As electric vehicles gain popularity, the Supercharger network has become a critical aspect of the driving experience for Tesla owners. These high-power charging stations offer convenience, enabling long-distance travel. However, amidst the usage, many have started wondering – is Supercharging bad for Tesla Battery? In this blog, we will talk about it and understand its charging practices.
Is Supercharging Bad for Tesla Battery?
Superchargers are powerful 480V DC rapid chargers that can cover up to 200 miles of distance in about 15 minutes. Moreover, Tesla has expanded its network to make it convenient for its users so they could find charging stations across the country. Using a Tesla Supercharger to recharge your car is usually safe and won’t cause any major damage to the battery. Tesla’s onboard Active Thermal Management system ensures very less degradation and better performance. Hence, is supercharging bad for Tesla Battery? Well, supercharging your EV might prove to be less suitable in the long run.
Excessively using this rapid charging method may lead to more wear on the battery compared to slower techniques. Thus, it is advisable to use Superchargers mostly during long trips when you need quick top-ups and use home or work charging stations for regular use. So, does super fast charging damage batteries of Tesla? For gathering in-depth knowledge about it, slide into the next segment.
Does Super Fast Charging Damage Batteries Tesla?
Battery degradation refers to the decline in the battery’s charge-holding capacity. So, does Tesla supercharging reduce battery life? Well, it’s a concern for EV owners and supercharging can slightly reduce the battery capacity over time. For daily needs, Tesla recommends a home charging option using a Tesla Wall Connector (TWC) with 240V power. Here, you need to keep the charging level between 5% and 90% to enhance the lifespan of the battery.
For long-distance rides, Tesla has designed a vast Supercharger Network to provide a quick charge. It is suitable for road trips and is also helpful for Tesla users where home charging options are not accessible. However, during Supercharging, you can set the charging limit to 80% to protect the battery. This also slows down the degradation rate. To avoid long queues, Tesla has also set up Superchargers in busy locations to recharge up to 80% capacity.
For around every 10,000 miles driven, the battery may deteriorate by about 1.9%. However, with Tesla, you can avail of their services assuring that the battery will retain at least 70% capacity over the 8-year warranty period. Additionally, note that fully discharging the battery can potentially cause damage, so to improve the battery’s life, keep it above 50%. Tesla even recommends charging your EV on a daily basis to maintain optimal battery operation.
However, in cold weather, when the temperature is below freezing point, Supercharger speeds may slow down as the battery requires time to warm up before charging efficiently. On the other hand, in very hot temperatures (above 43°C), rapid chemical changes in the battery can occur causing degradation. To effectively charge and improve range, pre-warm the battery on cold days by driving a short distance before plugging it into the charger. It is recommended to avoid Supercharging your Tesla in very hot weather and follow these guidelines to enhance battery life and your overall driving experience.
Also See: How to Charge Your Non-Tesla EV at a Tesla Supercharger?
Is it OK to Only Supercharge your Tesla?
You already know if supercharging is bad for Tesla battery. As stated beforehand, this charging technique is preferable for occasional long rides as it charges the vehicle rapidly. But for daily commutes and local rides, it’s better to go for home charging options. Moreover, with time, supercharging can lead to marginal battery degradation, so it is not listed as the primary charging method. Hence, relying solely on Superchargers for all your daily requirements is not the most efficient charging approach. Although there are no strict limits on how much you can use Tesla Superchargers, overusing may cause faster battery degradation. You can use a combination of Superchargers for travel and home charging option for regular use to maximize battery life.
Although Supercharging once a week won’t cause that much harm, it puts more strain on the battery life compared to slow charging methods. So, it is not OK to only supercharge your Tesla. However, the impact on battery life is more likely to be minimal. Tesla recommends using Superchargers judiciously. Rather, it advises against regularly charging to its full capacity or letting the battery drop below 10%. For better results and to increase the battery life, you can balance Supercharger usage with slower charging approaches.
Cross-Reference: EVs Cannot Succeed Without Developing Parallel Supercharging Networks
Tesla Supercharger Vs. Destination Charger
Tesla Supercharger and Destination Charger, both offer plausible charging options to EV owners. Although, they have some differences.
| Tesla Supercharger | Destination Charger |
| Rapid DC charging approach. | Slower Level 2 charging approach. |
| Convenient for long road trips. | Suitable for overnight stays or when not hurried. |
| Worldwide network with approximately 40,000 stations. | Around 35,000 connectors at different commercial establishments. |
| Adds up to 200 miles of distance in 15 minutes. | Slower charging and can add about 2 to 5 miles per hour to the range. |
| Free of cost for Tesla users. | May require additional payment. |
| Typically built along highways and in urban provinces. | Stationed in public places like hotels, restaurants, and parking spots. |
In conclusion, while Superchargers offer rapid charging, prolonged use may speed up battery degradation. To preserve battery health, it’s essential to use them wisely and opt for slower charging for daily needs. For more information about electric vehicles, keep exploring our website.
Source: Tesla Supercharger Support
