Should you fast charge your EV?

Should you fast charge your EV?

EV owners tend to prioritize battery capacity, which affects the vehicle’s range per charge. A greater capacity provides more range, giving drivers confidence and flexibility, especially those who rely on EVs for everyday commuting or long trips.

DC fast charging, a technology that allows for fast EV recharging, outperforms traditional approaches in terms of efficiency. This solves a prevalent concern among prospective EV owners: long charging time. However, fast charging has a negative reputation due to fears that it harms the battery’s long-term health.

So, does this convenience come at the cost of long-term battery performance? Should you skip fast charging your EV at the expense of slower, more time-consuming recharges? The answer, like many other things, is not a straightforward yes or no and is determined by a variety of factors. In this article, we will take a closer look at DC fast charging and whether fast charging damages your EV’s batteries.

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Should you fast charge your EV?

What is fast charging and how does it work?

DC fast charging, also known as direct current fast charging, accelerates EV recharging greatly when compared to alternating current (AC) methods. Unlike AC charging, which converts grid AC power to DC for battery charging, DC fast charging delivers DC power directly to the battery, eliminating onboard conversion. This direct supply streamlines charging, reducing time and increasing convenience for EV owners.

While Level 1 charging uses regular outlets for slow charging, Level 2 uses dedicated stations for faster charging, which is still very time-consuming. DC fast charging, on the other hand, outperforms both by providing a high power output for speedy charging, recharging batteries to 80% capacity in around 30 minutes.

With DC fast charging, EV drivers no longer need to deal with lengthy charging times. They can conveniently stop at charging stations, plug in, and have their batteries charged to 80% within half an hour. This refers to shorter station visits and longer driving times for EV owners, resulting in more seamless experiences.

Here’s an overview of the types of fast charging and how they operate:

In North America, we currently have three types of DC fast charging: CHAdeMO, Combined Charging System (CCS), and Tesla Supercharger.

Combined Charging System (CCS)

The Combined Charging System (CCS) is built on open, global standards for electric vehicles. The CCS combines single-phase AC, three-phase AC, and DC high-speed charging in Europe and the United States into a single, simple system. The CCS includes the connector and inlet combination, as well as all of the control features. It also facilitates communication between the electric vehicle and the infrastructure.

CHAdeMO

CHAdeMO is a DC charging standard for electric vehicles. It allows for easy interaction between the vehicle and the charger. It is designed by the CHAdeMO Association, which is also in charge of certification, assuring that the car and charger are compatible.

Tesla Supercharger

Tesla has established specialized chargers across the country (and around the world) to allow Tesla vehicles to travel long distances. They are also deploying chargers in metropolitan locations so that vehicles can use them daily. As of January 2024, Tesla had a network of 6,000 Supercharger stations and nearly 55,000 connectors. The stations are primarily distributed throughout three regions: Asia Pacific (over 2,400), North America (over 2,300), and Europe (over 1,100).

So if you’ve ever used a DC fast charging station, you might have questioned what controls the charging speed and why it differs. So here’s a bit of additional information about what’s going on behind the scenes — or, more specifically, inside the charger and the EV.

High-Power Charging Stations

High-power charging stations are equipped with specialized infrastructure to deliver rapid charging to electric vehicles. These stations use advanced technology to supply a higher electrical current, enabling faster charging rates and greater convenience for EV owners.

Direct Current (DC) Charging

Fast charging predominantly relies on direct current (DC) charging, which bypasses the need for an onboard charger to convert alternating current (AC) into DC. This streamlined process facilitates quicker charging by delivering power directly to the EV battery.

Voltage and Current Considerations

During fast charging, both voltage and current are increased to expedite the charging process. By elevating these parameters, electric vehicles can replenish their battery capacity at a much faster rate, reducing overall charging times.

Battery Management System (BMS) Communication

Effective communication between the battery management system (BMS) and the charging station is vital for ensuring safe and efficient charging. The BMS monitors crucial parameters such as battery temperature and voltage, optimizing the charging process to maintain battery health.

Charge Rate and Time

The charge rate during fast charging might change based on the EV model, the battery’s capacity, and the capabilities of the charging station. Fast charging may often offer a sizable range in a short period, with charging periods typically ranging from 30 minutes to an hour for a sizable charge.

It’s important to remember that not all EVs support fast charging, and charging capacity may vary between models. However, improvements in battery technology and charging algorithms are intended to prevent any deterioration.

Does DC fast charging have an impact on your EV’s batteries?

Rapid charging employs high-voltage currents, inducing lithium ions to migrate from cathodes to anodes. This process fosters dendrite formation on electrodes and fissures in cathodes, leading to capacity loss and heightened battery resistance.

Rapid charging exacerbates internal resistance, causing batteries to overheat, thereby diminishing power and capacity. Additionally, lithium plating at anodes during rapid charging inhibits energy creation, further reducing capacity and charging efficiency.

Does Fast Charging Damage The Batteries In Electric Vehicles?

The prevalent understanding holds that frequent fast charging of an EV battery accelerates its deterioration. The logic behind this notion is legitimate as faster charging speeds generate more waste heat. Heat is one of the factors that can accelerate the depletion of lithium-ion batteries over time. 

However, EV battery packs are designed to protect against DC charging-induced damage. EV battery packs consist of interconnected lithium-ion cell modules that are monitored and regulated by battery management systems (BMS). The BMS monitors individual cell parameters including voltage, current, and temperature to ensure peak performance. When the BMS detects overheating, it initiates cooling systems to moderate temperatures and prevent battery damage. Though some wear may occur over time, BMS oversight reduces the negative effects on EV battery life.

Should you fast-charge your EV?

EV batteries will eventually become depleted because it is what happens when lithium-ion batteries are repeatedly charged and recharged over long periods of time. If you’ve used the same smartphone for a few years, you may have noticed that the battery no longer performs as well as it did when it was new.

Major EV manufacturers recognize fast charging challenges and address them with innovative battery management technology. Some manufacturers apply active air cooling, which uses air conditioning technology to control battery temperature via cold airflow. Others, like Tesla, use liquid coolant to keep heat from accumulating in areas where it could cause damage. This all helps to avoid heat buildup, maintain battery health, and extend the life of your car.

Charging procedures are always being improved as technological breakthroughs strive to improve battery durability. Despite the possibility of degradation from overly rapid charging, following manufacturer guidelines and best practices reduces risks. 

On the other hand, you can fast charge your EV does not mean you should always do so. Slower charging methods, such as Level 2 AC charging, provide softer charging options that promote overall battery health. Plugging into a home charger is usually the most practical option. Also, recharging at home means paying whatever the power company charges you for electricity, which is the same price you’d pay to run your fridge or recharge your phone. Public chargers usually cost more because they are operated by a third company that needs to make a profit on top of it.

In summary, DC fast charging provides unquestionable benefits, especially resolving EV users’ worries about charging time. Fast charging’s convenience, which allows for 80% battery capacity in just 30 minutes, significantly improves EV practicality for daily commuting and long-distance travel.

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As always, Carnex can provide you with detailed information about buying and selling EV in Canada.

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