Yes, you read that correctly — electric vehicles (EVs) still have a 12-volt start battery. It runs the locks, the lights, the entertainment system — of major import in a Tesla — and so much more. And of course starts the drive system. It is recharged by the vehicle’s high voltage battery.
Unfortunately, they last no longer than those in an internal combustion engine (ICE) vehicle. And there are three major issues in an EV.
The first is the lack of recognition that a battery of this type even exists in an EV. When an issue with power crops up, the vehicle’s main high voltage battery is always the first suspect. But in fact there are two distinct electrical power systems.
The second is the type of symptoms an EV driver would experience. In an ICE car, the ignition clicks, a generally accepted sign of a dead battery. Although it could be something else, it generally lands on the battery. In an EV the locked doors are likely the first sign.
The third is a general lack of knowledge or awareness of jump starting an EV. Its possible, but tricky. We’ve decided to add an EV jump start category to our site to help.
A forth problem exists but it exists for any type of car. There is simply no warning given as a 12-volt battery weakens. The warning is the clicking ignition in an ICE vehicle or doors that won’t open in an EV. Clearly no warning at all.
We’ve posted on this before and I think we’ll talk to NHTSA about this last bit. How can it be that there is no actual warning given for a weakening battery before it dies?
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The material on these pages is provided for information sharing purposes only, and should not be used in lieu of an OEM service manual or factory authorized service procedure. We are not in the auto repair business nor do we publish automotive service manuals. Nothing we include on these pages and posts has been reviewed, approved or authorized by any vehicle manufacturer.
Remember that only proper service and repair procedures will ensure the safe and reliable operation of your car. In addition, proper safety procedures and precautions, such as the use of safety goggles, the right tools and the equipment should be followed at all times to eliminate the possibility of personal injury or improper service which could damage the vehicle or compromise its safety.
Technology is always changing and what is current and accurate today may be literally out-of-date and inaccurate tomorrow. And when it comes to the current state of flux in the auto industry, nothing is more true.
The author has 30+ years of automotive experience and has assembled the most extensive collection of symbols and warning lights anywhere (over 1,000!) and can help you open and start any keyless start car with a dead key fob battery. BA, St. Joseph’s, ME: MS, RPI, NY
12-volt EV battery issue crops up again
#InsideEVs did a piece a day or two ago about someone who was locked out of their Tesla while on a road trip far from home. It turned out to be a dying 12-volt EV battery.
Yes, you read that correctly — electric vehicles (EVs) still have a 12-volt start battery. It runs the locks, the lights, the entertainment system — of major import in a Tesla — and so much more. And of course starts the drive system. It is recharged by the vehicle’s high voltage battery.
Unfortunately, they last no longer than those in an internal combustion engine (ICE) vehicle. And there are three major issues in an EV.
The first is the lack of recognition that a battery of this type even exists in an EV. When an issue with power crops up, the vehicle’s main high voltage battery is always the first suspect. But in fact there are two distinct electrical power systems.
The second is the type of symptoms an EV driver would experience. In an ICE car, the ignition clicks, a generally accepted sign of a dead battery. Although it could be something else, it generally lands on the battery. In an EV the locked doors are likely the first sign.
The third is a general lack of knowledge or awareness of jump starting an EV. Its possible, but tricky. We’ve decided to add an EV jump start category to our site to help.
A forth problem exists but it exists for any type of car. There is simply no warning given as a 12-volt battery weakens. The warning is the clicking ignition in an ICE vehicle or doors that won’t open in an EV. Clearly no warning at all.
We’ve posted on this before and I think we’ll talk to NHTSA about this last bit. How can it be that there is no actual warning given for a weakening battery before it dies?
——————————————————————-
The material on these pages is provided for information sharing purposes only, and should not be used in lieu of an OEM service manual or factory authorized service procedure. We are not in the auto repair business nor do we publish automotive service manuals. Nothing we include on these pages and posts has been reviewed, approved or authorized by any vehicle manufacturer.
Remember that only proper service and repair procedures will ensure the safe and reliable operation of your car. In addition, proper safety procedures and precautions, such as the use of safety goggles, the right tools and the equipment should be followed at all times to eliminate the possibility of personal injury or improper service which could damage the vehicle or compromise its safety.
Technology is always changing and what is current and accurate today may be literally out-of-date and inaccurate tomorrow. And when it comes to the current state of flux in the auto industry, nothing is more true.
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The author has 30+ years of automotive experience and has assembled the most extensive collection of symbols and warning lights anywhere (over 1,000!) and can help you open and start any keyless start car with a dead key fob battery. BA, St. Joseph’s, ME: MS, RPI, NY