[PlatinumHybrid]

What are the best practices to maintain the Pacifica's (or any PHEV's) battery?

I've been reading that many PHEV owners set their vehicle's charging schedule to charge late in the evening so as to not keep the battery in a fully charged state for extended periods. For example, if it takes 2 hours to completely charge a Pacifica's battery, and the owner needs the car for 6am, they would set the charging timeframe for 3am-5am, leaving the battery in a fully charged state for only about an hour before use. Is this the best charging practice for battery life and performance?

I realize that other factors may play a role, like TOD plans that encourage charging during certain hours to save money. But what are the other best practices one can adopt to prolong a PHEV battery's useful life?

 

[csnyder]

I haven't heard of anyone using the charging schedule to help with battery health. Many utilities offer different pricing depending on the time of day (usage tends to peak during summer afternoons), so EV owners can schedule charging to occur when the rates are cheaper.

 

[Breezy]

I would say the most important thing is: Keep in plugged-in when practical. Even if not charging, the vehicle will draw power from the wall to heat/cool the battery to keep it in its optimum temperature range.


GM gives the following recommendations for the Volt for long term storage: Up to four weeks: just leave it plugged in. Over 4 weeks: discharge high-voltage battery to low level, and trickle charge 12V battery. For the Pacifica, FCA recommends just disconnecting the 12V battery if left for more than a month.


I haven't heard of using scheduled charging to minimize time at full charge, but I suppose it makes sense as an extension of GM's long term storage recommendation. I generally try to keep the vehicle fully charged at all times so I don't have to use gas in case of unplanned trips.

 

[BlueTect]

Like Breezy said, just keep it plugged in when you can. The biggest thing you will notice is the range will drop during cold temps but it will come back when temps rise, it's a byproduct of the battery chemistry and the way it is designed to function.

 

[HattyDamp]

Hi...the internal battery management system will not over or under charge, but the number of deep discharges is supposed to shorten its life. So for my 2016 Sonata PHEV daily AC (110v) diet will be to charge daily, whether or not fully depleted unless I learn otherwise. So in other words if I don't drive enough to have the Hybrid HEV system take over, I'll still plug-in upon my return home. I've verified the KWH used via a Kill-A-Watt meter and the on-board charging system only allows to "top-off" the battery. This takes approx. 10-11 Kwh (7-8 hr.) for a full-charge; less for a partial charge. A convenient feature is the On-board Charge Schedule via Blue-link system texts and/or emails you upon completion of the charge, or if you forgot to plug-in.

 

[cparmerlee]

The biggest thing you will notice is the range will drop during cold temps

Yep. I went from normal 33 miles best case 39 miles to a winter range of normal 22, best case 25 miles -- with climate control completely off. That's some serious degradation.

but it will come back when temps rise, it's a byproduct of the battery chemistry and the way it is designed to function.

Wrong. Temps are now in the 50s. With climate control off, I am getting normal 27 miles, best case 31 miles. That is 20% less than when the battery was new, and well below the promised range. This is after 20,000 miles. See my details here:

http://www.pacificaforums.com/forum/447122-post10.html