Charging your electric car every day: a good habit or a mistake to avoid?

One of the first questions new electric vehicle owners ask is: should I charge my car every day? Or is it better to wait until the battery drops below a certain level?

Unlike traditional cars, electric vehicles introduce new usage and management logics, especially regarding range and charging. Let's explore together the pros and cons of daily charging, the impact on performance and the battery, and expert advice to optimize the charging cycle.

The advantages of daily charging

Charging your car every day can be very convenient, especially for those who use the vehicle regularly. Among the main benefits are:

1. Always available range

With evening or overnight charging, the car is always ready to go, avoiding unexpected issues or the anxiety of not finding a free charging station. For those with a regular daily routine, this habit ensures peace of mind and continuity of use.

2. Possibility of slow charging

Plugging the car into a home wallbox overnight allows for slow and low-power charging, which is much healthier for the battery compared to fast charging.

3. Cost optimization

Those with an electric contract offering off-peak rates (usually at night or during weekends) can take advantage of cheaper time slots, significantly saving on electric refueling costs.

4. Maximum use of solar power

If you have a home solar system, you can coordinate charging with energy production peaks, reducing costs and lowering your environmental footprint.

The disadvantages of too frequent charging

While daily charging has practical advantages, it can also present long-term issues, particularly in terms of efficiency and battery wear.

1. Battery degradation

Lithium-ion batteries do not like extremes. Keeping the charge level constantly near 100% can accelerate the chemical degradation of the cells. According to many manufacturers and independent studies, the ideal charge level for daily use is between 20% and 80%.

2. Energy waste

If you drive only a few kilometers each day, charging every evening might be unnecessary or even harmful. It’s better to wait until the charge drops below 40-50% to optimize charging cycles.

3. Environmental impact

Although electricity is cleaner than fossil fuels, every kWh has an impact. Charging less often, only when necessary, is a more sustainable choice.

4.Wear on components

Frequent connecting and disconnecting of the charger can, over time, reduce the lifespan of the charging ports, both on the car side and on the wallbox side.

When does it make sense to charge every day?

There’s no one-size-fits-all rule. However, there are situations where daily charging is justified and recommended:

• High daily mileage (over 50 km)

• Professional use of the vehicle

• Constant need for range and unpredictable travel patterns

• Presence of a solar system with surplus energy

• Lack of nearby public charging stations
  
  

In these cases, charging daily is a rational strategy, provided it’s done intelligently.

How to charge correctly and sustainably

To get the most out of your electric car without damaging the battery, it's important to adopt some best practices.

• Set a maximum charge limit: Many electric vehicles allow you to set a maximum charge threshold. If you’re not planning a long trip, limiting charging to 80% is advisable.

• Use smart features: Modern wallboxes allow you to schedule charging during the most advantageous hours, integrating with solar systems and the vehicle's app.

• Avoid daily fast charging: DC fast charging is useful in emergencies but should not be used daily. Always prefer slow AC charging.

• Monitor the temperature: Batteries are sensitive to heat. If possible, charge the vehicle in a garage or during cooler hours, especially in summer.
  
  

Charging your electric car every day is not wrong, but it shouldn't become an automatic habit. Awareness and strategy are key: observe your driving habits, use smart technology, and, if possible, coordinate charging with renewable energy production.

By doing so, you can maximize convenience, save on costs, and, most importantly, preserve the lifespan of your electric vehicle’s battery.