Tag: electric vehicle

To cabin heat an EV or not to cabin heat — in the cold

EV logoCabin heat

We’ve have seen several mentions to not use the cabin heater in an EV in cold weather — even in vehicles with a heat pump — but to rather use the seat and steering wheel heaters for warmth in order to maintain the vehicle’s high voltage battery charge. This was even a surprising recommendation in a Hybrid manual. And we’re seeing undeniable evidence that this is true.

Range shownSo we did a video and posted it to YouTube. Sure enough you can watch the range drop as the heat is turned on in the Kia Niro. The drop is 7% immediately. Heat intended to keep the battery warm is now redirected into the cabin. Even an adjustment to the heat settings have a negative impact on range. Both with the blower and temperature.

The Polestar 2 never showed this much sensitivity on screen, but then the car annoyingly only counted down miles in groups of 10. Really hated that. It did give estimated range at the end of a trip when using mapping and that figure would be impacted by the use of heat and particularly when defrosting the windshield.

I’ve learned to use a small amount of cabin heat for only a few minutes at a time. The range tends then to return to normal in between, even in the recent 20 degree weather. A bit of battery and climate control management.

You can see the video on our YouTube channel here.

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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.

These posts are 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.

Technology is always changing and what is current and accurate today may be literally out-of-date and inaccurate tomorrow.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 could be more true.

Permanent link to this article: https://dashboardsymbols.com/2024/12/to-cabin-heat-an-ev-or-not-to-cabin-heat-in-the-cold/

EV or gas? A little something to help you decide

EV logoEV or gas

I had two conversations recently, back-to-back, that really came down EV or gas. Bear in mind, I drive an electric vehicle or EV.

The first was with a waitress I’ve known for some time but hadn’t seen in a while and her “car story” that I’d thus missed. It seems her 5-year old 3-Series BMW with 50,000 miles on it simply died one day. Mid-motion. The diagnosis was a blown transmission that would cost $15,000 to repair! She ditched the car.

Being a bit of a smart @$$ and feeling a little smug, which may come back to bite me, I asked, “do you know what an EV doesn’t have?” She actually didn’t know so I answered my question: “a transmission!” (So that you know, an EV’s electric motor is connected directly to the wheels.)

She then added that her husband’s Audi goes through a quart of oil every 1,000 miles and I noted that my last gas car was also an Audi with the same engine and it too used oil at the same rate. Then, the bartender chimed in that his 100,000 mile Volvo also uses a quart every thousand miles.

I then asked, “you know what else an EV doesn’t have?”

Had to be done…

And if you are curious about our opinion on a big issue holding back EV adoption, click here. And we have a primer on EV charging here.

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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.

These posts are 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.

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.

Permanent link to this article: https://dashboardsymbols.com/2024/09/ev-or-gas-a-little-something-to-help-you-decide/

EV Charging Etiquette

Charging EVs While Being Considerate

We’re not the only ones to speak on this, but we’ve seen too many electric vehicles (EVs) sitting at Level 3 fast charge stations either done charging and blocking a station or charging above 80%, meaning very, very slowly. So it we will add our voice to the chorus of EV charging etiquette posts, and we’ll take that last one first.

1) Stop charging at 80%

We’ve seen more confusion about this than anything else related to Level 3 charging, and it all comes down to charge curves. Regardless of how fast an EV charges, each and every one of them slows down dramatically at 80% charge (see the image below from P3). So whatever time it takes to get to 80%, it will take up to three times that time to get to 100%. This is the least efficient way to charge on long trips. You can get half way to the next charge station in the time wasted getting to 100%!

The result is a charger that is not available to another driver, a waste of your time, and its really hard on the battery. Meaning it will shorten its life!

We understand the desire to “fill the tank” angst associated with leaving a battery 20% empty. But trust us when we say that the angst will pass with time and you’ll get along just fine at 80% and less.

2) Use the proper plug

This is essentially for non-Tesla owners. Your car determines the rate at which electricity is transferred to the battery. So parking a Chevy Bolt, which charges at 50 kW, at 350 kW charger does a huge disservice to owners of vehicles that can make use of the faster charger. Your car will not charge any faster than its rated speed, regardless of what charger you’ve plugged into.

