Hi all - I’m looking to buy my first ever EV soon (probably a Model Y, Polestar 2, or BMW i4) and have quick question. I’m often gone from home for a few weeks (sometimes months) at a time, and I currently keep a trickle charger on my 12V battery the whole time (it’s a “smart” CTEK charger that doesn’t overcharge the battery). That charger recently broke after many years of use, so I’m wondering whether there’s any need to replace it.

I know the answer may differ across EV models, but in general: if I leave the car in a garage for a few weeks it’s plugged into the main EV charger whole time, is there any need for a trickle charger?

Any quick thoughts would be greatly appreciated.

  • WeldAE@alien.topBEnglish
    1·
    10 months ago

    probably a Model Y, Polestar 2, or BMW i4

    The Model Y has a Lithium 12V battery that is pretty integrated into the car and doesn’t need replacing. The car deals with it so you don’t have to do anything special. I would 100% plug any EV in that you are leaving that long and set the charge level to 50% or something like that.