It is well-known that replacing EV batteries can be very expensive. However, in my area, DC charging is going to be the standard for the foreseeable future since I do not have access to an AC charging point. Is this a bad situation? Will using DC charging significantly reduce my battery health over time compared to AC charging?
Hi!
I understand your concern about battery health. While it’s true that frequent DC fast charging can lead to slightly faster battery degradation compared to AC charging, the difference is generally minor.
Modern EVs have advanced battery management systems that help mitigate potential damage from fast charging.
These systems regulate the charging process to protect the battery, especially as it approaches full charge.
Given your situation, using DC fast charging as your primary method shouldn’t cause significant harm to your battery.
Just try to avoid keeping your battery at extreme high or low states of charge for extended periods, as this can also impact battery health.
Hope this helps!
DC is more damaging to batteries than AC. Every EV charging study you can find will back up that claim. Now, is it significant enough to cause concern? Most folks probably don’t. However, if you want to minimize degradation, you should avoid DCFC.
When I got my 2017 Chevy Volt, I was initially concerned about the long-term costs of battery replacement. Like you, I only had access to DC fast charging in my area, which worried me about its potential impact on battery health. After some research and personal experience, I learned that while DC fast charging is convenient, it can indeed cause more wear on the battery over time compared to slower AC charging. This is because the higher power levels generate more heat, which can degrade the battery faster. However, if DC charging is your only option, it’s important to manage your charging habits, such as not always charging to 100% and avoiding frequent fast charging when the battery is already hot, to help mitigate these effects.