As electric vehicles (EVs) gain traction worldwide, the convenience of fast charging has become an essential feature for many. However, there’s an underlying concern: does frequent fast charging compromise battery longevity?
Recurrent recently undertook a comprehensive study on this subject, examining over 12,500 Tesla vehicles. In their analysis, vehicles that were frequently fast charged (more than 90% of the time) were pitted against those that seldom experienced fast charging (less than 10%). Surprisingly, the study found negligible differences in battery wear between the two cohorts.
That said, while infrequent fast charging appears to be benign, some best practices can optimize battery health:
- Optimal Temperature Regulation: Especially in extreme weather, precondition the battery before initiating a fast charge. This ensures the battery maintains the ideal temperature during the charging process.
- Mind the Battery’s State: Refrain from fast charging when the battery’s state of charge is exceedingly low or high. Under these conditions, battery resistance tends to be elevated.
- Consider Tapered Charging: Most EVs reduce charging speeds once they hit an 80% state of charge. To ensure efficiency, switching to level 2 charging for the remaining 20% can be advantageous.
These findings hint at the efficacy of contemporary battery management systems, which seem adept at shielding batteries from potential harm during habitual fast charging. However, it’s crucial to remember that these results are relatively short-term; more extensive research spanning longer durations is vital.
In summary, fast charging, when used judiciously, seems to be harmless for the majority of EV users. Adhering to guidelines concerning battery temperature and its state of charge, particularly under severe weather conditions, is prudent. With ongoing advancements in battery technology, we can anticipate an even safer fast charging landscape in the coming years.
