The advent of electric vehicles (EVs) has completely transformed the manner in which we view mobility. Nevertheless, it’s critical to comprehend that this new development has also come with a myriad of charging approaches and techniques. The general discussion revolves around two techniques: Slow Charging And Fast Charging, with merits and demerits to both.
While slow charging is praised for its approach towards home EV charging, fast charging is associated with public stations and convenience.
As with many things in the EV world, there is one popular question : “Does Slow Charging Give You More Mileage”. The claim indeed is very riveting, though it raises concerns regarding the methods of charging a vehicle and its overall impact on the battery’s performance, efficiency, and life expectancy.
This blog embarks on the EV charging station business paradigm to figure out whether slow charging is, in fact, the magic wand for better vehicle mileage. We will explore better approaches towards the health, efficiency, and long-term usability of the battery so that one can make informed decisions regarding charging.
So, It’s time to bust the myths and find the truth about what can be done to support your EV in the best way.
Understanding Slow Charging
When you plug in your EV into slow chargers (also known as AC EV charger) , it means you let your vehicle have a nice, easy-going recharge. No rush, no stress. But, if you look from a technical perspective, it means getting your EV charged from level 1 and level 2 chargers.
- Level 1 Charging: It’s the simpler outlet you find at your household (Yes, the same you used to plug your toaster into). It fuels up your EV for about 2-5 miles of range per hour. It’s good to have this outlet for overnight use.
- Level 2 Charging: This one steps up a notch with 240V outlet (most likely your laundry dryer plug). It’s a bit faster than level 1 charger, adding 10-30 miles of range per hour, however, still slow compared to the Ultra fast DC charger you find at public stations.
Though these chargers aren’t there to break speed records but are the most preferred for daily use.
Why Slow Charging is Good for Your EV Battery
Simply put, slow charging puts your vehicle battery at ease. It’s like putting less pressure so it can run more smoothly and hence go much longer than usual. Here’s the reason to clarify
- Fast charging pumps up your battery with too much power, which in turn, generates a lot of heat (thermal stress) which is quite unfavorable for the batteries.
- Also, EV batteries are all about chemistry and slow charging puts less strain on its internal delicate process. Think of it like allowing your battery to sip power rather than chugging it all at once—it’s also better for a long haul.
Does Slow Charging Increase Mileage Per Charge?
There is a known perspective that charging a vehicle’s battery at a slower speed somehow offers better mileage per charge when compared to filling one’s battery at a faster speed. Seems simple and alluring, isn’t it? But the reality is: Slow charging does not directly influence the amount of distance you can drive on a single charge on your vehicle.
So, let’s analyze this and check what qualifies the way your EV performs on mileage.
Why Does Slow Charging Don’t Boost Mileage?
Whether you power your vehicle through a commercial EV charger slowly or too quickly, the energy contained in the battery will always remain the same. Slow charging is good for the health of a battery (more on this in the previous segment), but it does not increase the distance your vehicle can cover. When the battery is fully charged, range is affected by other factors – not the speed of charging.
What Actually Affects Mileage?
Size of the Battery: Imagine the battery of your EV as a fuel tank. Larger batteries can hold more energy, thus providing a greater range.
Driving Habits: Are you a driver who enjoys quick left and right turns, or one who tries to go for a stroll? Aggressive acceleration, speeding, and even enjoying heavy braking, could drain your car battery faster.
Energy Efficiency: This partly means how effectively your vehicle is consuming the stored energy. Other factors like the car’s aerodynamics, tire pressure and car weight itself will make a significant difference.
External Conditions: Thus, both the weather, as well as the land formation, are of dire importance. Cold temperatures and hilly terrains can cut down your mileage and flat, mild temperatures can extend it.
Long-term Impact of Slow Charging on Battery Life
Slow charging may not extend the miles you can travel per charge, but it certainly plays a positive role in maintaining the health of your EV battery in the long run. You can learn how charging methods can affect the battery life alongside the almost miraculous effect slow charging can have on range preservation.
Why Slow Charging is Better for the Battery
Batteries are similar to athletes; they need to be handled properly for maximum performance. Fast charging is a boon to convenience, but it pours excessive current into your battery and results in high internal component stress followed by increased heat production. As a result, battery degradation which is basically rapid wearing out of the battery occurs.
Gentle on the battery, slow charging proceeds to deliver power at a lower rate, which results in reduced heat and strain on the chemical structure of the battery. Take for instance, the difference between a sprinter and leisurely jogger. Slow charging permits your battery to take a break, recover, and undergo the process without any wear and tear stress.
Range Preservation: Healthy Battery, Consistent Mileage
Now consider the relationship: as the battery gets older, the capacity of the battery deteriorates. A fast-charged battery may have been able to give you 250 miles of range, but after several years, the same battery may only be able to provide 200 miles. This is the reason why a slow AC EV charger is healthier for the battery as it enables the battery to hold more charge.
So, if you follow a slow charging technique, it aids in supporting the range performance by keeping the battery in good shape. In simple words, slow charging will not get you more miles at this moment but it certainly aids in making sure that you do not lose miles in the future.
The Bottom Line:
Now, if your game plan is a long term focus, slow charging is the best way to go. It is sort of like periodic service of the battery, allowing it to age healthily so it performs optimally for sustained periods with solid range.
Efficiency Considerations: Why Slow Charging is a Win for Your Wallet and the Environment
EV charging extends beyond simply speed. It also encompasses energy consumption and its long-term effects on your finances. Although fast charging is your choice-to-go, the option to charge slowly has its own perks, especially when it comes to the efficient use of resources.
So, let us look at the ways slow charging benefits EV charging stations business and fleet managers and determine if it really is the future they are looking for.
