If you have an electric car, you may have already heard that you gain efficiency by charging your car to 80% instead of 100% of its battery.
Here we explain why you should consider this recommendation when you visit our charging stations.
The first thing you should know is that the charging speed of a battery is not linear, meaning it is not the same at all times. This is a dynamic charging cycle that varies throughout the process and generally peaks before reaching 50% of the battery charge. This is called the charging curve, and it means that an electric vehicle receives different power levels during the same charging session.
In simple terms, as the battery fills up, the charging speed decreases, and this tends to happen when the battery reaches 80% of its capacity. This means that going from 80% to 100% charge can take almost as long as going from 20% to 80%; therefore, by charging up to 80%, you can optimize your charging time and continue your journey more quickly.
Limiting the charge to 80% will help us optimize customers' time at the service stations, ensuring good usage and allowing other drivers to use these chargers.
In addition, it offers extra benefits:
- Charging Time Optimization: Users are advised to charge their electric vehicles to 80% of their capacity. Studies by the International Energy Agency have shown that charging from 80% to 100% can take as much time as charging from 0% to 80%, highlighting the importance of limiting the charge to 80% for a faster return to the road.
- Long-Term Battery Health: Research from Battery University indicates that regularly charging the battery beyond 80% can decrease its lifespan. By limiting the charge to 80%, users can help extend battery life and reduce long-term maintenance costs.
- Energy Efficiency: According to the National Energy Commission, limiting the charge to 80% contributes to overall energy efficiency, which means smarter energy use and a lower environmental impact.
For this reason, we recommend charging your electric car to 80% instead of 100%. This practice protects the battery, saves time, and improves the vehicle's overall efficiency. The next time you visit one of our service stations, remember these tips to fully optimize your charging experience.
