Should the Electric Vehicle Be Turned Off While Charging?

[DiBethany]

Electric vehicles should be turned off while charging. Charging without turning off the vehicle not only significantly slows down the charging efficiency but also reduces the battery's lifespan to some extent. When the remaining battery level cannot meet the mileage required for the next destination, you should find a nearby charging pile to charge. If time permits, it is advisable to choose slow charging mode; if time is urgent, fast charging mode can also be selected. However, it is essential to ensure the vehicle is turned off before charging. Insert the charging gun into the vehicle's charging port first, then start the charging pile. After charging is complete, turn off the charging pile before removing the charging gun. Battery maintenance methods: Avoid sudden acceleration while driving. Although pure electric vehicles can match sports cars in terms of 0-100 km/h acceleration performance, avoid sudden acceleration during startup, when carrying passengers, or going uphill. This is because rapid acceleration causes the battery to discharge at high current, leading to the formation of lead sulfate crystals, which can damage the physical properties of the battery plates and result in a sudden drop in speed and performance. Prevent the vehicle from being exposed to extreme heat or cold. Do not park a pure electric vehicle under intense sunlight for prolonged periods, as high temperatures can increase internal pressure in the battery, causing water loss, reduced battery activity, and accelerated plate aging. Conversely, do not assume that long-term parking in cold environments is harmless. Extremely low temperatures can also drastically reduce the vehicle's range and negatively impact the battery pack's performance. Many owners in northern regions report that during extremely cold winter temperatures, charging times are generally longer, and the range is significantly reduced. Master the correct charging time. Both undercharging and over-discharging can affect the battery's lifespan. Charge the vehicle according to its actual usage. If the battery indicator light comes on, charge it as soon as possible to avoid over-discharging, which can shorten the battery's lifespan. Typically, the average charging time for a battery is around 8-10 hours, and charging should not be excessively prolonged to prevent overcharging, which can cause the battery to overheat and reduce its lifespan. Develop a good habit of regular inspections. Whether it's a traditional fuel-powered vehicle or a new energy vehicle, it is essential to develop a routine inspection habit. If you notice a sudden drop in the range during driving—such as losing more than ten kilometers at once—it may indicate a battery issue. In such cases, take the vehicle to a 4S shop for inspection and repair immediately. Delaying can worsen the battery's degradation. Ensure the battery is fully charged when stored idle. If the vehicle needs to be parked for an extended period, do not assume it is acceptable to leave it in a low-charge state and recharge it when needed. This is incorrect because batteries left in a long-term low-charge state are prone to sulfation, where lead sulfate crystals form on the plates, severely damaging the battery. Therefore, even during long-term parking, maintain a certain charge level and ensure the battery is charged at least once a month.

[DeMaya]

I've been driving an electric vehicle for several years, and it's indeed important to consider the state when charging. Gasoline cars require the engine to be turned off, but electric vehicles are completely different as they don't have an engine. There's no need for the concept of 'turning off' when charging, but you must ensure the car is completely powered down. This means pressing the power button to shut down or enter standby mode, so all systems stop working, leaving only the battery charging circuit operational. Why emphasize shutting down? If you don't power off, some functions like the air conditioning, audio system, or lights might still be consuming electricity, interfering with the charging process or even causing a short-circuit risk. I've seen many owners charging while the car is still on, resulting in low charging efficiency or warning sounds. Safety first! My usual practice is to power off the car after parking, then plug in the charging cable, and wait for the dashboard indicators to stabilize before leaving. This not only protects the battery lifespan but also avoids accidents. Charging an electric vehicle is simpler than refueling a gasoline car—powering off is the standard procedure, and once you get used to it, it's very hassle-free.