Energy Efficiency: Feeding Your Battery Slowly Will Eat Up Less Power
When charging your EV, the most favorable approach is to adopt efficiency. A rapid type of charging, through an ultra fast DC charger, claims to waste more power than necessary. The outcome of this is electrical and thermal losses, rendering your super charge of little value to your pocket.
While charging an EV battery at a lower power output, via AC EV charger, the system is less strained. Due to slow charging, the buildup of heat is minimized and so does the loss of energy transfer from the source to the battery.
Think of it this way: Instead of pouring fuel into your tank, you would gently satisfy with every drop; thus the overall process is much smoother. This approach leads to an efficient charging process and cleaner energy waste.
Cost Implications for Fleet Operators and Businesses: Major Savings Over The Long Term
For businesses and fleet operators who handle a number of EVs, the commercial EV charging station cost would add up to their savings. This is because slow charging equipment is cheaper to operate over time, considering energy expenditures and battery depreciation:
Lower Energy Expenses: Slow charging generally occurs during off-peak hours when electricity is cheaper, and many areas provide significantly cheaper power during these times, so for charging, this period saves a great amount on the electric meter.
Longer Lasting Batteries: As we’ve mentioned, slow charging is less harsh on your battery, enabling it to endure longer and retain more power. This directly translates to fewer battery replacements and repairs, which is very cost-effective for Businesses which utilize a fleet of EVs. The longer your batteries last, the fewer times you’ll need to invest in expensive new ones.
So, When viewed from a broader perspective, AC EV charger has advantages of reducing charging costs and enhancing the lifetime and performance of the fleet batteries. It’s an investment that pays off over time.
The Bottom Line
Slow charging has two main advantages: it is beneficial to your battery as well as your pocket. This strategy is useful for both private electric vehicle users and EV charging stations business.
When to Choose Slow Charging Over Fast Charging
Although DC fast charger and AC EV charger are both an integral part of keeping EVs alive, knowing when to use them helps tremendously concerning your budget, daily life, and the wellbeing of your battery.
Fast charging enables you to get on with your day much quicker, but slow charging has its advantages too. Let us analyze when slow charging is the preferred choice and how it stacks against fast charging in high demand situations.
Best Situations for Slow Charging
Overnight Charging For Fleet Vehicles
For fleet managers, slow charging made it perfect for overnight charge. As fleet vehicles remain unused during late hours, they can be charged overnight in the house or at the office without needing to rush the process. This method of charging is highly economical and fully prepares the fleet for workloads the following day without the concern that the battery would overheat or go through wear and tear.
Charging At Workplace Outlets Or Residential Buildings:
If you have level 2 chargers at home, the EV can be slow charged at home or place of work for daily topping off. This way, the EV gets sufficient time to recharge without putting too much of a strain on the battery. In addition to that, it is quite common to incur lower energy costs when charging during off-peak periods which is another incentive for slow charging.
Daily Commuting With Consistent Range Needs
If you’re using your EV for daily commuting on a set distance, a slow charging overnight will be enough for your daily range needs. That said, the anxiety of fast charging isn’t necessary either. If you charge your car overnight, you will be able to use it the next day with a battery fully charged for the drive. This is how you keep the battery in better condition and spend less money.
Comparison with Fast Charging in High-Demand Scenarios
While slow charging is the most effective solution for routine charging, a DC wallbox charger can be useful when you are in a hurry or are low on battery. Below, we examine how effective both of the strategies are in different use cases:
When Short On Time:
Out of all the options, fast charging is the most practical in time sensitive situations. Whenever a road trip is on the agenda or when a stop over is unavoidable, ultra fast DC charger can give you around 100 miles in range in about half an hour. However, fast charging is known to put excessive pressure on the battery and can weaken its longevity.
Unpredictable Schedules or Long Road Trips:
If you have long distances to cover and have a short turnaround time, then fast commercial EV chargers are the way to go. These stations are positioned on highways and routes to give the user a quick break and are ensured to be in the vicinity when needed. This is also very beneficial as it assists in keeping the traveler on schedule.
The Best of Both Worlds
Using slow charging systems greatly depends on daily usage, but it is a good idea to vary the methods employed based on demands. Slow chargers are budget friendly and also nurturing for the system. But if you find yourself in dire need of a charge, then these fast chargers are a great way to top up.
Routine charging sessions are best when they are done using an AC EV charger, but in contrast, long voyages or urgent circumstances that require topping up can be done easily with fast charging.
Conclusion
Let’s get to the point straight—slower charging will not give you more miles in each charge, but it does help maintain the battery in the long run. The battery is able to withstand thermal and stress damage, which helps preserve its power, allowing you to achieve consistent range performance in the future.
That said, finding the balance between slow and fast charging is critical. When compared to only relying on fast charging, slow charging helps save energy, costs, and increase the batteries overall life plus it’s best to go for overnight charging and daily top-ups.
Fast charging, on the other hand, is good for road trips and other urgent needs; however, the smartest approach is to go for both —as it makes the most sense.
For those managing EV charging station business, investing in energy-efficient and scalable charging solutions is the clever move. This adjustment will lower operational costs, batteries will last longer and charging schedules will all optimize the costs.
Take the Next Step with Grasen’s EV Charging Solutions
Grasen has you covered if you are looking for top quality and reliable EV charging. Our collection of AC EV chargers is the most advanced, as they are designed in a way that can help maximize the lifetime of the battery, cut down on energy waste, and ensure long-term success in fleet management.
Check our EV charging solutions today and see how Grasen can assist you in crafting a more intelligent, and efficient charging infrastructure.
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