Can New Energy Vehicles Charge with Air Conditioning On?

[AlexanderAnn]

Yes, but it is not recommended to turn on the air conditioning as it will increase power consumption and slow down the charging speed. The compressor of an electric vehicle's air conditioning system is driven by the motor, so using the air conditioning consumes additional electricity. The following explains the hazards of charging while using the air conditioning: Impact on Charging: Generally, new energy electric vehicles operate under relatively stable voltage and current conditions during charging. However, high-power appliances like air conditioners require higher voltage, which can cause current instability and negatively affect charging efficiency. Accelerated Battery Degradation: Using the air conditioning while charging increases the internal charge load on the battery, forcing the battery pack to continue working before it is fully charged. This significantly accelerates the degradation of the power battery pack.

[VonJameson]

As a long-time EV user who has been driving for several years, it's common for me to turn on the AC while charging in summer. Once at a public charging station, it was so hot that I left the AC on, and what usually takes 4 hours to charge ended up taking nearly 6 hours that day. A lot of electricity was wasted, charging efficiency dropped noticeably, and the electricity bill was a bit higher. Related to this, many fast chargers are now designed to allow AC operation with less impact, but it's more noticeable with slow chargers. I've also noticed that increased battery temperature may lead to health degradation. So now, I try to cool down the car before charging or use an app to schedule charging during off-peak hours to save money and be more eco-friendly.

[OLeo]

I'm quite budget-conscious and try to save wherever possible when driving, especially on electricity costs. Charging while running the AC is a huge waste – the high power consumption of the AC extends charging time by dozens of minutes, causing the electricity meter to skyrocket, easily adding tens of dollars to monthly expenses. Additionally, if you're using public charging stations where electricity rates are higher, this practice becomes even more foolish. Overloading the battery may also reduce its lifespan and increase maintenance costs. My recommendation is to turn off all electrical appliances while charging and only turn the AC back on after charging is complete. This simple habit can significantly cut costs and be much friendlier to your wallet.

[MacAvery]

From a technical perspective, it is feasible for electric vehicles to operate air conditioning while charging, as the system can handle multiple loads. However, in practical applications, the power consumption of the air conditioning competes with the charging circuit for resources, leading to voltage instability or reduced efficiency, which can slow down the charging speed by 20% or more. Additionally, in hot weather, insufficient battery cooling may trigger overheating alerts if charging and air conditioning are used simultaneously, affecting overall performance. Check your vehicle's manual to ensure compatibility; high-end models are more capable of safely handling parallel operations.

[VanJuliana]

Safety concerns make me very cautious, and I generally don't recommend running the AC while charging. Potential risks include electrical overload or battery overheating, which, although rare, could pose hidden dangers, especially during hot summers or in older models. It's worth noting that the charging process itself is safe, but prolonged high loads may shorten component lifespan and increase the likelihood of repairs. My habit is to focus on completing the charging first, then turn on the AC to enjoy comfort; the scheduled charging feature is quite convenient—just set it to stop automatically before operating. Protecting your beloved vehicle is always a wise choice.