How to Check the Voltage (V) and Amperage (A) of an Electric Vehicle?
4 Answers
Insert the key into the electric vehicle and turn it to the right. Then switch to the 'on' position and check the display screen, which will show the voltage. Next, lift the seat cushion and observe the number of batteries. Multiply the number of batteries by 12V to determine the vehicle's voltage.
Checking voltage and current in the car is actually quite convenient. When I drive an electric vehicle, the most straightforward method is to look at the onboard screen. Most EVs have an 'Energy Information' or 'Battery Status' section in the settings menu. Tapping into it displays the battery voltage, measured in V—my car usually shows around 400V. Similarly, the current is measured in A, and you can view real-time data during charging or discharging by accessing this section. Some cars, like Teslas, feature dedicated graphs on the dashboard that display changes in current consumption. When charging, plugging into the charging station will make the central display pop up the current value, typically ranging from 10A to 32A for home charging. Always prioritize safety and avoid tampering with electrical components—the system's automatic calculations are accurate.
For technical diagnostics, I prefer using some small tools. Just buy an inexpensive OBD-II scanner and plug it into the car's diagnostic port, then pair it with a relevant app on your phone to read voltage and current data. Last time I tried it on a friend's car, the app displayed battery voltage and instantaneous current very accurately. Some apps even come with a history recording feature, allowing you to view trend charts, such as current spikes during highway overtaking. DIY is quite fun, but don't mess around—the OBD port is easy to find, usually under the steering wheel. You can also monitor current in real-time when connecting to a charging station; the current value fluctuates, reflecting charging efficiency. Remember to choose tools compatible with your car model to avoid affecting the original vehicle system.
Safety is paramount, and I do not recommend measuring the high voltage and current of electric vehicles by yourself. The battery pack voltage is typically several hundred volts, posing significant risks. I always remind my children not to tamper with the battery cover. The best approach is to rely on the vehicle's onboard system. Navigate to the 'Vehicle Health' or 'Battery Information' section in the central control settings, enter the password, and the voltage and current values will be displayed directly. If any abnormalities are shown, visit a professional repair shop immediately without delay. During charging, the current is also easy to monitor, as charging stations often display real-time amperage (A) values, which can be 20A or higher depending on the power. For daily maintenance, avoid measuring in high-temperature environments to prevent short circuits.
