Reader Question: Chevy Volt/Charging Safety?

1
1231
Print Friendly, PDF & Email

Here’s the latest reader question, along with my reply!

Mark asks: Though the Chevy Volt has a Li-Ion battery pack, it’s small; it can also be easily charged with 120 VAC. Because of that, would it be safer to have a Volt vs. a pure EV?

My reply: Charging any battery is generally safer on a slow-charge (“trickle charge”) basis as well as better for the battery’s longevity. This goes for the Volt’s battery as well as the battery packs in other electric cars and partial-electric cars (i.e., hybrid cars).

The problem, of course, for full-time electric cars is the greater need to “fast” charge – assuming you want to drive rather than wait. This being so because the EV will not go unless the battery is charged. Whereas in a hybrid – and the Volt is essentially that – the car can go so long as the tank is full. There is no necessity to stop – and wait. It has the ability to recharge itself as it goes, using the gas engine as a take-it-with-you generator.

You can plug in – and wait – when it is convenient. And safer. Because you can afford to wait the 6-12 hours it takes to recharge on 120 volt household current.

The huge – and soon to be even more so – problem with purely electric cars is that having to wait sucks. People will expect to be able to go – which will mean more (and more) “fast” charging, which will increase the risk of fires, especially as EVs age. Any fault in the system, its electronic safeguards and/or the physical integrity of the battery pack itself, can and almost certainly will increase the chances of a fire after thousands of discharge/recharge cycles.

An aging IC car may smoke – through the tailpipe. But an aging EV is more likely to burn. In your garage, perhaps.

 . . . 

Got a question about cars, Libertarian politics – or anything else? Click on the “ask Eric” link and send ’em in!

If you like what you’ve found here please consider supporting EPautos. 

We depend on you to keep the wheels turning! 

Our donate button is here.

 If you prefer not to use PayPal, our mailing address is:

EPautos
721 Hummingbird Lane SE
Copper Hill, VA 24079

PS: Get an EPautos magnet or sticker or coaster in return for a $20 or more one-time donation or a $10 or more monthly recurring donation. (Please be sure to tell us you want a magnet or sticker or coaster – and also, provide an address, so we know where to mail the thing!)

My eBook about car buying (new and used) is also available for your favorite price – free! Click here.  If that fails, email me at EPeters952@yahoo.com and I will send you a copy directly!

 

1 COMMENT

  1. Thanks, Eric! I was researching solid state batteries, and one of the appeals of ASSBs is that there’s no liquid electrolyte in it; Li-Ion has the liquid electrolyte, which can and does start fires.

LEAVE A REPLY

Please enter your comment!
Please enter your name here