How to check your EV's Battery percentage?

Checking the battery percentage of an Electric Vehicle (EV) is generally quite straightforward, much like checking the fuel level in a gasoline car. Here are the most common methods:

Car's Dashboard/Instrument Panel:

This is the most common and immediate way to see your EV's battery level. Most modern EVs display the State of Charge (SOC) as a percentage (e.g., 85%) or a visual gauge with bars, often alongside an estimated remaining range in kilometers or miles.
Some older EVs might use a simpler bar system, where each bar represents a certain percentage increment (e.g., 5% or 10%).

Infotainment System Screen:

Many EVs integrate battery information into their central touchscreen infotainment system. You can usually navigate to a dedicated "Energy," "Battery," or "EV" section to see the current percentage, charging status, and even more detailed information about energy consumption.

Remote Smartphone Apps:

Almost all EV manufacturers offer a dedicated smartphone app for their vehicles. These apps typically allow you to remotely check the battery percentage, see if the car is currently charging, and even start or stop charging. This is especially convenient if you're away from your car.
Popular examples include the Tesla app, BYD app, and other manufacturer-specific applications.
Beyond manufacturer apps, there are also third-party apps like "A Better Routeplanner (ABRP)" or "PlugShare" that can integrate with some vehicles to show battery status and help plan routes with charging stops.

Charging Status Lights:

When your EV is plugged in, many models have indicator lights on the dashboard or around the charging port that show the charging status. These lights might change color or blink to indicate different levels of charge or when charging is complete. Consult your owner's manual for the specific meaning of these lights on your vehicle.

OBD2 Readers/Scanners (More Advanced):

For a more detailed look at battery health and data, you can use an OBD2 (On-Board Diagnostics) reader. These devices plug into a port in your car and can communicate with its computer system. With the right software or app, an OBD2 reader can provide more granular data about the battery's state of charge, cell balancing, and overall health (State of Health or SoH). This is usually for more in-depth diagnostics rather than a quick check of the percentage.

Accuracy of Battery Percentage Displays:

EV battery percentage displays are generally quite accurate, especially compared to the often-optimistic fuel gauges in gasoline cars. However, the estimated range can fluctuate based on:

Driving style: Aggressive acceleration and braking consume more energy.
Temperature: Extreme hot or cold weather can affect battery performance and range.
Terrain: Driving uphill requires more power.
Use of accessories: Heating, air conditioning, and other electrical loads impact range.
Regenerative braking: Efficient use of regenerative braking can extend your range.

While the percentage itself is usually reliable, always consider these factors when planning your trips based on the estimated range.