Should I charge my EV to 80% or 90?
As electric vehicles (EVs) become increasingly popular, many owners find themselves wondering about the best practices for charging their cars. One common question is whether to charge their EVs to 80% or 90%. This article will explore the implications of each charging level, helping you make an informed decision for your vehicle's battery health and performance.
The Benefits of Charging to 80%
Charging your EV to 80% is often recommended by manufacturers and experts for several reasons:
- Battery Longevity: Keeping your battery charged to 80% can significantly extend its lifespan. Lithium-ion batteries, which power most EVs, experience less stress when not charged to full capacity.
- Faster Charging Times: Charging to 80% typically takes less time than charging to 90% or 100%, allowing you to get back on the road quicker.
- Optimal Performance: Many EVs perform best when their battery is not fully charged. Charging to 80% can help maintain optimal performance and efficiency.
The Case for Charging to 90%
While charging to 80% has its advantages, there are scenarios where charging to 90% might be beneficial:
- Longer Trips: If you are planning a long journey and need the extra range, charging to 90% can provide that additional mileage without the need for a mid-trip charge.
- Convenience: For some drivers, charging to 90% may simply be more convenient, especially if they do not have regular access to charging stations.
Conclusion
Ultimately, the decision to charge your EV to 80% or 90% depends on your driving habits and needs. For daily use and battery health, charging to 80% is generally the best practice. However, if you have specific travel requirements, charging to 90% can be a practical choice. Always consider your individual circumstances and consult your vehicle's manual for manufacturer recommendations.
Frequently Asked Questions
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.
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.
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 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 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.
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%.
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.
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.
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.
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.
