Electric vehicle efficiency impacted by charging methods and driving style

New research and testing highlight significant factors affecting electric vehicle efficiency and battery longevity. A study by the German motoring organization ADAC reveals that charging methods drastically impact energy loss. Charging via a standard Schuko wall outlet can result in losses as high as 24.2 percent in some models, whereas using a dedicated charging box reduces losses to between 5 and 7 percent. These discrepancies are largely attributed to the vehicle’s onboard charger, which converts alternating current to direct current.

Separately, a study from Shanghai Dianji University indicates that driving style plays a critical role in battery degradation. Analyzing real-world data from electric vehicles in Guangzhou, researchers found that aggressive driving—characterized by rapid acceleration and hard braking—can wear out a battery 2.5 times faster than smoother driving. Such behavior places high electrical loads on battery cells, leading to a gradual loss of capacity and reduced driving range over time.