If you drive an electric vehicle (EV) or are considering making the switch, you’ve likely heard of the 80/20 rule of EV charging. But what does it actually mean, and what are its benefits? Let’s take a look and find out.
What is the 80/20 Rule in EV Charging
Ultimately, the 80/20 rule suggests keeping your EV charged between 20% and 80%, avoiding dipping below or exceeding the range whenever possible. This simple guideline can help reduce range anxiety and charging time while also extending battery life.
Benefits of Staying Below 80%
Charging your vehicle to 80% instead of 100% can help prolong the EV’s battery life and improve efficiency. Regularly topping off to full capacity will likely degrade the battery, resulting in reduced capacity and diminished range. Additionally, charging to 80% rather than a full tank results in faster charging times, benefiting both the driver and other EV users waiting to charge. In fact, the final 20% of charge from 80% to 100% often takes just as long, or even longer, than filling from 20% to 80%. For drivers, waiting for this final bit of charge can be frustrating, especially if you are unaware that charging happens at an inconsistent speed. When charging at public stations, using chargers for longer than needed can also prevent other drivers from getting the charge they need, and create longer queue times, which no one wants.
Tip: Most electric vehicles let you set a charge limit, enabling the car to automatically stop charging when it reaches 80%. This feature also provides drivers with a more accurate estimate of charging time to reach their desired level, rather than a full charge.
Benefits of Staying Above 20%
Keeping your EV’s charge above 20% helps drivers avoid unexpected detours and delays, while also preserving the battery’s overall health. Like an ICE vehicle’s estimated gas mileage, an EV’s range can fluctuate during a trip due to factors like heavy traffic, extreme weather, and changes in elevation, all of which can affect how much charge you have left. To prepare for unexpected battery drains, maintaining a minimum charge of 20% before your next charge helps mitigate the risk of unplanned stops.
Many EV owners worry about running out of power before reaching their next place to charge, commonly known as range anxiety. Staying above 20% can help reduce this fear by ensuring drivers have enough power to reach their next charge, often with miles to spare. Additionally, frequently allowing your battery to dip below 20% and approach empty can put extra stress on it, which can reduce its long-term health and capacity.
When It’s Alright to Charge Above 80%
There are still instances where completely filling your battery is necessary and beneficial. For example, when travelling long distances, filling up completely can help you get to your destination more quickly. Charging outside the 80/20 range is hard to avoid completely, so don’t think your car’s battery will be ruined if it happens a few times. These are just tips meant to extend your vehicle’s lifespan as much as possible.
Power Up with Chargie
As EV drivers ourselves, we understand the potential challenges of driving an EV. That’s why we are working to create the most dependable, intuitive, and efficient EV charging network out there. With greater access to EV charging solutions, following the 80/20 rule can be easy and routine. Connect with one of our experts today to learn how to get chargers installed at the places you need them most.
