Can a New Energy Vehicle Charge the Auxiliary Battery While Idling?

[MacLilliana]

New energy vehicles can charge the auxiliary battery while idling. When the auxiliary battery is depleted, even if the high-voltage battery pack has sufficient charge, the new energy vehicle will fail to start. Additionally, using electrical devices within the vehicle while it is stationary can lead to the auxiliary battery losing its charge. Methods to charge the auxiliary battery: If the auxiliary battery is completely drained, the only solution is to remove it, charge it fully using a charger, and then reinstall it in the vehicle. If the new energy vehicle can still start, driving it for several dozen kilometers will allow the high-voltage battery pack to recharge the auxiliary battery during this period. Charging precautions: It is important to note that if the auxiliary battery is dead, one must never attempt to jump-start it using the high-voltage battery pack in the new energy vehicle. This is due to the presence of high-voltage electricity, and improper handling by non-professionals could pose a risk of electric shock.

[CollinAnn]

After buying a new energy vehicle, I was curious if idling could charge the auxiliary battery. I tried it myself: switching the car to READY mode (started but not moving), the system automatically charged the 12V auxiliary battery using the high-voltage battery. Last time when the auxiliary battery was dead and couldn't start, I idled for five minutes, and it got charged. However, this method shouldn't be used for long periods as the high-voltage battery will gradually discharge, which may harm battery life over time. It's recommended only for occasional emergencies, not as a daily charging method; if the auxiliary battery frequently dies, it might be aging and need replacement. Also, different models like pure electric and hybrid work similarly, but the efficiency is lower than when driving.

[MacIan]

Yes, idling the vehicle can charge the small battery. I've researched this: The high-voltage battery in new energy vehicles outputs 12V current through a DC-DC converter to power auxiliary systems. When starting the vehicle, even if stationary, the converter automatically operates to replenish the small battery. However, don't assume this is a highly efficient method, as there are conversion losses and the high-voltage battery will experience slight discharge. This applies similarly to both pure electric and plug-in hybrid vehicles. I recommend briefly starting the vehicle for charging only when necessary, such as during emergencies when the small battery is nearly depleted, to avoid prolonged idling that could lead to excessive discharge of the high-voltage battery. Regularly checking the small battery's health is a more reliable approach.

[PatrickLee]

As an average car owner, I'd like to share my perspective: The auxiliary battery in new energy vehicles can charge during idle startup. The system handles it automatically after ignition, and it only takes a few minutes to charge. Don't mistakenly think you can leave it running indefinitely; the auxiliary battery will still gradually deplete. I've had personal experience: when the car sat too long, the auxiliary battery died and couldn't start the vehicle, but idling the engine for charging restored it. However, experts advise against doing this too frequently as it's not ideal for the vehicle's systems. For safety, preventing auxiliary battery discharge is crucial, especially in cold weather when issues are more likely; they recommend occasionally driving around for natural charging, which is healthier for the vehicle.