage. You can also use tire cradles or move the car slightly every few weeks to prevent flat spots.
   
4. Store Indoors or in Shade
   Heat is a battery’s enemy. Parking in a shaded or climate-controlled area helps preserve battery health.
   
5. Keep the EV Plugged In
   If your charger supports it, keep the car plugged in. The system will automatically top up the battery when needed.
   
6. Check for Moisture
   If you park in a humid area, place silica gel packs or dehumidifiers inside the cabin to prevent condensation.
   
7. Lock the Car and Close All Windows
   It sounds basic, but keeping your EV sealed protects the interior from dust and small pests.
   

Getting Your EV Ready After Long Storage

When you return to your EV after months of inactivity, don’t rush to drive off. Spend a few minutes checking key systems:

• Battery level: Plug it in and let it recharge slowly if the level is low.
  
• Tires: Inspect for cracks, low pressure, or flat spots.
  
• Brakes: Lightly press the pedal; surface rust can cause a scraping noise at first.
  
• Software: Connect to Wi-Fi and install any pending updates.
  
• Test drive: Drive gently for the first few minutes to allow systems to recalibrate.
  

If you notice any warning lights or unusual behavior, it’s wise to visit your service center before regular use.

Costs of Neglecting a Parked EV

Ignoring long-term EV care can be expensive. Here’s a rough idea of what repairs might cost in the UAE:

These numbers show why preventive care is always cheaper than repairs later.

Common Myths About Storing EVs

Myth 1: You can leave your EV fully charged for months.
Fact: Storing an EV at 100% charge can degrade the battery faster.

Myth 2: EVs don’t lose power when parked.
Fact: All EVs experience minor energy loss due to background systems.

Myth 3: Plugging in all the time can harm the battery.
Fact: Not true if you use a slow or smart charger; it maintains balance safely.

Final Thoughts

An EV can handle weeks or even months of rest, but only if you prepare it correctly. The key is to balance the battery charge, protect the tires, and store the car in a safe environment.

When you plan ahead, you avoid the shock of a dead battery, costly maintenance, or error messages the next time you start your car.

So whether you’re traveling for the summer or taking a break from driving, give your EV a little attention before you park it for the long haul. It’ll thank you later with a smooth, trouble-free ride.