Battery equalisation

[AK OK]

Did you monitor how much electricity it used? I wonder if it uses more to equalise than to just charge to full?

Er shurely not?

 

[Jomarkh]

While charging it draws 7 kW but only 300-500 W during a balance, even if that is for four hours its still only 2 kWh.

 

[AK OK]

While charging it draws 7kWh but only 300-500w during a balance, even if that is for four hours its still only 2kW

That is as I understand it yes.

 

[slmorgan42]

The old ZS port used to flash during the different charge stages.
I can only tell on my MG5 by monitoring my IHD as during a battery balance the wattage is 300W -500W.
How long can you leave the car connected to a street EVSE!

Thanks once I get mine I will check if I can monitor this process on the app.

The ones I would use for this purpose are the converted lamppost ones. There is no time limit at these. I had already planned on leaving it there overnight when charging.

 

[Jomarkh]

It should be balanced by the morning

 

[Kithmo]

I would expect it to be like the old one, saying on the app, something like, "charged 100%" when it's still balancing and "connected but not charging" when it's totally finished.
Doesn't the charge port on the new one have an indication on the LEDs, like flashing when it's balancing and unlit when it's finished maybe ?

 

[chowbenter]

I did a 100% charge today for the first time in over a few months & let it balance the battery pack, It only took 15 minutes for the MG logo charge flap light to go out after the 100% charge. 2020 MG ZS EV.

 

[Jomarkh]

Do you do much rapid charging or just at home on a 7kW EVSE?

 

[chowbenter]

Do you do much rapid charging or just at home on a 7kW EVSE?

No I've never done any public rapid charges, Being retired we don't use the car everyday. I don't really charge it on the 7kW/32amp setting on my Fenkee adjustable home charger which has settings of 10,16,20,24 & 32amp, I mostly just use the 10amp lowest setting to charge up to 80%.

 

[MikeW101]

Due to family parking i am unable to charge overnight and have to plug in when i can .sometimes i claim the drive dig my heals in and charge away .

I have been having problems with my MG 5. If the HV battery falls below somewhere around 30% I get a message saying Main battery low 12volt battery will not charge. Not the exact wording but that’s the gist of it. Then the 12volt battery struggles to recover.

Had it back to the dealers twice but they didn’t find anything. I have been advised to charge with a 13 amp I.e. 3 kWh charger every two weeks or so. My questions are. As I have only had the car for 6 months and only used a rapid charger twice. I usually charge at home with a 7 kw Podpoint do I really need to equalise so often. Second question do I have to charge to 100% for equalisation to start. Final question is it best not charge to 100% routinely

 

[Jomarkh]

I have been having problems with my MG 5. If the HV battery falls below somewhere around 30% I get a message saying Main battery low 12volt battery will not charge. Not the exact wording but that’s the gist of it. Then the 12volt battery struggles to recover.

Had it back to the dealers twice but they didn’t find anything. I have been advised to charge with a 13 amp I.e. 3 kWh charger every two weeks or so. My questions are. As I have only had the car for 6 months and only used a rapid charger twice. I usually charge at home with a 7 kw Podpoint do I really need to equalise so often. Second question do I have to charge to 100% for equalisation to start. Final question is it best not charge to 100% routinely

You don't need to use the granny EVSE as any type2 AC EVSE will battery balance once it has reached 100% and just leave it for possiblea few hours. Once a month is fine.

 

[Lovemyev]

Second question do I have to charge to 100% for equalisation to start.

Simple answer - Yes.
The balancing process only commences AFTER you have charged to 100% SOC.
You could charge your 12 volt battery yourself ?.

 

[Kithmo]

It's a good idea to charge/condition your 12v a couple of times a year for the longevity of the 12v.
I've used a CTek battery conditioner on all my cars for the last 12 years or so, usually in October for the Winter and again in March and never had a 12v battery problem.

 

[Lovemyev]

It's a good idea to charge/condition your 12v a couple of times a year for the longevity of the 12v.
I've used a CTek battery conditioner on all my cars for the last 12 years or so, usually in October for the Winter and again in March and never had a 12v battery problem.

I do the same thing and I also have a Ctek smart charger myself.
Also I have the Ctek optical quick connect “Fly Lead” constantly fitted to the 12 volt battery on my car.
It saves using them crocodile clamps that can spring off sometimes.
Not totally necessary, but I do like the set up.

CTEK Comfort Connect Eyelet M8 | Halfords UK

Shop the latest The CTEK Comfort Connect Eyelet M8 helps charge in hard to reach places. at Halfords UK

www.halfords.com

 

[Kithmo]

I do the same thing and I also have a Ctek smart charger myself.
Also I have the Ctek optical quick connect “Fly Lead” constantly fitted to the 12 volt battery on my car.
It saves using them crocodile clamps that can spring off sometimes.
Not totally necessary, but I do like the set up.

CTEK Comfort Connect Eyelet M8 | Halfords UK

Shop the latest The CTEK Comfort Connect Eyelet M8 helps charge in hard to reach places. at Halfords UK

www.halfords.com

Ditto with the connector (AKA comfort lead IIRC)

 

[AmyRB]

Hello! We don't as yet have a home charger so looking to do an equalisation charge on the public network. This may be a silly question but can this be done on a 22kw charger (there's one round the corner) or does it have to be a 7kw bearing in mind that even on a 22kw the car is only able to draw 7. Thanks for any advice! Amy

 

[AK OK]

Hello! We don't as yet have a home charger so looking to do an equalisation charge on the public network. This may be a silly question but can this be done on a 22kw charger (there's one round the corner) or does it have to be a 7kw bearing in mind that even on a 22kw the car is only able to draw 7. Thanks for any advice! Amy

Don't you have the 3 pin plug in granny charger?

But 22kw AC should be fine - though you might not be popular with the queue...

 

[AmyRB]

Don't you have the 3 pin plug in granny charger?

But 22kw AC should be fine - though you might not be popular with the queue...

Thanks for the quick response! We do have the granny the issue is the lack of driveway currently. I'll be mindful of when I do it to avoid the wrath of any queue (got a 4 month old who doesn't like sleep so could be anytime!) but it must be what people in flats with EVs have to do.

 

[AK OK]

Thanks for the quick response! We do have the granny the issue is the lack of driveway currently. I'll be mindful of when I do it to avoid the wrath of any queue (got a 4 month old who doesn't like sleep so could be anytime!) but it must be what people in flats with EVs have to do.

It might take an hour or few as it has to get to 100% before it starts equalising

 

[Jomarkh]

Hello! We don't as yet have a home charger so looking to do an equalisation charge on the public network. This may be a silly question but can this be done on a 22kw charger (there's one round the corner) or does it have to be a 7kw bearing in mind that even on a 22kw the car is only able to draw 7. Thanks for any advice! Amy

will you be using a lot of rapid chargers as that may put the cells out of balance.
Any AC type2 will balance the cells so you could rapid up to 80-90% then use a fast charger to balance monthly or there abouts.