Which charging method you use more frequently, home charging or fast charging? If the answer is fast charging, then perhaps you should read this article to get more information about how it can affect your EV battery. Although fast charging is convenient and time-saving, but concerns have been raised about the effects of fast charging on the health and longevity of EV batteries. So how does fast charging really work, and will it affect your battery's health?
How fast charging works?
Fast charging, also referred to as Level 3 charging or DC charging is the fastest charging station that can charge your EV in minutes instead of hours. Electric car batteries run on DC (direct current) power. The outlet in a household usually uses AC (alternating current), so the on-board charging equipment in an EV needs to convert the electricity. But it has a limit on how fast the process is. With DC fast charging, your EV doesn't have to convert the current. It can fill your EV battery much faster.
How it can affect your EV battery?
Not all fast charging will harm your EV battery, occasional fast charging is fine. However, there are several times when fast charging may have an impact on your EV battery.
- Using fast charging means using greater charging current. which may cause the battery to produce more heat. Elevated temperatures can shorten a battery's lifespan by accelerating cell deterioration over time. Preconditioning your battery can help you avoid this condition.
- Fast charging from 0% to 100% isn't an ideal charging habit. High current charging at very low states or very high states can stress the battery more and possibly hasten the deterioration process. We suggest you recharge the EV before it gets totally empty. For daily driving, keep the power between 20-80 is recommended.