Not as much as you might be led to believe, as it turns out.
According to the Kia Motors website, “Frequent use of DC Fast Charging can negatively impact battery performance and durability, and Kia recommends minimizing use of DC Fast Charging.”
Is taking your electric car to a DC Fast Charging station really harmful to its battery pack?
How DC Fast Charging Works
Public "Level 3" DC Fast Charging stations can bring an EV's battery up to 80 percent of its capacity in around 30-60 minutes, depending on the vehicle and the outside temperature (a cold battery charges slower than does a warm one). While most electric car charging is done at home, DC Fast Charging can come in handy should an EV owner may find the state of charge indicator getting nervously low while en route. Locating Level 3 stations is essential for those taking extended road trips.
DC Fast Charging uses multiple connector configurations. Most models coming from Asian automakers use what’s called a CHAdeMO connector (Nissan Leaf, Kia Soul EV), while German and American EVs use the SAE Combo plug (BMW i3, Chevrolet Bolt EV), with many Level 3 charging stations supporting both types. Tesla uses a proprietary connector to access its high-speed Supercharger network, which is limited to its own vehicles. Tesla owners can, however, use other public chargers via an adaptor that comes with the vehicle.
Whereas home chargers utilize AC current that’s converted to DC power by the vehicle, a Level 3 charger feeds straight DC energy. That allows it to charge the car at a more rapid clip. A fast-charging station is in constant communications with the EV to which it’s connected. It monitors the car’s state of charge and delivers only as much power as the vehicle can handle, which varies from one model to another. The station regulates the flow of electricity accordingly so as not to overwhelm the vehicle’s charging system and damage the battery
Once charging is initiated and the car’s battery is warmed up, the flow of kilowatts typically increases to the vehicle’s maximum input. The charger will sustain this rate for as long as possible, though it may drop to a more moderate speed if the vehicle tells the charger to slow down so as not to compromise battery life. Once an EV’s battery reaches a certain level of its capacity, usually 80 percent, charging essentially slows to what would then become Level 2 operation. This is known as the DC Fast Charging curve.
Effects Of Frequent Fast Charging
An electric car’s ability to accept higher charge currents is affected by the battery chemistry. The accepted wisdom in the industry is that faster charging will increase the rate at which an EV’s battery capacity will decline. However, a study conducted by the Idaho National Laboratory (INL) concluded that while an electric car’s battery will deteriorate faster if it’s only power source is Level 3 charging (which is almost never the case) the difference isn’t particularly pronounced.
The INL tested two pairs of Nissan Leaf EVs from the 2012 model year that were driven and charged twice daily. Two were replenished from 240-volt "Level 2" chargers like those used in one's garage, with the other two taken to Level 3 stations. They were each were driven on public reads in the Phoenix, Ariz. area over the course of a year. They were tested under the same conditions, with their climate control systems set at 72 degrees and the same set of drivers piloting all four cars. The vehicles’ battery capacity was tested at 10,000-mile intervals.
After all four test cars had been driven for 50,000 miles, the Level 2 cars had lost around 23 percent of their original battery capacity, while the Level 3 cars were down by around 27 percent. The 2012 Leaf had an average range of 73 miles, which means these numbers represent a difference of around just three miles on a charge.
It should be noted that much of the INL’s testing over the 12-month period was conducted in extremely hot Phoenix weather, which can inherently take its own toll on battery life, as would the deep charging and discharging necessary to keep the relatively short-range 2012 Leaf running.
The takeaway here is that while DC charging may have an effect on an electric car’s battery life, it should be minimal, especially in that it’s not a primary charging source.
FAQs
The takeaway here is that while DC charging may have an effect on an electric car's battery life, it should be minimal, especially in that it's not a primary charging source.
Is DC fast charging bad for your EV battery? ›
In addressing the concern of whether DC fast chargers damage EV batteries, current research and evidence suggest that the impact is minimal. Fast charging technology has advanced, ensuring that batteries can rapidly charge without significant degradation.
Is it bad to only fast charge EV? ›
Studies of real-world EV usage to date suggests that fast-charging an EV can have a greater impact on battery life if the vehicle is not equipped with an active thermal management system.
