Monday, September 21, 2009

Charging parameter experiment

I have a working hypothesis that I have been routinely undercharging my batteries, and not long enough on the acceptance charge. This would explain the low float voltage, and more limited range. Here are the guidelines I recently found from US Battery:

http://www.usbattery.com/usb_faqs.html

My usual acceptance charge is ~119V for a 96V pack (7.44V for each 6V battery), and only for an hour at that charge.

The guidance above says ~124V for a 96V pack (7.75V for each 6V battery), and 2-4 hours at that charge.

Doing that tonight, we'll see if the floating voltage is any higher tomorrow.

BTW, passed the 1900 mile mark. This car is a great commuter car!