Can I Turn on the Air Conditioning While Charging the Car?
3 Answers
Yes, you can, but it is generally not recommended. Using the air conditioning while charging increases the internal charge load on the power battery pack of a new energy electric vehicle. This causes the battery pack to continue working before it is fully charged, significantly accelerating the battery degradation of the power battery pack. Here are some related details about car batteries: Lifespan: Typically, a car battery lasts 2-3 years, while the original battery in a new car can last over 3 years. A discharged car battery can lead to sulfation. Precautions: If not charged in time, lead sulfate will form crystals. Over time, these crystals will not decompose during charging, a phenomenon known as battery sulfation.
As an electric vehicle owner, it's common for me to use the air conditioning while charging. This won't damage the vehicle because the air conditioning is powered by the onboard battery and can operate even during charging. However, the issue is that it consumes additional electricity, resulting in slower charging speeds. For example, the last time I used the air conditioning at a fast-charging station, the charging time was extended by about 20% compared to the estimated duration. This is because the electrical energy is diverted to the air conditioning system, while the charging power is limited. Modern vehicles have protection mechanisms to prevent overheating or overloading, so I'm generally not concerned about safety. For comfort, especially in hot or cold weather, using the air conditioning can improve the in-car experience. However, I recommend using the air conditioning during slow charging or planning trips in advance to minimize the impact. In the long run, frequent use in this manner may slightly affect battery lifespan, but overall, it's highly practical—just remember to check the charging status display.
From my experience, it's fine to run the air conditioning while charging. As an EV owner, I've noticed that the system automatically balances battery usage when the AC is on during charging, and the air conditioning functions normally. However, I did observe about a 15% reduction in charging efficiency, sometimes requiring longer charging times. During summer at outdoor charging stations, using the AC to avoid heatstroke is very practical. That said, the initial startup of the AC may increase current demand, but the vehicle's smart controls prevent overload. I believe the key is moderate usage: avoid running the AC at high power for extended periods to conserve energy. Additionally, some models support scheduled AC activation, which is smarter to initiate before charging completes. Overall, I think it addresses comfort issues, though you'll need to tolerate slightly slower charging.
