Most new energy vehicles have two types of charging ports: a fast-charging port and a slow-charging port. What are the differences between these two charging methods, and which one is better?

The fast-charging port has 9 circular holes and is used to connect with a DC charging station. Fast charging, as the name suggests, charges the vehicle quickly, which is convenient for users who want to charge their cars rapidly. Typically, a depleted battery can be fully charged within an hour. On the other hand, the slow-charging port has 7 circular holes and is used to connect with an AC charging station. Slow charging, naturally, takes longer, requiring several hours to fully charge the vehicle.

From the perspective of charging time, many people might think fast charging is better since no one wants to waste time charging. However, fast charging cannot fully charge the battery to 100%, leaving more voltage drop. Slow charging, on the other hand, can fully charge the battery with almost no voltage drop.

But the fact that fast charging leaves more voltage drop is not its biggest drawback. The biggest downside is that fast charging shortens the battery's lifespan. For new energy vehicles, the battery's lifespan directly affects the vehicle's lifespan, as replacing the battery is almost as expensive as buying a new car.

Fast charging shortens battery life because the current generated during fast charging is larger than that of slow charging. This causes the battery to heat up during charging, and the high temperature accelerates battery aging, thereby reducing its lifespan. Severe cases can lead to frequent battery failures. If the battery is frequently depleted and then charged using fast charging, even the best batteries will struggle to withstand such treatment, and the battery will be nearing.

Therefore, if you are not in a hurry to use the vehicle, it is better to choose slow charging. Additionally, it is advisable not to wait until the battery is completely drained before charging. Ideally, you should look for a charging station to charge the vehicle when the battery level is around 20-30%. Of course, if you want charging to be more convenient, you can install an AC charging station at your parking spot.