- Joined
- Jun 29, 2022
- Messages
- 295
- Reaction score
- 549
- Location
- Salt Lake City, Utah
- Cars
- 2023 Lucid Air Touring
- Referral Code
- EZJAF0R7
Getting charging speeds about 250kW requires a very specific set of conditions that you won't often meet unless you're specifically trying for it, and even then the charging infrastructure will likely be the limiting factor. For those that drive their EVs often day-to-day I'd say having a home charging option is almost mandatory. It makes the ownership experience significantly easier not having to hassle with crowded or poorly maintained fast chargers.I have a question that I hope someone can help me with…I use EA Fast DC chargers near my home. They are very reliable. However, I have never seen anything near 350 output, it normally begins charging at about 150-200. It drops rapidly after that. But I’m still OK with it. My question is: I use these fast charging DC units almost exclusivey. I haven't installed a home charger, yet. I read that fast charging is bad for the battery life. I find that my driving usage is such that I don’t need a home charger and I want to take advantage of the free charging which was included in my purchase. Am I damaging my batteries by using the Fast DC chargers? How often should I use a slower/AC charging method? (I use a 50AMP 240Volt Lucid charger at my second home, it works great. I just don’t use it often).
Thanks.
While saying fast charging "damages" the battery might be a bit of a stretch, it certainly stresses the battery cells and cooling systems more. Repeated and prolonged fast charging will likely degrade your battery faster, but it's difficult to say by how much. It may only reduce capacity by a few percent over a multi-year period, but it'll be unique to each car and it's battery management capabilities. If you want the most longevity out of your own battery pack I'd suggest setting up a home charger. If you only plan on keeping the car a few years, then fast charging as your default is probably not a huge deal if you feel it's not a hassle. Being able to charge at home will certainly save you time in the long run, if nothing else.