Using a high wattage charger to quickly charge your EV is convenient, but are you doing more harm than you think?
Why are electric cars heavier than gasoline cars?
Electric cars are heavy. Seriously. Automakers are developing new battery technologies to reduce the load.
- Level 3 chargers, which can charge a large portion of an EV’s battery capacity, are becoming more common.
- The best EV ownership experience can come from planning, not just accessible fast charging.
With the right charging plan and setup, owning an electric car can be easy and satisfying. If you rely on public charging stations to charge your EV, using the fastest, most powerful chargers can damage your battery.
The lack of electric vehicle charging infrastructure is a major impediment to EV adoption in the United States. At a time when the U.S. has more Level 2 (medium fast charging) and Level 3 (fast charging) charging stations than ever before, Canadian research firm Geotab has made a disturbing discovery.
After all, fast chargers may not be the answer to a more convenient electric vehicle ownership experience.
Research company points out that fast charging of EVs accelerates battery deterioration
Charging stations are getting faster and some popular EVs are now compatible with different types of charging ports using adapters. Overall, this is good news for drivers who need fast charging. However, the long-term effects of such high wattage chargers can negatively impact the lifespan of your vehicle.
According to Getotab, “EVs using high-power DC fast charging above 100 kilowatts experience degradation rates of up to 3.0% per year, which is approximately twice as high as vehicles using primarily low-power charging.” A 3.0% annual deterioration rate may not seem like much, but according to the automotive research site iSeeCars.com, “the average lifespan of a new car is 8.4 years.” Note that these estimates are based on regular fast charger usage, not occasional fast charging sessions.
Regular use of high-power DC (direct current) fast charging over the average vehicle ownership period (8.4 years) can degrade a battery by as much as 25.2%. This is a significant problem for EVs that don’t have a very long range.
What will be the ideal way to charge an electric car in 2026?
Realistically, using a Level 1 electric vehicle charger in 2026 doesn’t make much sense as it will charge the battery by about 3% to 7% every hour. If you want practical EV charging that won’t tax your battery as much as higher wattage chargers, Level 2 home chargers are the way to go.
An average Level 2 home charger can take 7 to 8 hours to charge a battery from 10% to 80%. Drivers who have an estimate of their average daily commute time can plan their charging sessions to start with shorter, faster sessions multiple times per week instead of one or two long sessions per week.
According to Axios, U.S. drivers drive “a national average of 42 miles” per day. Most EV owners should be able to get through a week’s commute with one long charging session at home on the weekend and several very short charging sessions throughout the week to top up their range.
Should you buy a modern electric car in 2026?
Electric cars have become even more popular thanks to brands like Tesla, which have developed competitive and practical models and powerful charging networks. On the other hand, not everyone can own an EV. There are some things drivers need to seriously consider before switching from a gas-powered car to an electric car.
Things to consider before buying an EV
- Where do you charge your car and how long does it realistically take?
- Does your home have reliable and convenient public charging stations?
- Are you willing to invest the full cost of home charging?
There are several competitive electric vehicles on the market heading into 2026, but having a realistic charging plan is essential to owning the best-selling and most desirable EV. If you’re not willing to adapt your lifestyle to EV charging by purchasing a home charger or planning regular charging sessions, it may not be worth considering an electric vehicle.
