Does an electric car need to be charged for 12 hours for the first charge?
2 Answers
An electric car does not need to be charged for 12 hours during the first charge; approximately 10 hours is sufficient. Here is the relevant information: 1. Electric car charging time: The batteries used in electric cars are divided into two types—lead-acid batteries and lithium batteries. Their working principles differ, and their charging methods also vary slightly. For electric cars with lead-acid batteries, the first five charges should be performed when the remaining power is between 30% and 40%, and the charging time should be controlled to around 10 hours. For electric cars with lithium batteries, it is recommended to fully deplete the battery before the first three charges, with the charging time also controlled to around 10 hours, similar to lead-acid batteries. 2. Electric car charging precautions: When charging, choose qualified flame-retardant wires, and ensure the circuit has a leakage protection device. Only high-flame-retardant charging cables can prevent electric car fires during charging. Additionally, the charger should be placed on the footrest, and covering it with items or placing it on the seat or inside the seat bucket is strictly prohibited. Randomly extending the power cord or frequently pulling it can lead to loose connections, aging wires, and damaged insulation, causing short circuits and fires. Furthermore, the ignition lock must be turned off. If the ignition lock is left on while charging, the rising battery voltage may burn out the lock, leading to a short circuit and fire. If the charger is dropped or collided, the fan may be damaged. During charging, observe whether the charger’s cooling fan is functioning properly. If the fan is damaged, it should be repaired or replaced with a new charger promptly.
I've researched electric vehicles for years, and the idea of charging for 12 hours is outdated—it stems from the need to activate nickel-metal hydride batteries. But nowadays, most EVs use lithium-ion batteries, which don't require such long charging. The battery management system is smart enough to stop charging automatically once full. Deliberately prolonging charging may lead to overcharging and accelerate battery degradation. When I first charged my EV, I consulted a repair shop technician who advised charging normally until full, which typically takes 3-8 hours depending on battery size and charger power. For daily use, it's better not to charge to 100% all the time—keeping it around 80% can extend battery life. Maintaining an EV battery is simple: just remember to check for software updates regularly to ensure safe charging. If you're concerned, using the original charger with a timer setting can give you peace of mind—don't let old habits mislead you.
