High-Voltage Battery Maintenance and Repair
Factors Impacting the Lifespan of High-Voltage Batteries in Hybrid and Electric Vehicles
The lifespan of your high-voltage battery is a key aspect that impacts the overall performance and longevity of your vehicle. Several factors can degrade the battery and compromise its lifespan.
Extreme Temperatures
One of the main factors that affect battery life is the operating temperature. Extreme hot and cold ambient temperatures will impact chemical reactions within battery cells and cause premature aging. High temperatures can accelerate battery wear, whereas colder temperatures can diminish the battery’s power output and storage capacity.
Charging Cycles
Another factor to consider is charging habits. Frequent fast charging or deep discharge can increase stress on the battery cells, leading to potential loss of capacity over time. Most manufacturers recommend keeping the battery charged between 20% to 80%.
How to Minimize Degradation of High-Voltage Batteries?
Follow the Recommended Cooling System Service Intervals
Most hybrid high voltage batteries use forced air cooling to manage the battery temperature. Filters (when fitted) should be changed, and the system cleaned on a regular basis to ensure optimal battery temperatures are maintained.
On the other hand, high voltage power electronics and most BEV high voltage batteries use a liquid cooling system or refrigerant loop. Have your vehicle inspected periodically for leaks. The coolant should be tested and flushed according to the manufacturer’s recommended maintenance intervals.
Fast Chargers, Batteries, and Precautions
We recommend that you avoid the use of a fast charger daily. The Tesla App, for example, encourages you to use your home charging station, then to keep the car’s battery charged between 80% and 85%. Avoiding frequent 100% charges will help maintain the battery’s health. Whenever possible, try to limit full charges to occasional long journeys. We also strongly encourage you not to let your battery drop below 25% to 30% too often, especially while idling.
Ground Clearance
Battery packs and high voltage cabling are often fitted to the vehicle’s underside. Be careful when driving on rough surfaces. Debris and impacts may cause damage to battery casings, high voltage cable insulation and wiring shields – all conditions for a Warrant of Fitness failure, leading to inconvenient, expensive repairs.
Remember that your hybrid or EV weighs more than a conventional car.
Can High Voltage Battery Packs be Repaired?
Battery packs are complex systems and expose workers to the hazards of working with high voltages, but are by no means unrepairable with the right equipment, facilities and expertise.
With their specialist training and equipment, NexDrive technicians can accurately and safely diagnose and repair battery packs, providing a more cost-effective alternative to replacement with a complete new assembly.
Some subcomponents such as the structural casing may not be readily available from manufacturers, making repairs an even more attractive option.
With the right expertise and equipment, technicians at NexDrive can ensure that your hybrid or electric vehicle remains in top condition, all while keeping costs manageable. So, if you find yourself facing high voltage system issues, remember that repair can be an option!