Is it okay to keep an electric car charging all the time?
2 Answers
Short-term charging is acceptable, but prolonged charging may have more or less impact on the battery inside the device or the charger itself. Here is some relevant information about car charging methods: Home charging station: When purchasing an electric car, a home charging station is usually included as a gift, and technicians will be arranged to install and debug it. This charging method has an acceptable charging time, which varies depending on the brand and model of the vehicle. Public charging station: The advantage of this charging method is that you can choose between DC fast charging and AC slow charging based on actual needs. It is also the only place that supports DC fast charging. However, the disadvantages are also obvious. Currently, there are few public charging stations, making them hard to find, and even when found, they are not easy to occupy. Additionally, the charging cost is relatively high.
When I was young, I had an accident with my electric scooter due to overcharging, which burned out the battery. Nowadays, electric cars are much smarter, with charging management systems automatically monitoring battery levels to prevent overcharging, so leaving the charger plugged in all the time isn't a big issue. However, battery lifespan is affected by long-term full charge; lithium batteries, for example, are most vulnerable when stored at full charge, as chemical stress accelerates aging and reduces range. Manufacturers recommend maintaining a charge between 20% and 80%. I usually set a timer to charge only during off-peak electricity hours, saving money while protecting the battery. It's important to regularly check if charging cables are worn out and use original equipment to avoid safety hazards. During routine maintenance, have the technician inspect the BMS system to ensure it's functioning properly.