Infrequent drivers - Charge every day?

[dreamweaver]

A common refrain in EV circles is, "ABC," "Always Be Charging," or "Always Be Connected."

You don't have to charge to 100%, but if you can leave the vehicle plugged in, you'll be happier. We have both the Mustang and the Lightning in a garage, plugged in whenever not in use. Both have the ability to precondition their cabin. Being plugged in means they don't use battery energy to warm or cool the cabin before we go for a drive.

Level 2 charging is more efficient than Level 1 charging because it uses twice the voltage so half the amperage to push the same power Amperage is the main variable in Joule heat generation. In addition, there's always a minimum energy cost to run the electronics of the charger so the longer it takes, the more that minimum cost adds up But if you have an L1, use the L1.

Vampiric drain isn't a big problem anymore. We've left both vehicles unplugged at airports for several weeks and returned with the same state of charge.

We have variable electric rates, so I schedule the cars to charge during the time of lowest cost, which is $0.035/kWh, or $4.50 for a full charge on the Lightning and $3.21 on the Mustang.

Thank you for your valuable insights on EV charging for us not yet EV owners.

 

[LastDayScout]

A common refrain in EV circles is, "ABC," "Always Be Charging," or "Always Be Connected."

You don't have to charge to 100%, but if you can leave the vehicle plugged in, you'll be happier. We have both the Mustang and the Lightning in a garage, plugged in whenever not in use. Both have the ability to precondition their cabin. Being plugged in means they don't use battery energy to warm or cool the cabin before we go for a drive.

Level 2 charging is more efficient than Level 1 charging because it uses twice the voltage so half the amperage to push the same power Amperage is the main variable in Joule heat generation. In addition, there's always a minimum energy cost to run the electronics of the charger so the longer it takes, the more that minimum cost adds up But if you have an L1, use the L1.

Vampiric drain isn't a big problem anymore. We've left both vehicles unplugged at airports for several weeks and returned with the same state of charge.

We have variable electric rates, so I schedule the cars to charge during the time of lowest cost, which is $0.035/kWh, or $4.50 for a full charge on the Lightning and $3.21 on the Mustang.

This is all correct. You can set your charge limit manually to 80% or whatever you choose. This can be done in the vehicle or often in the app. I wanted to elaborate because there are many people on this forum that are unfamiliar with EVs.

 

[THil08]

Imagine paying .10 cents a kWh. NJ keeps jacking up the bill by 20% every few months. Mine is now .21 cents.

And to add on to this, they do these estimate things where they will charge for what they think you used. Then the show what you actually used. It's a massive fraud and a bunch of people are getting ready to file a class action lawsuit.

 

[SpaceEVDriver]

This is all correct. You can set your charge limit manually to 80% or whatever you choose. This can be done in the vehicle or often in the app. I wanted to elaborate because there are many people on this forum that are unfamiliar with EVs.

Yes. Thanks for the elaboration.

We have the lightning set to charge to 90% and the Mustang to 85%. The larger battery in the Lightning means it won't make it to 100% from 85% if I have a last minute trip and only have an hour or so before I have to leave.

The myth about not charging to 100% isn't the reason I keep the charge below 100%. Instead I do it because I like to have space left in the battery to charge it just before a trip so the battery is warmed, which gives better performance and efficiency while driving.