---
title: "Storing an Electric Car Long Term: What Ford Advises"
description: "How to prepare an electric car for long-term storage in Canada: Ford’s advice on charge level, the 12V battery and where to park, and why other makers differ."
url: https://car-storage.ca/guides/ev-long-term-storage/
last_updated: 2026-10-24
---

# Storing an electric car long term

An EV is not a gas car with a bigger battery. Its high-voltage battery has its own storage advice. The most specific Canadian guidance we found is from Ford Canada.

## What Ford Canada says

For long-term storage, more than 30 days:

- Leave the high-voltage battery at about 50% charge. (source: https://www.ford.ca/support/how-tos/electric-vehicles/electric-vehicle-maintenance/how-can-i-prepare-my-electric-vehicle-for-long-term-storage/)
- Disconnect the 12V battery after charging. (source: https://www.ford.ca/support/how-tos/electric-vehicles/electric-vehicle-maintenance/how-can-i-prepare-my-electric-vehicle-for-long-term-storage/)
- Store the vehicle in a dry, ventilated place. (source: https://www.ford.ca/support/how-tos/electric-vehicles/electric-vehicle-maintenance/how-can-i-prepare-my-electric-vehicle-for-long-term-storage/)
- Check your owner’s manual for the exact steps for your model. (source: https://www.ford.ca/support/how-tos/electric-vehicles/electric-vehicle-maintenance/how-can-i-prepare-my-electric-vehicle-for-long-term-storage/)

> Other makers differ. Tesla, Hyundai, Nissan and others each publish their own advice, and we have not verified it. Use your owner’s manual or ask the dealer.

## Choosing the place

Dry and ventilated rules out a damp outdoor spot with no cover. Indoor storage fits better. See [EV storage](https://car-storage.ca/vehicles/ev-storage/) and [indoor car storage](https://car-storage.ca/storage/indoor-car-storage/).

Charging in storage depends on the facility. Ask whether there is power at the space and whether charging an EV is allowed. See [how to compare quotes](https://car-storage.ca/guides/how-to-compare-car-storage-quotes/).

## Questions to settle first

- How long will it sit?: Ford’s advice is for more than 30 days. Short gaps may need nothing special.
- Will I need to charge it on the way?: If so, you need a place with power.
- What does my insurer need?: See [insurance while in storage](https://car-storage.ca/guides/car-insurance-while-in-storage/).

## Related

- [Electric vehicle storage](https://car-storage.ca/vehicles/ev-storage/)
- [How to store a car for winter in Canada](https://car-storage.ca/guides/how-to-store-a-car-for-winter/)
- [Indoor vs outdoor car storage](https://car-storage.ca/guides/indoor-vs-outdoor-car-storage/)

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Find a spot: https://car-storage.ca/request-a-spot/ · Email: info@car-storage.ca