I'm wondering if there are any opinions on the best SoC (%) for a short period of non-use, say 3 or 4 days. From the other threads I have read, I gather that a 100% SoC would probably not be desirable, and a very low SoC would also not be very good. I am thinnking of this from a battery longevity perspective. But what would be optimal, 80%? 50% 30%? Also, antoher question..... I read somewhere that, in terms of battery life maximization, it is better to charge using Level 1 than Level 2. I am planning on using Level 2 (16A) most of the time, and taking the Level 1 charger with me on moderate trips, to charge at destination. Will this shorten the battery life? Thanks!
The most anybody has reported charging the Clarity is 14.4 kW from the wall. Assuming the inverter/charger is 86% efficient, then only ~12.4kW makes it to the battery which is the amount of the 17 kW battery total capacity we are allowed to use. And thats only ~73% of the total battery capacity. So Honda has set the battery management software (BMS) to have a total buffer of ~27% split between the top and bottom of the total capacity. So the BMS is set to prevent a total charge and a total discharge there by protecting the battery. Since there is already a buffer at the high end of the SOC, you will probably only gain a very little bit of battery life expectancy by not charging up to the full amount allowed by the BMS. So I think it’s safe to charge away in the Clarity and I only concern my self with trying not to charge when the battery is hotter like right after driving if I can avoid it. Also, over 3 days, you will find a neglible loss of SOC.