Please leave the faster chargers for vehicles that can use them.

3) Move your EV when its done charging, not when you’re done shopping!

This is a primarily time awareness issue, and of course moving your car is again about opening a charge spot for another driver. Most EV’s get to 80% charge in 20 to 30 minutes and your owner’s manual will give you a solid heads up. Also, your car’s app may be able to tell you when charging is finished or close to finished.

So if you’ve wandered off to lunch or shopping, for the sake of everyone else, please come back to your car on time to open a slot for someone else.

4) Know your vehicle’s charge port location

Nearly all gasoline fill locations on on one side or the other in the rear of the vehicle. EVs can charge from similar locations but some are in the front! In any case, knowing which par of the car that needs to be closest to the charge cable will save some embarrassment.

Of course, all Tesla models charge from the left rear.

5) Don’t leave trash behind

One would think all EV drivers are environmentally conscious, but this turns out not to be the case. And unfortunately, charge stations don’t have trash receptacles around, since no attendant is needed! So, if you generate some trash, please be prepared to take it away with you.

6) Never unplug someone else’s vehicle

Unless its an absolute emergency, never, ever touch another driver’s car. You wouldn’t want someone to do that to you (unless you left a note allowing it!) so don’t ever do it to someone else.

7) Level 2 charger time limits

Finally, if you happen upon a slower Level 2 public charger, be aware of any posted time limits. You won’t get as much charge, but others may want a little boost too. Leave when its your time to leave.

In all cases, be considerate of other EV drivers!

P3-Charging_Index

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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.

These posts are 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.

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.

Permanent link to this article: https://dashboardsymbols.com/2024/04/ev-charging-etiquette/

EV Driving Life is an App Driving Life

Why You Might Need a Smart Phone App

Charging an electric vehicle (EV) in most cases involves an intermediary – a smart phone app. Needless to say an app failure when in need of a charge is a massive problem, and all too often it will be left to the driver to come up with a fix! This makes EV driving an App driving life.

So, this is at once a call to app makers to get it right for the sake and safety of their users, and to app users to be on guard.

No App Needed

First, for those with less familiarity we’ll note the charging opportunities that do not require an app:

  • Plugging directly into a 120v or 240 v AC home outlet
  • Tesla drivers at a Tesla supercharges
  •  Mercedes-Benz drivers at an Electrify America charge station – a program that may eventually be extended to other manufacturers.

App Needed

And charging that does require an app:

  • Any DC Level 3 fast charging network that does not belong to Tesla
  • Any Tesla driver using one of those networks
  • Any non-Tesla driver using Tesla’s Level 3 Magic Docks
  • EV Driving LifeLevel 2 AC chargers installed at a residence
  • Shared Level 2 network chargers

Bad example #1. I have access to a shared Level 2 network where I live. What is supposed to happen is illustrated by the image to the right. The app opens the camera which is used to scan a QR code on the charger, which can be seen coming into focus. Assuming an account has been set up, charging starts automatically.

However, an attempt to use it a few weeks ago resulted in the screen shown in the Charge image 2second image. The camera screen flashed on only momentarily, and was then replaced by what is seen on the image.

A call to the company resulted in the maddening suggestion of uninstall and reinstall the software! The user finds himself/herself the technician! We’ve dealt with these kinds of issues before.

Needless to say the process changed nothing, even though an update appeared to take place. The problem resolved itself a few days without any further input!

Charge image 3Bad example #2. My lease came with 24 months of free charging with Electrify America. This ran out a bit ago, so I have not used them in some time.

However, I follow them on X, and recently saw the post shown in the screen grab to the right. Their app was experiencing a service interruption. Now, one can only imagine the time wasted by drivers attempting to charge their vehicles. And unless they themselves followed Electrify America on social media, and thought to check for a post, they would oblivious to the fact that a session could actually be started regardless! Its a bit hard to read, but the text says this.

Service interruptions, software – read app – failures, this is the world of EV charging. For those who are faint of heart or hate technology, this world is not – yet – for you!

I added yet because everyone who claims to hate and/or be “bad” at technology likely as not already owns and makes great use of a smart phone. It merely an adjustment.

