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Can I jump-start my Electric Vehicle?

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51R
The 51R 12V Battery as found in a Nissan LEAF

The short answer is; “Yes.”

Electric Vehicles have two batteries – a ‘normal’ 12V lead acid battery to run the electronics and a Lithium-Ion Battery with a DC output (depending on manufacturer) ranging from 300 to 400 volts to run the motors.

The motors are 240 volt motors that are fed by the lithium-Ion batteries after a Controller converts the battery voltage to a maximum of 240 volt AC.

It is quite difficult to run an EV’s Lithium-Ion Battery down to a state of zero electrons as most will start beeping and flashing when you have around 40 kilometres of range left.

The most frustrating part of jump-starting a dead 12V electric car battery is finding that battery in the first place. Not all EVs keep their 12-volt batteries in the traditional area we have become accustomed to with old fashioned cars. The quickest way to locate the battery is to RTFM (Read The Farging Manual) which will tell you exactly where the 12V Battery hides.

One of the most popular electric vehicles in Port Elizabeth is the Nissan Leaf so lets look at how you would jump start a Leaf:

  • The Nissan Leaf 51R 12V Battery is located in the front boot on the passenger side.
  • Position the dead LEAF and donor vehicle so that the 12V batteries are as close as possible WITHOUT the vehicles touching
  • Apply the LEAF’s parking brake and push the PARK position
  • Turn off all electrical systems inside the LEAF
  • Turn power switch OFF if the 12V battery isn’t discharged. If it is, connect the jumper cables to the helping vehicle before pushing the LEAF’s power switch.
  • Remove 12V battery’s vent caps and cover battery with wrung-out damp cloth to minimize the possibility of explosion
  • Connect jumper cables as follows: Positive on dead car, positive on donor, negative on donor, negative on dead car
  • Make sure the jumper cables are away from any moving parts
  • Start the donor vehicle’s engine
  • Whilst the donor vehicle is running, turn the LEAF’s power switch ON while holding down the brake pedal to put the LEAD in READY MODE
  • Once the EV system starts up disconnect the cables in the opposite order to XXX above
  • Keep the EV system running for a minimum of 20 minutes to recharge the 12V battery
  • Replace all vent caps and safely dispose the damp cloth as it may be contaminated
  • If the Li-ion battery isn’t charged, connect the LEAF to a charging station

In most cases you won’t be able to jump-start an EV using a second EV. The 12-volt system on a given electric vehicle simply isn’t designed to provide this kind of service to a second EV, even if they are the same brand. Rather use a ICE powered car or a portable jump-start device when dealing with a dead electric vehicle’s 12V battery.

You can help the quiet revolution along by installing an EV Charging station outside your Guest House, Hotel, Coffee Shop, Restaurant, Shopping Centre or in your forecourt. Contact Straton Electrical for EV Charging Station options.

Read More articles about EV’s and Renewable Energy here: Join the Quiet Revolution and here: MyNMB.

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Alan Straton

Chief Cook, Bottle Washer and Broom Mechanic at MyPE
Passionate about Port Elizabeth and definitely NOT packing for Perth. Alan's ethos is epitomised in the words of Nelson Mandela; "I have fought against white domination and I have fought against black domination. I have cherished the idea of a democratic and free society. If need be, it is an ideal for which I am prepared to die." See more articles by Alan.