NEV Owner Guide

LFP vs NMC Batteries: Should You Charge Your EV to 100%?

Published 2026-10-06 · Updated 2026-10-06

LFP vs NMC: Should You Charge Your EV to 100%?

"Don't charge to 100%" is one of the most repeated pieces of EV advice. Yet some owners' manuals tell you to charge to 100% regularly. Both can be right, because the advice depends on your car's battery chemistry and on what the manufacturer recommends for that car.

This guide explains the two main chemistries in plain English, then quotes what manufacturers actually say. The short version: read your manual, and follow it.

The two chemistries in one minute

Most EVs on sale today use lithium-ion batteries with one of two main cathode chemistries:

  • LFP (lithium iron phosphate). Widely used by BYD; its Blade battery is LFP. BYD Australia, for example, lists the Atto 3's battery as an LFP Blade battery (BYD Australia, Atto 3).
  • NMC (nickel manganese cobalt), along with related nickel-rich chemistries such as NCA. These are common in longer-range and performance models from many brands.

Researchers have found that chemistry and charging conditions both matter. A 2020 study from Sandia National Laboratories cycled commercial LFP, NCA and NMC cells and found that cycling conditions, including the depth of discharge, had a "profound effect" on degradation (Sandia, 2020). Lab cell tests don't translate directly into advice for your car, though, because each manufacturer manages its battery differently (buffers, cooling, charging limits). That's why the manual is the place to start.

How do I know which chemistry my car has? Check the spec sheet, the brochure or the owner's manual, or ask your dealer. Some models are sold with either chemistry depending on the version, so check your variant.

What BYD says (LFP)

BYD Australia's Warranty & Service Handbook gives the clearest "charge to full" guidance we found (BYD handbook):

  • Fully charge regularly: "Fully charge the vehicle is recommended at regular basis (at least once a week)."
  • Periodic full cycle: once every 3–6 months, charge from below 10% to full using AC charging, to help keep the range estimate accurate.
  • Cold weather: below 10 °C, charge straight after driving, while the battery is still warm.
  • Storage over 7 days: keep the battery at 40–60%.
  • Storage over 3 months: every 3 months, fully charge and then return the battery to 40–60%.
  • Don't leave it empty: if the battery reaches 0%, recharge promptly. The handbook warns of possible damage if it's left at 0% for about 7 days.

So for a BYD with an LFP battery, charging to 100% at least weekly is what the manufacturer recommends.

What MG says

MG's European owner manual for the MG4 recommends regular slow AC charging to "equalise" the battery, which it says helps extend battery life. The car will display a "Please Slow-charge the Vehicle" message when this is due (MG4 EU owner manual).

If you have an MG, look up the battery section for your model and version. The guidance is tied to the specific vehicle, and battery specifications differ between versions.

What Polestar says (Geely group)

Polestar is part of the Geely group. Its owner's manual takes the more familiar "don't sit at 100%" line (Polestar manual):

  • Set a target charge level below 100% for everyday charging. Charge to 100% only when you need the full range.
  • Keeping the battery at a very high charge level for long periods can damage it.
  • AC charging is recommended for everyday use.
  • When the charge falls below 20%, plug in soon.
  • Parking over a month: leave it at 40–60%. Over three months: leave it plugged in with the charge limit set to 50%.

So, should you charge to 100%?

Putting the manufacturers' advice together:

If your manual says… Do this
Charge to full regularly (e.g. BYD's weekly full charge for its LFP cars) Charge to 100% as recommended. Ideally finish shortly before you drive, rather than leaving it full for days.
Set a limit below 100% for daily use (e.g. Polestar) Use a lower everyday limit and charge to 100% only before long trips.
Do periodic slow AC charges (e.g. MG) Plug into AC at home and let the car complete its balancing charge when prompted.
Nothing specific Ask your dealer, and in the meantime follow the general habits below.

General habits that appear across manuals

  • Use AC (home or destination) charging for everyday charging, and DC fast charging when you need it. Polestar recommends AC for everyday use, MG asks for regular slow AC charges, and BYD's periodic full charge is specifically an AC charge.
  • Avoid leaving the battery near empty. BYD and Polestar both warn against it.
  • For long-term parking, store at about half charge. Both BYD and Polestar recommend 40–60%.
  • In cold weather, charge soon after driving (BYD), when the battery is still warm. See our guide to winter range for more.

Does charging to 100% cost more?

Not per kWh. But on a public DC fast charger, the last part of the charge is usually slower, so a session to 100% can take noticeably longer. Some networks also charge idle or time-based fees. For everyday charging, home AC is both cheaper and gentler. Compare costs with our charging cost calculator.

What about the warranty?

Battery warranties usually cover capacity loss below a stated threshold within a set time or distance, and some carry conditions about use and maintenance. Terms differ by brand, model and country, so read the warranty document for your car. Following the manufacturer's charging guidance is the simplest way to stay on the right side of those conditions.

Key takeaways

  • There's no single rule for every EV. Chemistry and manufacturer guidance decide it.
  • BYD's Australian handbook recommends a full charge at least weekly for its cars.
  • Polestar recommends an everyday limit below 100%, and 100% only when needed.
  • MG recommends regular slow AC "equalisation" charges when the car asks.
  • Across brands: avoid sitting at 0%, store at about 40–60%, and use AC for routine charging.

Sources

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