Tim Wingler
New Member
I have a Clarity that I drive 3 times a week for 50 miles. I have a Level 1 charger and I leave it plugged in all the time. Is that a good policy or should I be unplugging it after it is fully charged?
Over-charging
- Thread starter Tim Wingler
- Start date
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To be on the safe side, unplug when thunderstorms are near. I leave my L2 plugged in most of the time, except for thunderstorms or if I'm doing a project where the plug sticking out is in my way as I walk by.
On the other hand, with L2, one advantage of staying plugged in is for remote climate pre-conditioning. I think that's less of an advantage for L1, don't remember, others can answer that one.
On the other hand, with L2, one advantage of staying plugged in is for remote climate pre-conditioning. I think that's less of an advantage for L1, don't remember, others can answer that one.
craze1cars
Well-Known Member
Leaving plugged in is fine. It can’t overcharge.
fargledaer
New Member
I drilled a hole through one of the battery packs so that excess charge can get out when the electrical pressure gets too high. Be careful though, it started an intense but small fire in my garage. Luckily my infant son was harnessed to my chest at the time so I avoided the worst of the blast and was able to extinguish the fire before it got out of control. Anyway, I don’t have to worry about overcharging anymore which is pretty great.
[Moderator note: He's kidding. Don't drill holes in your batteries.
]
[Moderator note: He's kidding. Don't drill holes in your batteries.
]
Last edited by a moderator:
Tim Wingler
New Member
Thanks for the input. I read where leaving it plugged in would have a negative impact on the battery temperature. Smart appliances occasionally burst into flames for one reason or another. However, unplugging during thunderstorms sounds like a good idea. Thanks.
metabubble
New Member
When the battery is full, the charger is notified and a relay switch is stopping all flow of electricity.
Unplugging during a thunderstorm is recommended though, because lightning can also travel over the signaling wire and damage your car
Unplugging during a thunderstorm is recommended though, because lightning can also travel over the signaling wire and damage your car
fotomoto
Active Member
No, that doesn't typically happen with PHEV's; cheap Chinese electronics are a different story though. As stated, possible voltage surges from a very close lightning strike could cause damages but other than that there are only positives (pun intended) to keeping it plugged in: won't miss a scheduled charge (BTDT), battery and electronics conditioning when needed (cooling mainly), and cabin pre-conditioning are the big ones. NOTE: 120v can't usually keep up with pre-conditioning so one tends to lose some EV miles/range.