What is the disadvantage of DC charging? ›
In summary, the drawbacks of DC chargers include limited charging speed, higher cost, and charging infrastructure limitations. However, these drawbacks can be mitigated by planning charging routes, considering charging equipment, and driving charging infrastructure development.
What are the disadvantages of EV fast charging? ›
Battery degradation - Some fast chargers for electric cars generate higher temperatures within the battery. Repeated fast charging sessions can also contribute to accelerated battery degradation over time. This may lead to a reduction in overall battery life.
Does fast charging shorten battery life? ›
Does fast charging ruin the mobile phone battery or not? Without long-term studies, it's not possible to answer this question definitively, but so far everything points to the fact that fast charging does not accelerate the normal wear and tear of a battery.
Is it better to charge EV slow or fast? ›
Is slow charging better for your EV battery? Technically, yes, slow charging is better for your EV battery. That said, slow charging is exactly what it says on the tin – slow – meaning it is not a sustainable way to charge your electric car unless you are prepared to charge for over 18 hours (or sometimes a full day).
Should I charge my EV to 100% every night? ›
Generally speaking, you shouldn't charge your EV's battery to 100% every night because repeated charging cycles can harm the battery.
How often should I fast charge my EV? ›
It is important to mention that most EV manufacturers, including Tesla, recommend avoiding frequent charging EV batteries to 100% for daily use. This is because keeping the battery at high voltage and extreme temperatures can lead to increased degradation.
Does level 2 charging shorten battery life? ›
Level 2 charging itself does not inherently damage the electric vehicle battery. However, if not done correctly or too frequently, it can contribute to accelerated battery degradation.
The short answer is: No, a DC to DC charger will not drain your starter battery. Let's answer this question, provide an explanation, and offer a case example to illustrate.
What are 2 disadvantages of DC? ›
Cons
- DC systems are more expensive due to higher insulation requirements.
- Unlike AC, the level of DC voltage cannot be changed easily without losing considerable energy.
- DC cannot be transmitted economically over long distances due to a drop in voltage.
So – How does it all improve your camping experience? A good quality DC to DC Charger has a huge number of benefits: longer off-grid camping, safer charging source, and a regulated input – which will extend the life of your camper trailer battery.
Why fast charging is bad for EV battery? ›
While there is research that shows that frequent fast (DC) charging can somewhat degrade the battery faster than AC charging, the effect on battery heath is very minor. In fact, DC charging only increases battery deterioration by about 0.1 percent on average.
At what speed is an EV most efficient? ›
Whilst the most efficient speed in an EV is below 10mph, this is not realistic for those on longer journeys, although it highlights why EVs are well suited for city driving. If you're travelling faster try to keep your speed constant. Close windows at 45mph and above as this will reduce drag.
Why do EV chargers fail so often? ›
Businesses Can Address EV Charger Issues by Removing Points of Failure. While EV infrastructure issues are largely due to connectivity issues, that's not the only problem. Vandalism, payment processing issues, and other factors can prevent chargers from serving customers.
Is it better to charge EV with AC or DC? ›
Conclusion. DC fast chargers are ideal for charging EVs that need to be back on the road quickly. But they are more expensive to install and maintain than AC chargers. If time is of the essence for your fleet, then DC chargers are going to be the best option.
Is level 2 charging bad for the battery? ›
Level 2 AC charging is recommended to keep the battery in optimal condition. Level 2 chargers are the most efficient home charging option and are also the most common to find at free charging stations around town. Providing 240v power, it takes 6 to 14 hours to fully charge an EV, or 4 to 8 hours for a PHEV.
Will charging my EV to 100% really damage the battery? ›
It's important to note that you can charge your EV to 100%, but it's just that for optimal battery life over the long haul, charging to a lower percentage is a good idea. It's like changing engine oil in an old-school vehicle.
Does DC DC converter help in EV charging system? ›
Now, high-voltage DC power from the lithium ion battery needs to be converted into low-voltage DC power with which the lead battery is charged, and the DC/DC converter makes this conversion. Low-voltage DC power resulting from the conversion allows various components in the EV to operate with proper voltage supplies.
