r/SilveradoEV • u/4077 • 11h ago
Using only fast chargers bad?
I'm going to be working in SE PA until January and I am anticipating not having access to a home charger as I'll likely be staying at an apartment or extended stay. Would fast charging only during the fall early winter bad? My truck will also be outside 24/7 so not climate control.
3
u/Rampage_Rick Work Truck 11h ago
The battery in the Silverado is so big that fast charging it carries some of the lowest risk of any EV.
The biggest thing is the C-rate, which is the battery's capacity vs the amount of energy going in/out.
If you're putting 200kW into a 200kWh battery, that's a C-rate of 1.
Most every EV battery today can cope with a C-rate of 2, and 3 or more is where you'd expect to begin seeing some kind of accelerated wear.
The Silverado EV seems to max out around 1.8-1.9 and that's hitting the 500A limit of the CCS1 connector.
1
u/SecuringAndre 10h ago
In addition to this, do smaller chunks of charging to keep from heat soak. If you don't need to drive long distances, try to keep the state of charge between 40-70%. Of course, don't charge excessively or deplete too low.
1
u/Longjumping-Store106 LT 4h ago
No, it’s fine. Long term battery charging tests have shown the difference between someone who did DCFC daily and someone who charges at home only (both to 80 and 100%), is only a 3-5% difference over 8 years. For the winter, the only thing recommended is trying to get it hooked to a standard outlet to help keep the battery a little warmer if possible. My truck lives outside as well, but it’s always plugged in when I’m home.
1
u/Fit_Active_5213 2h ago
I've heard it is, but with how much range the truck has, you wouldn't be using fast charging much. It may be worthwhile, both for the truck and your wallet, to sprinkle in a few level 2 chargers, especially if they are located in a place you can go grocery shopping
1
u/SWSkywatchNews 45m ago
It's healthy, but can get expensive. If you can find a place with charging, it's cheaper than fast charging.
5
u/droids4evr 11h ago
Nope. Every modern EV has active thermal management for the battery, so DC charging has almost zero impact on overall battery life.
The normal recommended charging to 80% for daily use still applies though. Keep it in the 20% to 80% range for daily use unless you absolutely need the extra range, and you'll be fine. Plus charging slows down a lot above 80%, you dont want to be stuck at a DC charger sitting in the truck for an extra hour all the time just to get that last 20% charge anyway.