But be ready for help calls that will require you to be in the “driver’s seat” while finding a solution.

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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.

These posts are 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.

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.

Permanent link to this article: https://dashboardsymbols.com/2024/02/ev-driving-life-is-an-app-driving-life/

One Pedal Driving Dashboard Indicators

One Pedal

One pedal driving indicatorThis is a One Pedal Driving Dashboard Indicator symbol. One pedal driving is a feature of electric vehicles, where much of the braking is accomplished by the electric motor as the accelerator pedal is released. The brake pedal is not touched in most cases when the system is activated.

Trail one pedal drive indicatorTrail one pedal drive indicatorThese are also One Pedal Drive indicator symbols. When active, the image displays green on the instrument panel. If unavailable or on standby, it is seen in grey. Actual brake pedal use may be needed in some extreme cases.

Note: If you’re driving a Ford Bronco, click here!

These are part and parcel of Regenerative Braking, where the energy used to slow the vehicle is captured and returned to the the high voltage battery. There is a misconception that this accomplished through the vehicles brake system, which is simply not the case (I once listened to a dealership owner explain regenerative braking to a customer perfectly wrong!). In fact the electric motor reverses, which slows the vehicle a sends energy back to the battery.

From a driver’s perspective, regenerative braking turns out to be quite intuitive. The more the accelerator pedal is released, the harder the braking action. This is very similar to actual braking., where the more the brake pedal is pushed, the harder the braking action.

Emergency stops in an EV will still require the use of the brake pedal. But moment to moment driving can be accomplished with the accelerator pedal only. Most manufacturers allow the driver to choose the amount of braking action applied by the electric motor. One pedal driving is accomplished only at the highest setting.

Note a new phenomenon from Ford that uses the same set of gray and green indicators in an internal combustion engine vehicle, the Bronco. Click here for more.

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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.

These posts are 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.

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.

Permanent link to this article: https://dashboardsymbols.com/2022/08/one-pedal-driving-indicator/

Transport Mode Dashboard Indicator

Transport Mode

Neutral indicatorThis is a Transport Mode Indicator symbol. It is used by electric vehicle (EV) manufacturers to indicate the vehicle is in neutral and the the wheels can turn freely for transportation or towing purposes.

  • Before moving on, is this truly your symbol??
  • If not, you can return to our main Text Symbols page and scan again!

The indicator is seen as the letter N in brackets and in yellow/amber, again simply to indicate that the vehicle in neutral.

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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.

These posts are 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.

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.

Permanent link to this article: https://dashboardsymbols.com/2021/08/transport-mode-indicator/

EV Charging Indicator Symbols

EV Charging

Plug in IndicatorCharging Indicator Symbol Charge cord connectedCharge cable indicatorThese are EV Charging Indicator symbols used in electric vehicles (EVs) and plug-in hybrid vehicles. The indicators, the first of which look like a typical electric plug, will be illuminated or blinking while the vehicle’s main battery is being charged and will turn off when it is fully charged.

  • Before continuing, are you sure one of these is your symbol?? If yes, then read on below.
  • Otherwise you can return to our main Picture Symbols page and scan again!

Charge indicatorCharge indicatorMinor variations include color (red, yellow/amber, green or black and white) and wire style or the use of the word CHARGE or the short CHG version. A charge level indicator may also be shown on the instrument panel. The red and yellow/amber versions are intended to ensure that no attempt is made to drive the vehicle away while it is still plugged in.

Charge ongoing indicatorThis pair of symbols is from Lincoln. The first in green indicates that charging is ongoing. The second in yellow/amber/orange indicates that charging has failed. The exclamation point is there for added emphasis. If the second indicator flashes for 30 seconds, it indicates that the problem with the charge is exterior to the vehicle.

Save indicatorFinally, some hybrid vehicles include a SAVE mode indicator. When in Save mode, the vehicle drives in a way that maintains the charge level of the high voltage battery. The indicator will likely be shown in black and white in the information display.

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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.

These posts are 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.

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.

Permanent link to this article: https://dashboardsymbols.com/2012/03/charging-indicator-symbol/