Is it better to charge an EV at home or at a public charging station?
Charging an EV at home is generally cheaper and more convenient than charging at a public station, but it may also be slower and less available. Charging an EV at a public station is generally faster and more available than charging at home, but it may also be more expensive and less convenient. There are two reasons: charging performance and battery longevity. Most of the time you should only charge an EV to 80% because charging rates slow down dramatically past the 80% mark. And two, the long-term health of your vehicle’s battery pack is improved when kept below 100%.
Is it cheaper to charge my EV at home or at a charging station?
One of the main advantages of charging an EV at home is that it is generally cheaper than charging at a public station. According to a 2017 report, a person charging an EV at home pays an average of $0. Wh, while a public charging station costs an average of $0. Wh1. Electric car batteries typically last 15–20 years, depending on climate, driving habits, and charging practices. Most automakers guarantee at least 70% capacity for 8–10 years or 100,000 miles under warranty. California extends that warranty to 10 years or 150,000 miles.In fact, a recent study conducted by Cox Automotive showed that in 2022, 28% of those surveyed were concerned about the cost of a battery replacement. However, in most cases, EV batteries can be expected to last at least 10 years or 100,000 miles, and can last even longer with proper care.Data collected from thousands of EVs on the road reveals that today’s batteries typically retain 80-90% of their original capacity after 8-10 years or 100,000+ miles. This gradual capacity loss doesn’t render the vehicle unusable; it simply reduces maximum range slightly over time.It can be expensive, with an EV battery replacement cost typically ranging from $5,000 to $20,000, depending on factors like battery size, make, model and warranty coverage. Fortunately, most owners never need to replace the battery during the vehicle’s lifespan, and new technology and recycling are driving costs down.
Should I charge EV to 80% every night?
Ideally, you should keep your battery between 20 and 80% to maintain good battery health and prolong battery life. It’s also better to charge as little as possible, while keeping your battery above the recommended 20% and below 80%. Charging every day, when it’s not necessary, will degrade your battery faster. The 80/20 rule for lithium batteries recommends: Charge up to 80% for daily use. Charge to 100% only when needed, such as before a long trip or a full discharge cycle. Avoid letting the battery discharge lower than 20%.Ideally, you should charge your phone when its battery level drops to around 20-30% and unplug it once it reaches 80-90%. There’s no specific number of times you should charge your phone in a day; it depends on your usage. Just avoid letting the battery drain completely and frequently charging it to 100%.