Juice Up or Top Off: Understanding Charging Modes in EV Charging Stations
If you are an EV owner or planning to buy one then Understanding the nuances of EV charging is crucial in optimizing battery performance and longevity.In this article we will discuss different charging modes, significance,common practices and relevance of 80% rule.
What is the 80% rule ?
The 80% rule of EV is a guideline that suggests that electric vehicle (EV) owners should avoid charging their batteries to 100% on a regular basis, and instead keep them between 20% and 80% charged.
Reasons to follow 80% rule
Charging speed -The charging speed of an EV battery slows down significantly as it gets closer to full.The fuller the battery is, the slower it absorbs energy. For example, it may take 30 minutes to charge an EV battery from 20% to 80%, but another 30 minutes to charge it from 80% to 100%. Therefore, it is often more efficient to charge to 80% and then continue on your journey.
Battery life -Lithium-ion batteries, which are used in most EVs, degrade over time with repeated use. However, the rate of degradation is accelerated when the battery is kept at high or low states of charge for extended periods of time. By keeping your EV battery between 20% and 80% charged, you can help to prolong its lifespan.
Some common EV charging modes and how they work with the 80% rule
Level 1 charging: This is the slowest type of charging, and it uses a standard household outlet. Level 1 charging is typically used for overnight charging.It is the slowest type of charging, and it uses a standard household outlet. The voltage is 120 volts, the current is 12 amps, and the power level is 1.44 kilowatts (kW).
Level 2 charging: This type of charging uses a dedicated charging station, and it is much faster than Level 1 charging. Level 2 charging is typically used for home charging and public charging.The voltage is 240 volts, the current is 30 amps, and the power level is 7.2 kW.
DC fast charging: This is the fastest type of charging, and it can charge an EV battery to 80% in as little as 30 minutes. DC fast charging is typically used for public charging.The voltage is 400-900 volts, the current can be up to 500 amps, and the power level can be up to 500 kW.
You can use any of these charging modes to follow the 80% rule. Simply set the charging limit to 80%, and your EV will stop charging when it reaches that level.
Tips for following 80% Rule
There are times when it may be necessary to charge your EV battery to 100%, such as if you are going on a long road trip. However, for most everyday driving, following the 80% rule is a good way to extend the life of your battery and save time on charging.
-Set a charging limit on your EV charger, so that it automatically stops charging at 80%
-If you are planning a long road trip, plan your charging stops ahead of time. You may have to charge 100% for these trips, but try to avoid keeping your battery at 100% for extended periods of time.
-If you are going to be storing your EV for a period of time, it is best to leave the battery at around 50% charge.
Climate factor and battery technology
The 80% rule is a general guideline. The best way to charge your EV battery will vary depending on the make and model of your vehicle, the climate you live in, and your driving habits. For example, if you live in a hot climate, you may want to keep your battery below 80% to prevent it from overheating.
Some EV models have battery management systems that help to reduce battery degradation, even if the battery is charged to 100% on a regular basis. Overall, the 80% rule is still a good practice to follow if you want to extend the life of your EV battery.
Key takeaway
One can follow 80% rule while choosing any of charging modes.The common practice of 80% charging for EVs is to keep the battery state of charge (SOC) between 20% and 80%.
It is a good practice to improve battery longevity,battery health and charging speed.
