Can electric cars run air conditioning while charging?
3 Answers
Electric cars can run air conditioning while charging, but this practice is not recommended. Using the air conditioning during charging increases the internal charge load on the power battery pack of new energy electric vehicles, causing the battery pack to continue working before it is fully charged. This significantly accelerates the battery degradation of the power battery pack. Below are some precautions for charging electric cars: 1. Pay attention to the timing of charging: Charge when the remaining battery level is around 30%, and use the car only after it is fully charged. For battery maintenance, it is advisable to perform a deep charge and discharge once a month—discharge the battery to 20% and then fully charge it before use. 2. Charging environment: High temperatures in summer and rainy weather can pose threats to the safety of electric vehicle charging. After using the electric vehicle, wait for it to cool down before charging. Charging should ideally be done in a cool, dry, and well-ventilated area.
When using air conditioning while charging, technically the electric vehicle battery management system usually allows this, as the air conditioning system consumes relatively little power and is isolated from the charging circuit. Under slow charging conditions, running the AC has minimal impact and operates normally; during fast charging, the system may automatically limit AC power to ensure high charging efficiency. I remember testing several models—using AC for cooling or heating was stable during regular home charging, but at fast-charging stations, the AC would intermittently pause to save time. It's recommended to maintain the vehicle's charge level above half to avoid delays due to low battery. Overall, modern EVs are intelligently designed to support this functionality, making it safe for daily use. No need to worry about damaging the car, but regular maintenance checks can prevent minor issues.
As a car owner, I often turn on the air conditioning while charging, especially in summer or winter. For example, when the car is at a charging station, I can sit inside and wait, adjusting the temperature for comfort—cooling down quickly in summer and preheating conveniently in winter. The air conditioning in an electric car consumes little power, and during slow charging, it hardly affects the charging progress. Even if fast charging is occasionally delayed, it's worth enduring since the waiting time isn't wasted. However, if the battery is nearly empty, using the air conditioning might extend the full charging time. I recommend using a mobile app to monitor the battery level and adjust usage accordingly. After a few tries, you'll get used to it—it's truly a great feature that enhances convenience in daily life.
