DaEV said:
Apologies for this but just scanning this thread and quickly looking st the last post (and the first), am I to believe that my 2018 30kWh Soul has an 85Ah battery and I shouldn't be charging it at any more than 0.25C , which is 21.25 amps or it will have a detrimental effect regarding battery degradation ?
As both a newbie and technical ignoramus I've had a home charger installed (Wallbox Plus, 7kW, 32a ) and I know I'm limited by the Souls ability to take in anymore than 6.6kW ac but I didn't realise limiting the amperage input would make any difference, other than more is better (as far as I, in my ignorance, was aware). I'm currently running it at 32amps but I can limit the amperage on the wallbox - Should I do this to help with long term battery health ?
cheers in advance,
Dave.
I think the literal answer is yes, but the actual answer is more nuanced.
The generally recommended as "safe" rate is 0.5C, and frequently charging faster than that is to be avoided if possible. As you drop below 0.5C you see less charging-related battery degradation, until you hit 0.25C at which point going slower offers no further benefit. However, it's diminishing returns the closer to 0.25C you get, prior to no additional benefit whatsoever below 0.25C.
So if it's equally convenient to you to charge at 32a and 21.25a (ie., the charging is always finished with time to spare), then make the change to 21.25a. If you are frequently barely getting it charged in time, then definitely keep charging it at 32a.
As @JejuSoul says, there are many factors that affect degradation. Charging fast is bad, but so is fast discharge (eg. driving with a lead foot). Temperature plays a role. Charging higher than necessary, or discharging very deeply, play roles as well. If you do have to charge it high, how long it sits at a high charge before use makes a big difference, as does how long it sits at a low level of charge if you drain it low.
So I agree with JejuSoul that there are many factors at play. But I disagree that that's a reason to "charge it like you stole it".
The reason to charge it as fast as possible is that you need it that fast, due to the frequency of your driving. The reason to drop down to 21.25a is if it's a best practice that you can implement without charging times becoming inconvenient. So it depends on your situation, IMO.