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Should I charge my EV to 80% or 90?

When it comes to charging your electric vehicle (EV), the decision to charge to 80% or 90% capacity is a balance between battery health, driving range, and charging time. The optimal charging level depends on your driving needs and battery management preferences.


Charging to 80% vs. 90%


Charging to 80%:


  • Puts less stress on the battery, which can help extend its overall lifespan

  • Reduces the amount of time spent charging, as the last 10-20% of capacity takes longer to fill

  • Provides a good balance between driving range and battery health



Charging to 90%:


  • Gives you a longer driving range before needing to recharge

  • May be necessary for longer trips or if you don't have access to charging during the day

  • Puts more stress on the battery, which can degrade it faster over time



The decision ultimately depends on your driving needs and preferences. If you have a consistent daily commute and access to charging, 80% charging may be the better option. However, if you frequently take longer trips or don't have reliable access to charging, 90% charging may be more suitable.


Battery Management Tips


Regardless of your charging level, there are some best practices to help maintain your EV's battery health:


  • Avoid letting the battery drain completely to 0% frequently

  • Limit the use of fast charging, as it can put more stress on the battery

  • Park your EV in a cool, shaded area to minimize heat exposure

  • Follow the manufacturer's recommended charging guidelines



By understanding the tradeoffs and following proper battery management techniques, you can optimize the performance and longevity of your EV's battery.

Is charging to 90 percent ok?


There are two reasons: charging performance and battery longevity. Most of the time you should only charge an EV to 80% because charging rates slow down dramatically past the 80% mark. And two, the long-term health of your vehicle's battery pack is improved when kept below 100%.



What is the 20 90 battery rule?


Recharge whenever convenient.
Don't let it fall below 20% (or higher) and avoid fully discharging the battery unless calibration is needed. Unplug at battery level between 80% (or lower) and 100%. Don't let your phone stay at 100% level for too long, i.e., plugging to charger after fully charged.



Is it OK to stop charging at 80%?


The science of not charging your phone fully
But because of the way lithium-ion batteries work, in terms of their long-term health, something around 80-85 percent is the sweet spot when it comes to getting the most out of them.



Is it OK to charge car to 90%?


Charging to 80% is often recommended for daily use, helping to preserve battery health and reduce charging time. Charging to 90% can provide a bit more range for longer trips. Charging to 100% is useful for maximising range but can impact battery longevity over time.



Should I charge my Tesla to 90 or 80?


The car stops charging when it reaches the % SOC you've set. Tesla recommends charging between 50-90% for daily driving -- depending on your needs -- and to charge the car above 90% only if you may extra range on a longer trip.



Does only charging to 80 percent help?


No batteries last for ever, of course, but staying proactive and aiming for 80% charge can help them last longer. This is because the battery finds it easier to charge when it is slightly empty, rather than nearly full, and therefore has less stress within its charging cycle.



Should I stop charging my EV at 80%?


It is generally recommended to limit the charging of an electric vehicle (EV) to around 80% in order to prolong the life of the battery. This is because charging a battery to 100% can put more strain on it and reduce its overall lifespan.



Should I charge my EV to 100% every night?


While you shouldn't need to charge your EV every night, there are some circumstances where you would want to make sure the battery is charged to 100%, including: During cold weather to ensure your car continues to perform at an optimal level.



Should I charge my car to 80 or 90?


Charging to 90% is better, 80% or less is recommended, 80% being an easy number to remember as it's typically where DC fast charging drops off dramatically. Batteries least stressful state is 50% so if you leave your car for months that will be best for the battery.



What is the 80 rule for EV?


It's not just a random number; the 80/20 rule is a smart way to maximise your EV's performance. Simply put, the 20-80% rule advises maintaining an electric vehicle battery within the 20% to 80% charge range, promoting better battery longevity. Consider it as the battery's green zone.


Kevin's Auto

Kevin Bennett

Company Owner

Kevin Bennet is the founder and owner of Kevin's Autos, a leading automotive service provider in Australia. With a deep commitment to customer satisfaction and years of industry expertise, Kevin uses his blog to answer the most common questions posed by his customers. From maintenance tips to troubleshooting advice, Kevin's articles are designed to empower drivers with the knowledge they need to keep their vehicles running smoothly and safely.