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Post by Phoebe on Jan 16, 2013 6:15:07 GMT 11
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Post by Brian on Jan 16, 2013 16:03:00 GMT 11
You beat me to it ! Lithium Ion batteries ( like the LEAFs ) have better heat tolerance than most other types of batteries, but they are not impervious to high temperatures. When batteries are charging, they do heat up. If they are already hot from ambient temperatures and recent driving, then charging ( particularly fast charging ) will raise the temperature even further, possibly to a point that could ' hurt ' the batteries. As a result of that report, and as a precautionary measure, I will try to adopt the following hot weather practices - 1. Never charge to 100% if the ambient air temperature is 40C and above ( unless it is critical to do so ). 2. Charge in the relative cool of the night. ( At this stage, an air-con for the garage is not contemplated ) 3. Never fast charge during high temperatures. 4. After driving, let the batteries ' rest ' and cool for over an hour or more before charging. 5. Moderate our driving style, with less hooning / pedal to the metal - i.e. be gentle with the batteries when it's hot. It would seem that the iMiev circulates passenger compartment air over the batteries, so if you were running the air-con, this would be cooling the batteries, whilst using part of their capacity. I am told the LEAF does not do this.
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Post by Phoebe on Jan 16, 2013 20:02:17 GMT 11
I think it is a good idea to follow 1. to 4. but I don't have worry about 5. as I never do any 'hooning / pedal to the metal' ;D
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Post by Phoebe on Feb 24, 2013 15:14:43 GMT 11
I have now downloaded the actual survey done on LEAF battery life in America. As time goes by this is going to become more important to us so I have attached it here - well I hope I have :-)
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