Usually a ‘cycle’ is defined as a complete discharge and recharge, not a ‘topping off’ charge.................
Yes, but does going from 80% to 30% count as half of a cycle? Also keep in mind that a Tesla battery is actually a battery of batteries, and is designed to rotate which cells it charges and “tops off” to maximize battery life. There is no mention of the Chinese water battery being made of multiple independent cells.
In a NORMAL (single-cell) lithium battery, constantly topping off makes the battery deplete FASTER than allowing it to drain more completely before refilling it.