UnsungZero_OldTimeAdMan
Well-Known Member
slightly nerdy but very informative video on this topic here:
I take Rivian advice and charge to 70% on regular days but often go to 85% (big day of driving planned) or 100% (starting long road trip) based on what I’m planning next day.
feel good that basic rule is fill it up to 70% for day to day, but definitely fill it up more whenever you think you might need it.
My biggest project right now is working to get friends to put in level 2 charges as ski homes / lake houses where I visit!!
Yes Engineering Explained's content is "nerdy". But even if you don't understand the details, he explains it well enough where you get the gist. And, while you may not understand everything, you may get to learn something... or discover more (if you don't understand, which lead you to Googling and learning some more). Unlike some other influencers, EE's content is worth the time.
I generally run down to mid 40s then charge to 80% (DCFC) once a week and that is generally enough to get by; whether I'm driving less or more than usual. And that's because I can't charge at home (and LPF was not an available option). If I change jobs and have to commute a lot more (groan), I'll probably have to charge more often, a mix of DCFC and L2. Early on when I had range anxiety, I charged to 85%. And a few of those times I experienced "regen reduced". Realizing the pack was not entirely happy and that I don't actually need the extra 5% on a regular basis, I have not gone past 80% since—unless I actually need it (i.e. can make the trip/leg without dropping under 20%).I go to 85% when I charge. I only charge when I get below 60% or less. I save 95-98% charges for days before I know I’ll be driving a lot. I’m really not too worried about range loss. There’s plenty there.
Regardless of pack chemistry, there's no point taking on more charge (run the meter, wait longer, and pay for more than you need). Coming from ICE, this is one of the lesser discussed mentality shift: you don't need to keep the "tank" topped if you don't have to. If you don't drive much at all, and the car is essentially in extended storage, around 50% is where the packs are most happy. The exception is with LFP, there Rivian does want you to charge to 100% from time to time in order for range estimate calculations to work properly. So, as previously stated, it's more nuanced than simply "good" or "bad".
Here's EE on LFP:
Here's EE on DCFC:
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