NO car, regardless of its powertrain, likes standing idle for weeks on end and an EV is no different. Here’s how to look after your electric vehicle during the lockdown…
TLC For Your EV In Lockdown
When a car is left untouched for weeks on end, all sorts of technical and mechanical faults can emerge. These might include the life of the battery, tyre pressures and even bodywork that’s been left exposed to the elements. An EV, however, comes with some unique considerations. Bob Taenaka, senior technical leader for battery and cell system development at Ford, has issued advice for EV owners facing lockdown measures. According to him, the most important thing for owners of electric vehicles is to is to make sure your car’s 12-volt battery remains charged and the high-voltage battery has adequate charge. A charge of around 10% is required to prevent it draining to zero. Most EV and hybrid models that have been on charge for at least eight hours in the last month should be adequately charged.
If you’re storing an electric car for longer periods of time, a charge between 10% and 80% is recommended by those in the know. A high-voltage battery above a 10% charge can impressively go for more than six months without charging; but a 12-volt battery will drain considerably faster. Taenaka recommends that drivers disconnect the negative terminal of 12-volt batteries. Alternatively, they can connect them to a trickle charger. Taenaka explained, “If you are storing your vehicle for longer than 30 days without use, we recommend disconnecting the negative terminal of your 12-volt battery”. He added, “this avoids depletion and potential damage to the battery; which runs the internal systems such as heating – without the need for monthly maintenance”.
Things You Should Know About Disconnecting A 12-Volt Battery
1) If you’re storing the vehicle in a locked garage and the 12-volt battery is in the boot, make sure to leave the boot lid open.
2) If the battery is in the boot and you’re not storing the car in a garage, you will require another 12-volt source. Make sure to follow the instructions in the owner’s manual to restore 12-volt power to the vehicle; this will allow you to open the boot.
3) Make sure you leave the key fob outside of the car – after all, you may need to use the physical key to lock and unlock the vehicle.
4) Once the 12-volt battery is disconnected, use the key to unlock and lock the doors.
Drivers Want Green Signs In Order To Stop ICE-ing – https://autoserveclub.co.uk/blog/drivers-want-green-signs-in-order-to-stop-ice-ing/
Tesla Drivers Cover Higher Annual Mileages Than Owners Of Other Cars – https://autoserve.co.uk/motoring-news/tesla-drivers-cover-higher-annual-mileages-than-owners-of-other-cars/
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