Can You Start a Car While It's Charging?
2 Answers
It is possible to start a car while the battery is being charged. However, starting the vehicle during charging may damage the charger's capacitors and could also have some impact on the battery. Relevant information is as follows: 1. Generally, the service life of a car battery can last 2-3 years, while the original battery of a new car can last more than 3 years. If a car battery loses power, it can lead to sulfation of the battery. 2. Severe power loss may even cause the battery to be scrapped. Battery depletion also refers to deep discharge of the battery, where the voltage drops below 10.50V, causing lead sulfate to form between the sulfuric acid and lead plates. 3. If not charged in time, the lead sulfate will crystallize. Over time, these crystals will not decompose during charging, which is known as sulfation of the battery.
I've driven several cars before, and once I almost started the engine while the battery was charging, which was truly terrifying. Generally, it's best not to start the engine while a car is charging, whether it's an old gasoline-powered vehicle or a new electric one. The reason is simple: starting the engine generates a sudden high current, and if the battery is being powered by an external charger, the conflicting currents can cause an internal short circuit, overheating, or even an explosion. For gasoline-powered cars, if connected to a home charging cable or power bank, starting the engine may pose an electric shock risk. For electric vehicles, forcibly starting the engine while connected to a charging station not only interrupts charging but may also damage expensive electronic systems. Some car owners think it's no big deal, but the risks are actually quite high—I've seen such human errors in car owner groups. For safety, it's recommended to unplug all charging equipment first and start the car normally only after the battery is fully charged to avoid accidents. Additionally, a quick note on EV charging habits: avoid prolonged idle charging and ensure proper ventilation. In short, don't prioritize convenience over safety.
