Power usage when always plugged in

[CTHarrryH]

I go days without unplugging my M2 Air. However, the green light on my power plug turns orange and the battery indicator says on power adapter but power is less than 100% and not charging until less than 80% to promote long term battery life.
I basically do web browsing, mail and that type of task - no photo editing or things that I'd think would use a lot of power.
Does the plugged in power really not provide enough power for that type of usage? Why would battery % go down while plugged in?

 

[m1maverick]

Some of the older portable Macs require a battery in order for them to operate at full speed. This suggests the power adapter is insufficient to provide all the power necessary to operate at full speed. Perhaps the MBA is the same?

Or, and this is just speculation, Apple has determined that not charging the battery until it's at least 80% of capacity is the best way to keep the battery in optimal condition.

Regardless there's nothing you can do about it and my advice is just use the system without worrying about it.

 

[jav6454]

I go days without unplugging my M2 Air. However, the green light on my power plug turns orange and the battery indicator says on power adapter but power is less than 100% and not charging until less than 80% to promote long term battery life.
I basically do web browsing, mail and that type of task - no photo editing or things that I'd think would use a lot of power.
Does the plugged in power really not provide enough power for that type of usage? Why would battery % go down while plugged in?

Optimized battery charging will allow the battery to drop down to 80% as to not damage the cells prematurely.

 

[CTHarrryH]

My question/issue is that browsing, doing email is really all I generally do on my M2 - the power adapter is not supplying enough power for that usage? The M2 has to use both battery power and power adapter to supply needed power? Or does the system use battery and adapter for battery health even if it doesn't really need to use battery?

 

[jav6454]

My question/issue is that browsing, doing email is really all I generally do on my M2 - the power adapter is not supplying enough power for that usage? The M2 has to use both battery power and power adapter to supply needed power? Or does the system use battery and adapter for battery health even if it doesn't really need to use battery?

The answer is still the same. Optimized battery charging also affects how much energy is stored in your battery when the time it has been connected is extended. This helps reduce wear.

 

[Honza1]

My question/issue is that browsing, doing email is really all I generally do on my M2 - the power adapter is not supplying enough power for that usage? The M2 has to use both battery power and power adapter to supply needed power? Or does the system use battery and adapter for battery health even if it doesn't really need to use battery?

Simpler answer: Yes, the system intentionally stops charging the M2 and uses the battery for some time. As said above, this promotes better battery health in long run. Power supply has more than enough power to run your system at 100% for more or less all the time.
It is working as intended to help you, do not worry.