Can I charge my Tesla to 100%?
A question every Tesla driver will inevitably face is: Can you charge a Tesla to 100%? You may have heard that charging to 100% damages the battery, but is this really true? In this article, we will delve into this myth.
The Different Battery Types in Tesla
Before we can answer this question, we need to first differentiate between the various battery types used by Tesla.
LFP - Lithium Iron Phosphate
The Standard Range versions of the Tesla Model Y and Model 3 are equipped with LFP batteries (Lithium Iron Phosphate). These batteries have the advantage of being very robust and less susceptible to capacity losses from frequent full charges.
This means that Standard Range Teslas with an LFP battery can be charged to 100% in daily use without concerns. These batteries are designed to handle regular full charges without significant damage.
Other Batteries
All other batteries in the Long Range and Performance models of Tesla Model Y and Model 3 excel at handling more charging power and are less sensitive to temperature differences during charging.
However, these batteries are not designed to be kept in a very full or very empty state for extended periods.
Recommendation for Long Range and Performance Tesla Models
Owners of Long Range and Performance models should be a bit more cautious. The reason is not necessarily the full charge itself, but rather the duration for which the battery is kept at 100% (or 0%). In daily use, it's recommended to ideally keep these models between 20% and 80% charge.
But why is this the case? When left for long periods at maximum or minimum charge, accelerated capacity loss can occur. However, this doesn't mean you should never charge your Tesla to 100%.
For instance, if you're on a road trip and need the maximum range, you can charge your Tesla fully without concerns. The key is not to leave it fully charged for extended periods.
Can you charge a Tesla to 100%?
Now that we're informed about Tesla's battery types, we can answer this question more easily.
Yes, you can charge your Tesla to 100%! For a Standard Range Tesla with an LFP battery, you can even do so daily. For Long Range and Performance models, you should not let your Model Y or Model 3 remain at full or empty charge for more than a few hours.
For daily use, it's better to charge between 20% and 80%. If you plan to use up the battery soon after charging, such as on a road trip, then there's no issue with fully charging it.
Understanding the correct charging behavior can extend your battery's lifespan and help you maintain your Tesla's maximum range over the long term. Detailed information on how to properly charge a Tesla is summarized here for you.
