Every EV loses a small amount of charge while parked and turned off. This is normal background drain, but it becomes a problem when it happens faster than it should, sometimes called vampire drain or ghost drain. This section explains the difference between expected loss and a real fault, and the settings that make the biggest difference. Start with why an EV battery drains overnight for daily loss, what ghost drain is and how to prevent vampire drain for the fix, and how long you can leave an EV parked if you are storing the car for weeks.
Your EV’s A/C is draining the battery faster than expected. Here’s exactly how much air conditioning costs in range, why it draws so much power, and the most effective strategies to stay cool while losing less battery.
Your EV heater is draining the battery much faster than expected. Here’s exactly why it uses so much power, how much different heating features cost in range, and how to stay warm while losing as little battery as possible.
Sentry Mode is draining your Tesla’s battery while parked — potentially 50–70% per day. Here’s exactly how much it uses, why, and how to eliminate the drain without giving up your security protection.
Your EV battery is draining while camping — overnight climate use, security monitoring, and V2L loads add up. Here’s exactly how much each feature costs and how to minimize drain while staying comfortable for multi-night EV camping.
Vampire drain stealing your EV’s range while parked? Here are 7 proven strategies to minimize or eliminate standby battery loss — specific settings for Tesla, Rivian, Ford, Hyundai, Kia, VW, and Nissan.
Your EV is losing battery while parked with no obvious cause — that’s ghost drain. Here’s exactly what causes it in each EV brand and specific fixes to stop each drain source.
How long can you leave an EV parked without charging before the battery becomes a problem? Here are specific time limits for different scenarios and exactly how to prepare your EV for extended parking without battery damage.
Your EV is losing battery while parked overnight. Here’s every reason it happens — connected services, climate systems, BMS activity, Sentry Mode — and exactly how to stop each drain source.