Battery in the Skoda ENYAQ: charging tips and the answer to whether fast charging is harmful

Summary

In this video, the focus is on gentle charging techniques to maintain the health of the Skoda Enyaq's NMC battery, emphasizing the importance of avoiding deep discharges and regular full charges. Tips include keeping the state of charge between 60-80%, avoiding 100% charges unless necessary, and understanding the impact of fast charging on battery cycles. Real-world examples show how moderate charging practices result in better battery health. The video also explores how temperature affects charging efficiency and provides insights into long-term battery performance, offering a practical guide for optimizing your electric vehicle’s battery life.

Takeaways

• 😀 Charging an electric vehicle (EV) gently, such as in smaller increments (e.g., 60% to 80%), helps extend the battery life by reducing mechanical and chemical stress.
• 😀 Calendar aging and cyclical aging are two types of battery degradation; the focus in this video is on minimizing cyclical aging through proper charging methods.
• 😀 Regularly charging an EV to 100% should be avoided unless absolutely necessary, as high charge levels place stress on the battery and accelerate degradation.
• 😀 Small charging strokes, such as charging from 60% to 80%, are better for battery health compared to larger strokes like 10% to 80%, as they cause less mechanical stress on the battery.
• 😀 Charging to 100% should only be done before long trips to avoid unnecessary strain on the battery from high voltage and chemical side reactions.
• 😀 DC fast charging, while necessary for quick charging, can damage the battery if done excessively, though modern Battery Management Systems (BMS) offer some protection.
• 😀 The C-rate (charging rate relative to battery capacity) significantly affects battery longevity, with lower charging rates resulting in a higher number of cycles before significant degradation.
• 😀 Studies show that charging to 82.5% at a C-rate of 1.5 C results in far more charging cycles (1189 cycles) compared to charging to 100% at a lower C-rate, which degrades the battery faster.
• 😀 Real-world examples of Skoda Enyaq batteries show that gentle charging practices (staying under 80% charge) result in better battery health and less degradation over time.
• 😀 High mileage vehicles, such as a Skoda Enyaq with 280,000 km, still perform well with a lower state of health (78%) due to fast charging at 100% SOC, showing the importance of charging habits on battery life.

Q & A

What is the main topic of the video?

The video focuses on optimal charging methods for the Skoda Enyaq's NMC battery, with the aim of maximizing battery health and minimizing degradation over time.

What is the recommended depth of discharge for charging the Enyaq's battery?

Smaller charging strokes, such as charging from around 60% to 80%, are preferred over larger strokes like charging from 10% to 80%. This reduces mechanical stress and the formation of damaging deposits on the battery.

Why is charging the battery to 100% not recommended?

Charging the battery to 100% causes high voltage stress, leading to chemical side reactions that create deposits on the cathode. This contributes to the battery's degradation and reduces its lifespan.

How does DC fast charging affect the battery?

DC fast charging can be harmful to the battery, especially when done frequently, as it places high stress on the battery. While modern battery management systems (BMS) protect the battery, they do not offer 100% protection.

What is the C rate, and how does it affect battery life?

The C rate indicates how quickly a battery is charged or discharged in relation to its capacity. Charging at higher C rates (e.g., 1.5C) can reduce the battery's lifespan, as shown by the study that revealed higher cycle counts at lower C rates.

What charging practices are recommended to maximize battery life?

It is recommended to charge the battery to around 80% instead of 100%, avoid fast charging as much as possible, and minimize deep discharges. These practices reduce mechanical and chemical stress on the battery.

What are calendar and cyclical aging in batteries?

Calendar aging refers to the battery's degradation over time, even when not in use, while cyclical aging refers to the wear that happens as the battery goes through charging and discharging cycles. Both types of aging are influenced by usage and charging habits.

How does temperature affect the charging process?

High temperatures accelerate chemical reactions, which can exacerbate battery degradation. It's recommended to charge the battery at a moderate temperature (around 23-27°C) to optimize the charging process and reduce battery stress.

What is the effect of charging the Enyaq to 100% frequently?

Frequent 100% charges put the battery under high voltage stress and promote the formation of chemical side reactions that create damaging deposits, particularly on the cathode, which accelerates degradation.

Can you provide an example of battery health in real-world Enyaq models?

Examples from various Enyaq models show that battery health can vary depending on charging habits. For instance, a model with 27,000 km showed 100% health, while a model with 280,000 km showed only 78% health, primarily due to frequent fast charging to 100%.