Smart fortwo L1 Charging

I'm curious about the best way to use a L1 EVSE, specifically the Lear (Intertek) model. The manual says I can slow down the charge rate to avoid tripping breakers, but Im wondering if charging slower is actually better for the battery over time.

Also, I’m thinking about using an extension cord with my current setup or maybe upgrading to one with a longer cord. Anyone had experience with extension cables and how they might mess with charging speed or, you know, safety?

InsiderLife said:

I'm curious about the best way to use a L1 EVSE, specifically the Lear (Intertek) model. The manual says I can slow down the charge rate to avoid tripping breakers, but Im wondering if charging slower is actually better for the battery over time.

Also, I’m thinking about using an extension cord with my current setup or maybe upgrading to one with a longer cord. Anyone had experience with extension cables and how they might mess with charging speed or, you know, safety?

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Slower charging can actually be gentler on the battery over time, so it might help preserve its health if you're not in a rush. That said, the difference is probably minimal unless you're constantly fast-charging. As for using the Lear EVSE at a reduced charge rate, it’s a nice option if you’re concerned about your breaker capacity or if you’re charging overnight and don’t need a quick top-up.

InsiderLife said:

Im wondering if charging slower is actually better for the battery over time.

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Hey, I totally agree with the post above, charging slowly is better for battery health as it reduces stress and heat buildup, which can cause wear and degradation. This helps preserve the battery's lifespan and maintain its performance.

But honestly, in today’s fast-paced world, who has the patience!

The maximum power that these USA chargers can deliver is around 3400 watts, which isn't particularly fast. It's pretty slow, like C/5 or something.

InsiderLife said:

I'm curious about the best way to use a L1 EVSE, specifically the Lear (Intertek) model. The manual says I can slow down the charge rate to avoid tripping breakers, but Im wondering if charging slower is actually better for the battery over time.

Also, I’m thinking about using an extension cord with my current setup or maybe upgrading to one with a longer cord. Anyone had experience with extension cables and how they might mess with charging speed or, you know, safety?

Click to expand...

I learned that slowing down the charge rate helps avoid tripping breakers but doesn’t really impact battery health much if you're within normal limits. As for extension cords, they can reduce charging speed and pose safety risks if not rated for the load. It’s best to use a high-quality, properly rated cord

Smart questions! Slowing down the charge rate with your Lear EVSE to avoid tripping breakers is a good idea if you have circuit limitations BUT there's no real evidence that charging slower at L1 speeds is inherently better for the battery in the long run. Most battery degradation comes from high temperatures and repeated fast charging (DC fast charging). L1 charging is relatively gentle on the battery regardless of the specific rate. As for extension cords, they can be used with L1 EVSEs, but it's crucial to use a heavy-duty cord rated for the amperage of your EVSE. A long, thin extension cord can cause voltage drop, slowing down charging and potentially overheating, which is bad for the battery and a safety hazard.