Electric vehicle (EV) owners have long been cautioned about the potential battery degradation from frequent fast-charging. However, new study has shown that isn’t always the case, particularly in relation to Tesla vehicles.
Traditionally, the convenience of DC fast charging has been shadowed by worries about its potential negative impact on battery lifespan. However, the Recurrent study, which examined data from over 12,500 Tesla cars across the United States, has offered some reassuring findings.
The research focused on two groups of Tesla vehicles: those that underwent frequent fast charging (90% of the time) and those that underwent infrequent fast charging (less than 10% of the time). Surprisingly, the study discovered “no statistically significant difference in range degradation” between the two groups. This suggests that Tesla’s battery management systems, which encompass robust thermal and voltage controls, effectively shield the batteries from the detrimental effects of fast-charging.
While this study is centered around Tesla vehicles, the findings hint that robust battery management systems could be the key to minimizing the impact of fast-charging on battery degradation. Nevertheless, the study doesn’t delve into longer-term effects beyond five years, leaving room for potential variations in different EV models.
To help keep your battery in the best shape, Recurrent recommends against fast-charging during extreme heat or when the battery is at a very low state of charge and to precondition the battery before fast-charging in cold weather. By following these guidelines, EV owners can further safeguard their batteries and maintain optimal performance over time.
