Elon Says Don’t Top Off Your Electric Vehicle on Road Trips
Ever notice how people treat their electric car battery like a gas tank? They plug in and wait for that 100 percent mark every single time. Elon Musk says that habit is a mistake especially on long drives.
The smart move is simple. Charge up to around 80 percent then drive it down to 10 percent or lower before you stop again. Why? Because the last chunk of charge slows way down.
Inside the battery lithium ions act like cars looking for parking spots. When the lot is mostly empty they pull in fast. Once it fills up they have to circle and search. Getting from 80 to 100 can take as long as the entire trip from empty to 80.
So on a road trip you actually spend less total time at chargers if you stop earlier and roll out. Your battery stays happier too.
Next time you are planning a long drive try the 80 percent rule. You will be surprised how much smoother the trip feels.
