Electric vehicles (EVs). We love them for their efficient, clean driving but as an EV driver, there’s an issue that you must familiarize yourself with – charging. Should you charge your Plug-in Hybrid Electric Vehicle (PHEV) to 100% and how does it impact the battery lifespan and vehicle range?
This is an important question to understand. For PHEV drivers, charging is a key factor in making your car go and go, and if not managed correctly, can hurt your pocket in terms of battery life and vehicles range. However, taking the time to understand the nuances and nuances of charging your PHEV correctly can actually extend your vehicles range and make it possible to get the most out of your car.
In this article, we will discuss the “should I charge my PHEV to 100%” question and discuss reasons to charge to 100%, the impact on battery lifespan and the effect on vehicle range. We will also offer practical tips and advice that should help those looking to get the most out of their car. So sit tight and let’s dig in!
Pro/Con – Should I Charge My PHEV to 100%?
At face value, the answer to this question seems simple: always charge your PHEV to 100%. Since you’ve paid good hard-earned money for your PHEV, why wouldn’t you want to get the most out of it? However, the truth is that charging your PHEV to 100% isn’t the best option in all cases, and if not managed correctly, can actually lead to reduced battery life, decreased efficiency, and possibly even a shorter vehicle range.
Here are some pros and cons of charging your PHEV to 100%, so that you can make an informed decision when it comes to this important aspect of PHEV ownership.
Pros:
• Increased efficiency: Charging your PHEV to 100% increases your vehicles efficiency and allows you to get the most out of it. This is especially beneficial when it comes to short trips and trips on city roads, as you can make sure the battery is topped off and that you get a good amount of range out of it.
• Improved range: Charging your PHEV to 100% increases your driving range, which is particularly beneficial if you plan on taking long trips.
• Improved longevity: Charging your PHEV to 100% ensures that your battery is maintained at a high level, which helps to increase its lifespan.
Cons:
• Reduced battery life: Charging your PHEV to 100% can actually reduce the lifespan of your battery. This is because overcharging causes “heat-induced fatigue,” which leads to reduced battery life.
• Increased wear and tear: Overcharging your PHEV can lead to increased wear and tear on the vehicle, because the battery has to work harder and does not have a chance to cool down.
• Reduced fuel economy: Overcharging leads to increased fuel consumption, as the PHEV has to work harder to make up for the higher charge.
Reasons to Charge to 100%
Now that we’ve discussed the pros and cons of charging your PHEV to 100%, it’s time to dive into some of the reasons that you should choose to do so.
• Longer trips: If you plan to take longer trips, such as out of town vacations or trips lasting several hours, then it’s a good idea to charge your PHEV to 100%. This will give you a full charge, along with improved fuel economy and a better driving experience.
• Efficiency: Charging your PHEV to 100% helps to improve your vehicles efficiency and allows you to get the most out of it. Again, this is beneficial for those who live in urban areas and rely heavily on their PHEV.
• Enhanced safety: Charging your PHEV to 100% ensures that your car always has enough energy to get you where you need to go. This is particularly important for those who live in remote areas and may need to travel some distance from time to time.
Impact on Battery Lifespan
Now, it’s important to consider the impact of charging your PHEV to 100% on the battery lifespan. As mentioned above, overcharging can lead to heat-induced fatigue, which reduces the lifespan of your battery. This is because the heat caused by the overcharging process causes the battery cells to degrade over time, leading to poor performance and shorter lifespan.
It’s important to note, however, that overcharging is not the only factor that can impact the battery lifespan. Other factors, such as temperature, frequency of charging, and type of charger used, can also affect the lifespan of your PHEV’s battery.
Effect on Vehicle Range
Finally, let’s take a look at how charging your PHEV to 100% affects the range of your vehicle. Generally, charging your PHEV to 100% adds more range to your car, as the battery is able to store more energy. This added range is particularly beneficial for those who are taking long trips and don’t want to worry about running out of battery mid-trip.
However, it’s important to note that overcharging can also lead to reduced range. This is because overcharging leads to reduced fuel efficiency and increased wear-and-tear, both of which can lead to a reduced range.
Tips on Charging Your PHEV to 100%
Now that we’ve discussed the pros, cons, and effects of charging your PHEV to 100%, here are some tips on charging your car successfully:
• Always use the correct charger: Using the correct charger is essential if you plan to charge your PHEV to 100%. Look for chargers that are specifically designed for your specific brand and type of PHEV, as this can help to ensure that your battery is charged safely and efficiently.
• Monitor the temperature: One of the main things to watch out for when charging your PHEV to 100% is the temperature. If the temperature of your car rises too high, it can lead to reduced lifespan and reduced efficiency. If possible, only charge your PHEV when the temperature is relatively mild.
• Don’t charge too frequently: As mentioned above, one of the main causes of reduced battery lifespan is overcharging. To avoid this, try to only charge your PHEV when absolutely needed.
Conclusion
We hope this article has helped to answer your questions about charging your PHEV to 100%. While it is possible to charge your PHEV to 100%, it’s important to be aware of the potential downsides of doing so, such as reduced battery life and increased wear-and-tear. Keep in mind the tips we mentioned above when charging your PHEV and you should be able to get the most out of your car with minimal issues.
