Services
Insurance
Repairs
Advice
About

Should you charge an electric car to 80% or 100%?

I’ve been checking the EPA range rating for electric cars, but I noticed that many of them calculate the number based on a full charge. Is it OK to charge an electric car to 100% in order to get the full range, or should I only charge it to 80% as the recommendations say?

avatar
Allison Stone · Updated on
Reviewed by Shannon Martin, Licensed Insurance Agent.
While the EPA
range rating
for an
electric car
is generally accurate to the mileage you would get on a full charge, charging to 100 is not the best for your car in terms of long-term performance.
In order to optimize your battery’s life and performance, it is recommended that charging capacity is limited to 80% each time you charge. It will cut into your range slightly, but it will prolong your battery’s life in the long run.
Range anxiety is a huge problem for many EV drivers, but there are a few things that can be done to mitigate it such as:
  • Plan ahead a route of charging stations for longer trips.
  • Avoid quickly accelerating or quickly braking.
  • Avoid driving at peak hot or cold temperatures during the day to maximize range.
Limiting the charging capacity on your car may seem inconvenient at the moment, but it will help to ensure that your car stays in peak condition in the long run. Another way to invest in your car’s health and longevity is to shop for
car insurance
with Jerry.
Sign up with the
Jerry
app to get personalized insurance quotes from 55+ top providers, who will provide you with the best rates and coverage options.
Before every policy renewal period, you’ll even be presented with new competitive quotes. With Jerry, you’ll always have the best coverage at the best price.
View full answer 
WHY YOU CAN TRUST JERRY
Jerry partners with more than 50 insurance companies, but our content is independently researched, written, and fact-checked by our team of editors and agents. We aren’t paid for reviews or other content.

Join 4M+ members in lowering their car insurance

What Others Are Asking

Easiest way to compare and buy car insurance

√
No long forms
√
No spam or unwanted phone calls
√
Quotes from top insurance companies
Find insurance savings