We’ve assembling the information needed to create a jump start video for Volvo electric vehicle (EV) drivers and it turns out that to get in, access to what the company calls a 12 volt terminal is needed.
Well it turns out Volvo’s 12 V terminal is a worse replica of what is already a terrible idea from Tesla.
Tesla’s terrible idea is to do away with mechanical keys, leading to the need to create a way inside the vehicle if the 12-volt start battery dies. Yes, EVs use one of these.
What the company did was create a spot to access a pair of connectors somewhere at the front of the vehicle, most of them in the front bumper. Twelve volt power is then supplied to the connectors until the hood can be popped open supplying start battery access.
Volvo has emulated this concept in its EX30 and EX90 EVs, also doing away with mechanical keys. And it placed the back-up connectors under the bumper. The picture you see to the right was acquired by lying on the ground with the camera facing up. Turn the plastic cover and pull down and the connectors are found.
Trust me, its a pain in the backside, to be kind. At least the Tesla connections did not require lying on the ground! The Ford MustangMach-E uses a design similar to Tesla.
For the record, the image here is the first we are aware to be made available anywhere on the web. It does not even appear in owner’s manuals!
We reported a few days ago that the Chinese government is looking into barring the use of electronic locks and latches on cars for safety reasons, and good for them. Should this actually come to pass, one benefit would be the loss of these ridiculous and unnecessary back-up systems.
The U.S. should follow suit.
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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
Volvo takes a step backwards with its 12 volt terminal
We’ve assembling the information needed to create a jump start video for Volvo electric vehicle (EV) drivers and it turns out that to get in, access to what the company calls a 12 volt terminal is needed.
Well it turns out Volvo’s 12 V terminal is a worse replica of what is already a terrible idea from Tesla.
Tesla’s terrible idea is to do away with mechanical keys, leading to the need to create a way inside the vehicle if the 12-volt start battery dies. Yes, EVs use one of these.
What the company did was create a spot to access a pair of connectors somewhere at the front of the vehicle, most of them in the front bumper. Twelve volt power is then supplied to the connectors until the hood can be popped open supplying start battery access.
Trust me, its a pain in the backside, to be kind. At least the Tesla connections did not require lying on the ground! The Ford Mustang Mach-E uses a design similar to Tesla.
For the record, the image here is the first we are aware to be made available anywhere on the web. It does not even appear in owner’s manuals!
We reported a few days ago that the Chinese government is looking into barring the use of electronic locks and latches on cars for safety reasons, and good for them. Should this actually come to pass, one benefit would be the loss of these ridiculous and unnecessary back-up systems.
The U.S. should follow suit.
——————————————————————-
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