Should lead-acid batteries be recharged after depletion or frequently?
2 Answers
If an electric vehicle is frequently used, it's better to charge it regularly. This is because electric vehicle batteries are generally lead-acid batteries, whose service life is determined by the number of charge-discharge cycles, approximately around 350 times. This means that after 350 normal charge-discharge cycles, the battery has essentially completed its service life. Relevant information about automotive batteries is as follows: Introduction: Automotive batteries, also known as storage batteries, are a type of battery that works by converting chemical energy into electrical energy. Typically, what people refer to as batteries are lead-acid storage batteries. That is, a type of battery mainly made of lead and its oxides, with sulfuric acid solution as the electrolyte. Working principle: It uses lead plates filled with spongy lead as the negative electrode, lead plates filled with lead dioxide as the positive electrode, and 22-28% dilute sulfuric acid as the electrolyte. During charging, electrical energy is converted into chemical energy, and during discharging, chemical energy is converted back into electrical energy.
I've been driving for ten years using lead-acid batteries, and one crucial tip is never to wait until it's completely drained before recharging. Excessive discharge of lead-acid batteries leads to sulfation, increasing internal crystals and shortening the lifespan by several times. It's best to recharge promptly after each use, even if the battery isn't fully depleted. For instance, I make it a habit to plug in the charger whenever I park, even if it's just for a day or two. Keeping the battery above 80% charge at all times ensures it can last five to six years without issues. If you always wait until it's empty to recharge, you'll likely need a replacement in less than two years—both troublesome and uneconomical. Additionally, during winter or extended periods of inactivity, more frequent charging is essential as cold temperatures accelerate self-discharge. In short, developing this habit saves both hassle and money, so don't slack off.
