This is a discussion about whether fast charging can damage electric car batteries. What do you think?
Am I wrong to think people worry too much about batteries? Shouldn’t we be more concerned about things like the interior falling apart in 10 years or the AC breaking down and costing a fortune to fix?
Vann said:
Am I wrong to think people worry too much about batteries? Shouldn’t we be more concerned about things like the interior falling apart in 10 years or the AC breaking down and costing a fortune to fix?
My interior crumbled and I needed to repaint my 2002 Ram 2500 back in 2015. The power train was solid, but the dashboard fell apart and the cloth seats were wearing out. I had to redo the exterior paint too.
I think the same issues could hit EVs.
@Mason
In 10 years? That sounds wild
Vann said:
Am I wrong to think people worry too much about batteries? Shouldn’t we be more concerned about things like the interior falling apart in 10 years or the AC breaking down and costing a fortune to fix?
Honestly, you can manage with a car that has no AC and a shabby interior. My other car is a 1985 Volvo wagon with a totally worn-out interior, about 450,000 miles, and no AC because it broke and I just took the whole system out instead of trying to fix it.
But if the battery fails, that’s way harder to deal with.
Vann said:
Am I wrong to think people worry too much about batteries? Shouldn’t we be more concerned about things like the interior falling apart in 10 years or the AC breaking down and costing a fortune to fix?
These folks actually avoid letting their phone charge past 80% because they think it degrades the battery by 1%.
@Sam
High usage on phones affects them faster. They aren’t cooled like cars.
If you don’t need to charge over 80% and it saves you $100 over a couple of years, why worry?
Dallas said:
@Sam
High usage on phones affects them faster. They aren’t cooled like cars.
If you don’t need to charge over 80% and it saves you $100 over a couple of years, why worry?
Phones cycle their batteries every day or so, while a car might do it weekly to monthly, depending on usage.
I think the usual tips for keeping your battery going until the car rusts away are pretty straightforward:
- The makers of your car know their stuff (unless it’s a Leaf or a bz4x/Solterra). Charge as needed for your trips, don’t stress about it.
- If your car suggests things like ‘don’t charge over 80% for daily driving’ or ‘charge to 100% once a month,’ follow that advice.
- Avoid letting your battery sit at a really low charge for too long, especially when it’s cold.
- Don’t leave your battery at a high charge for extended periods, especially when hot.
- Try not to regularly run it down to 0%.
This video clears up some misconceptions. The main point is fast charging up to 2.5 times your battery capacity is okay. (My Ioniq has 28kWh and charges up to 69kW).
I think this video also mentions battery decline, and the worst is leaving your battery full or empty in high heat (like 50°C), but it’s not so bad in freezing temps since chemical reactions slow down.
@Lane
So many factors come into play. It depends on battery chemistry, outside temp, how often you do it, and how well your battery management system looks after your battery overall.
These general videos and claims don’t apply universally since every manufacturer’s battery is different, even within the same year or model.
@Dallas
Non-enthusiasts need simplified info. Otherwise, you get people thinking they can’t ever charge to 100% without something going wrong.
Most drivers don’t care what kind of fuel their car uses, but this kind of gatekeeping might make potential buyers think they need a degree in battery knowledge.
I don’t care at all, it’s a lease. I could leave it plugged in for months. I’m not sure if I lose 1% a month in charging capacity, but if I can charge it 50% faster at a fast charger, that’s worth it to me.
@Sam
Interesting story. This video isn’t really for you then.
Many people want to take care of their things and yes, you could also misuse your engine or transmission in a lease.
Dallas said:
@Sam
Interesting story. This video isn’t really for you then.
Many people want to take care of their things and yes, you could also misuse your engine or transmission in a lease.
And I get the warranty and move on. What’s your point?
@Sam
Why are you being so aggressive? Are you alright?
@Sam
The point is that some folks like to take care of their things and avoid damaging them if they can easily do so.
You know, like decent human beings.
LillyGrace said:
@Sam
The point is that some folks like to take care of their things and avoid damaging them if they can easily do so.
You know, like decent human beings.
I’m not saying to destroy it. I’m just saying I’m okay losing 1% of capacity to charge faster because in the end, it’s the manufacturer’s car.