Is It Ok To Charge Ev To 90

Plugging In: The 90% Question

Ever found yourself at a charging station, watching your EV's battery tick up, and wondered, "Should I let 'er rip to 100%?" Or maybe you're new to the EV game and haven't given it much thought yet. Well, grab a cuppa, 'cause we're about to dive into the world of charging, and it's not as complicated as you might think.

First Things First: What's the Big Deal?

You might be thinking, "Why does it matter? I just want my car to go far." And that's a fair point. But here's the thing, folks: charging your EV to 100% every day can be like leaving your phone on the charger overnight. It's not great for the battery's long-term health. Think of it like a muscle - if you work it too hard, too often, it's gonna wear out faster.

Now, don't get me wrong, I'm not saying you should drive around with a sliver of battery left. But there's a sweet spot, and it's around 80-90%. That's where the magic happens. That's where you're giving your battery some love and longevity.

But What If I Need That Extra Range?

I get it, sometimes you've got a long day ahead, or you're planning a road trip. In those cases, it's okay to charge up to 100%. Just try not to make it a habit. It's like eating your favorite dessert every day - sure, it's delicious, but your waistline (or in this case, your battery's health) might not thank you in the long run.

And here's a little tip: most EVs have a feature that lets you set a target charge level. So, you can tell it to stop at 90% instead of going all the way to 100%. It's like having a little guardian angel watching over your battery.

Should I Charge My EV to 80 or 90 or 100%?

Let's Talk About Money

You might be thinking, "Okay, I get the battery part, but what's the deal with charging to 90% saving me money?" Well, my friend, it's all about efficiency. See, the last 20% of your battery charge takes the longest to fill up. It's like trying to fill a glass with a spoon - the closer you get to the top, the slower it goes. So, if you're always charging to 100%, you're spending more time (and thus, more money) at the charger.

Plus, if you're using a home charger, every kWh you don't use is money saved. And who doesn't love saving a few bucks here and there?

But What About Those Fast Chargers?

You might be thinking, "Okay, okay, I get it for home charging, but what about when I'm out and about, using those fast chargers?" Great question! The rules are a bit different here. Fast chargers can heat up your battery a bit, so it's actually a good idea to charge up to 80% when you're using them. But once you're home and plugged in, it's back to the 90% rule.

Step-by-Step Instructions for EV Charger Installation | EN Plus

So, What's the Verdict?

Alright, folks, let's wrap this up. Is it okay to charge your EV to 90%? Yes, yes it is. In fact, it's the best thing you can do for your battery's long-term health. It's like giving your car a little pat on the back, saying, "You're doing great, keep it up!"

And remember, every time you charge to 90% instead of 100%, you're giving your battery a little break. It's like giving your car a well-deserved rest day after a long week of commuting. And who knows, maybe you'll even save a few bucks along the way.

So, next time you're at the charger, give it some thought. Your EV (and your wallet) will thank you.