Recommendations for high voltage battery

Some circumstances may lead to damage to the high voltage battery and shorten its service life. The recommendations are designed for long service life for the high voltage battery and good performance while driving.

Charging

When possible and timely, select AC charging1 in preference to DC fast charging2. AC charging is more sparing on the high voltage battery, especially with regular charging.

High State Of Charge (SOC)

Avoid charging the car to 100% unless the full range is needed for the journey.

The battery may be damaged by maintaining a very high State Of Charge (SOC) for a long time. Therefore, avoid leaving the car connected for charging to more than the recommended state of charge, which is shown in the centre display.

Low State Of Charge (SOC)

 Important

The high voltage battery may be seriously damaged if it is not charged after being fully discharged. Since there is also a certain amount of consumption and self-discharge when the car is not in use, the State Of Charge (SOC) can fall to 0% if the car is left unconnected with a low State Of Charge (SOC).

If the State Of Charge (SOC) is below 20%, charging is always recommended to avoid the battery being fully discharged.

Long-term parking

To minimise the risk of damage to the battery during long-term parking (longer than one month), it is recommended to have a charging range of 40-60%.

  • If the State Of Charge (SOC) is higher – drive the car until the State Of Charge (SOC) is lower.
  • If the State Of Charge (SOC) is lower – charge the car.

If you plan to park the car for longer than three months, it is recommended that you connect it to constant charging.

Check the car's State Of Charge (SOC) on a regular basis, as well as that charging is working properly.

Parking in a hot climate

 Important

Avoid exposing the car to extreme temperatures. If there is a risk of temperatures around 55 °C (131 °F) then parking for longer than 24 hours should be completely avoided in order to avoid serious damage to the battery.

High temperatures can damage the high voltage battery, especially if it is exposed for a long time. If possible, avoid leaving the car unconnected at temperatures higher than 30 °C (86 °F). The car can actively cool the battery while it is parked, but this consumes power and leads to a fall in the State Of Charge (SOC). If the car is charged while it is parked the battery can be cooled without being discharged.

If possible, park in the shade if the outdoor temperature is high. Strong sunlight in combination with high outdoor temperature may lead to the car and the high voltage battery becoming very hot.

Parking in a cold climate

In a low temperature for the high voltage battery, performance is temporarily reduced until the battery is heated. Connect the car for charging and use preconditioning to avoid driving with reduced performance. The car can then heat the battery prior to driving without the State Of Charge (SOC) and range falling.

Connect the car for charging if parking for longer than 24 hours is planned, while the ambient temperature is below –30 °C (–22 °F).

Driving the car while there is an indication of reduced performance due to low temperature will not be harmful.

  1. 1 AC is also called alternating current.
  2. 2 DC is also called direct current.