Pre heating the battery?

[Big Al]

Hi all
Just watched the latest Rev Matchers video on youtube, and he talked about the fact he hadn’t pre heated the battery, but as it was only 8c, that he should have.

So is pre heating a thing? And if so at what temperature ? And How?

 

[Harry 17]

I was recently disappointed with my early range depletion earlier this week. When i hade been in the car for over 40 mins, and then did some town driving, followed by a return trip up the A1, my range increased closer to the original stated.

So, long story short, I am gonna try it again on Tuesday, but I will preheat the battery first and see if it makes a difference.

 

[Shengis]

As a non-EV owner I’m confused by this too. How do you preheat the battery? Is it simply switching the vehicle on before planning to drive it out is there a specific function or button for it?

 

[Harry 17]

As a non-EV owner I’m confused by this too. How do you preheat the battery? Is it simply switching the vehicle on before planning to drive it out is there a specific function or button for it?

Nope there is a function on the MG app in the charging menu and you just toggle the switch. You can schedule it to come on at a set time also.

 

[Big Al]

OK thanks
how much of a difference to range will heating the battery make?

 

[Harry 17]

OK thanks
how much of a difference to range will heating the battery make?

It wont necessarily, it will just not use as much as quick if cold. That is my un derstanding anyway. Will be better placed after I try it on Tuesday. I posted my recent disappointment re: early morning range depletion on the “first person to post ….. “ thread for comparison come next week. ?

 

[Deleted member 9909]

Preheating the Batteries has two functions

1/ Batteries charge more effectively when the temp is about 5 to 10c minimum. If really cold preheat the Batteries 30 min to an hour before charging. Down to owners if they do this or not. In the majority of the UK most will not notice any difference in my opinion.

2/ Batteries will deliver power more effectively if the temperature is also about 5 to 10c minimum hence preheat again recommended before driving. Again down to individual choice.

Both will probably be more effective/noticeable in the Scottish Highlands/Northern England/other really cold areas possibly unless climate change sweeps the whole UK with super frosty conditions

My friends in Norway really need the function especially when rapid DC charging as this is impacted more by really cold temperatures!

It should draw power from an active charger when plugged in but given the issues some are experiencing trying to preheat the car using AC when the car is on a schedule who knows. If there is no charger plugged in it will use the battery and reduce available range accordingly.

Alan

 

[Lovemyev]

Preheating the Batteries has two functions

1/ Batteries charge more effectively when the temp is about 5 to 10c minimum. If really cold preheat the Batteries 30 min to an hour before charging. Down to owners if they do this or not. In the majority of the UK most will not notice any difference in my opinion.

2/ Batteries will deliver power more effectively if the temperature is also about 5 to 10c minimum hence preheat again recommended before driving. Again down to individual choice.

Both will probably be more effective/noticeable in the Scottish Highlands/Northern England/other really cold areas possibly unless climate change sweeps the whole UK with super frosty conditions

My friends in Norway really need the function especially when rapid DC charging as this is impacted more by really cold temperatures!

It should draw power from an active charger when plugged in but given the issues some are experiencing trying to preheat the car using AC when the car is on a schedule who knows. If there is no charger plugged in it will use the battery and reduce available range accordingly.

Alan

Totally agree Alan.
Preheating the HV battery in really cold conditions, usually take place on-route, a few miles BEFORE you want to charge your battery on a rapid charger.
Heating the battery to its optimum charging temperature, just before charging should produce a faster charging rate from the "Get Go" and therefore resulting in quicker charge cycle time.
Something worth considering though, if you are running low on range then preheating the HV battery WILL reduce your remaining range even further !.
Only worth considering if you have enough range and it is really cold.
Otherwise I would not bother.