Does Fast Charging Ruin Your EV Battery? - TL;DW: Enjoy your vehicle :

Rivian Mom · 2025-03-08T18:49:39+00:00

Last week, we got the full-size spare tire installed, including the kit. 3 days ago, I got an alert that the driver's size front tire was a little low on air. I aired it back up using the built-in compressor but it kept leaking slowly (~4psi in 12 hours). When we got it jacked up, I saw a little screw just trying to get by. A couple things to note on the process: • The instructions in the tow manual or in-truck manual are excellent and detailed. You are not too manly to read them—take the time and read them to save yourself any grief. I like that they remind you to lower the suspension before removing the spare & kit, then raise it to change it, along with a bunch of other small tips. • Don't forget to completely remove the long bolt holding the tire and jack kit down (which is also explained in the manual)—this takes only a second, and you won't have to worry about damaging the tire. It also makes removing the nearly 100lb tire much easier, as you can just pivot it upright and roll it out of the well. The hex head to remove it is molded into the threaded piece. • If you don't have the manual on you (and once jacked, you can't get back in the cab to read the onboard one), there's a QRCode on the jack and other components you can scan with your phone. This takes you directly to the tow guide PDF—this is an awesome idea, someone should get a bonus for it. • At least for the front wheel, you have to raise the jack almost all the way up to truly get the wheel off the ground. • You have to swap the center cap from the flat tire to the replacement tire. It's not a big deal, though, and can easily be done after everything else. But you probably can't remove that center cap easily while the tire is mounted. • The kit isn't half bad. It was a little hard work, but overall, nothing unbearable since I was in the garage in the shade. Here's some photos of what everything looks like. The tire is off getting patched, but should be an easy fix.

Vincent

Member

Thursday at 5:19 PM

This is another phenomenal EE video, breaking down the battery chemistry and internal reactions.

For those who want a quick synopsis:
Multiple studies do demonstrate that *generally* DCFC fast charging does degrade battery chemistry faster than slower charging. HOWEVER, the significance is minute. AND there are multiples of caveats, insofar as the variability of affects are due to combinations of speeds, current and achieved State of Charge, climate (temperature especially) of the battery module and cells, and so forth.

When looked at extreme cases (a vehicle that exclusively fast charged in the Arizona desert) versus a vehicle that exclusively L2 charged, the delta over its lifetime was only 5%. And the realities are: with the evolution of EV tech (BMS, battery conditioning, and built in maintenance and sensors), it's really not worth splitting hairs over.

I've never really been worried about these things. After all: Rivian has a phenomenal 8 year 175k mile warranty on the battery and drivetrain. However, I do see much debate online for passionate owners that want to preserve the longevity of their vehicles, and that's admirable. The reason I shared this is: hopefully this helps alleviate that anxiety. JUST USE YOUR Rivian. Adventure awaits

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