Does fast charging affect battery life?
Tesla Superchargers can seem tempting if you want to keep your EV charged for your daily commute.
But there is a vast discrepancy in opinion online in the safe use of Superchargers and this is causing confusion for many.
So, should Tesla drivers use Superchargers or are home level 2 chargers the answer for EV charging?
Does Superfast charging affect battery life?
If you use Superchargers in moderation, you are not likely to run into issues.
However, Tesla Superchargers are not encouraged as a long-term solution for EV drivers as overuse can go on to affect battery health – as well as being much more expensive.
Designed for long-distance travellers who need super-fast charging, Superchargers can be found on the highways and major travel routes. They offer higher charging speeds and shorter charging times than level 2, Tesla Destination, or domestic level 1 chargers.
But this speed is only possible thanks to DC charging – sometimes called level 3 charging.
Instead of taking AC power from the grid and using the in-car converter to give the EV direct current power to store and use, DC chargers supply DC power directly – offering charging times that can be 10 or more times faster than AC charging in just 15 minutes:
· Tesla Model X – around 175 miles
· Tesla Model S – up to 200 miles
· Tesla Model 3 – a suggested 175 miles
· Tesla Model Y – approximately 162 miles
Main risks of Tesla Superfast charging
If overused by drivers – who won’t or can’t access level 2 domestic charging – what are the main hazards?
Increased heat generation
The high influx of energy into EV batteries over a short space of time can increase the temperature within the battery pack.
These high temperatures accelerate chemical reactions with the cells, promoting electrolyte decomposition and electrode material breakdown.
Thermal expansion can also put mechanical stress on the battery components which could result in structural damage and affect EV battery health.
State of Charge (SoC) impact
If you use fast or superfast charging, it means charging the battery to a higher state of charge (SoC) in a shorter time frame.
This can put excessive strain on the battery and can reduce the effective usable battery capacity.
Reduced charging efficiency
If the battery gets too hot during fast charging, charging itself can become less efficient.
If compromised, the battery can’t store all of the energy during the charging process and it is dissipated as heat.
Battery degradation
Increased heat, high SoC operation, and reduced efficiency all lead to battery degradation – causing a decline in storage capacity and power output.
Thus, reducing driving range and overall performance.
Cost to fast charge an electric car
While it will differ widely by state, DC charging is the most expensive option and can cost considerably more to get to 80% – it will just be faster.
On average, however, costs can be around:
· Home charging – $0.13 per kWh
· Level 2 public charging – $0.25 per kWh
· DC Superfast charging – $0.50 per kWh
As such, Tesla Superfast chargers are likely to be twice the price of public level 2 chargers and just under 4 times the price of at-home charging.
Make EV charging work for you
As we have established, routinely relying on Tesla Superfast chargers can lead to battery degradation and can cost much more than at-home charging.
For this reason, while it can be used as needed on long trips, it remains best practice to rely on regular level 2 at-home EV charging as part of a routine – something that has been proven to keep EV batteries in the best condition for as long as possible.
If you need to begin home charging or need a new charger to replace old stock, use our EV selector tool to find the right option for your EV.
You can also use our webchat by clicking the icon at the side of your screen – our helpful team would be delighted to help!
Fast charging affect battery life
Fast charging affect battery life
Fast charging affect battery life
Fast charging affect battery life
Fast charging affect battery life
Fast charging affect battery life
Fast charging affect battery life
