Is It Harmful to Leave Your EV Plugged in All the Time? | iFlowPower

Electric cars are new to many drivers, which raises scepticism and questions about how they work. The question that is often asked about electric cars is: is it acceptable for an electric car to be plugged in all the time, or is it acceptable for it to always be charging at night?

In fact,  leaving an electric vehicle (EV) plugged in all the time is usually not harmful to the battery because most EVs use lithium-ion batteries similar to those used in smartphones and laptops. Lithium-ion batteries are designed to be charged frequently and can withstand multiple charge cycles without shortening battery life. However, lithium-ion batteries do have a limited lifespan, and the number of charging cycles affects the overall lifespan of the battery. So following the manufacturer 's guidelines for charging and storage can help maximize the battery’s lifespan. 

Factors Influencing Battery Lifespan

While BMSs provide a safety net, certain factors can still affect your battery’s health. Exposing the battery to extreme temperatures for prolonged periods can degrade its condition. Additionally, frequently charging the battery to 100% capacity can also impact its overall lifespan. To minimize these effects, manufacturers often recommend keeping the battery between 20% and 80% capacity. For long-term storage, such as several weeks, maintaining the battery level around 50% is advisable.

Battery Management Systems (BMS): Protecting Your Battery

EVs are equipped with a BMS, which plays a pivotal role in maintaining battery health. Key functions of a BMS include:

State of Charge (SOC) Monitoring: The BMS tracks the battery’s SOC, crucial for estimating remaining range and avoiding overcharging.

Temperature Management: It ensures the battery operates within an optimal temperature range, activating cooling systems if necessary.

Fault Detection and Safety: The BMS safeguards against faults like short circuits, disconnecting the battery to prevent damage.

Is It Harmful to Leave Your EV Plugged in All the Time?

It is not harmful to leave your EV plugged in all the time. Modern EVs are designed to handle continuous charging without harming the battery. In fact, most EVs have a built-in system that stops charging once the battery is fully charged, preventing overcharging.However, while leaving your EV plugged in all the time is not harmful, it can impact the longevity of your battery. EV batteries degrade over time, and continuous charging can accelerate the degradation process. When the battery is continuously charged, it heats up, and heat is one of the main factors that contribute to battery degradation.

Conclusion: Smart charging for optimal battery health

In short, keeping your electric vehicle plugged in can be beneficial for maintaining battery health, especially during periods of inactivity. However, it is essential to follow the manufacturer's instructions and consider implementing strategies such as setting charging limits and using storage modes. By doing so, you can ensure the longevity and efficiency of your electric vehicle's battery, paving the way for a smooth electric driving experience.