questions about 12v batteries

[666]

sorry for my poor knowledge of a hybrid car.  I am just a regular driver with no knowledge of how a vehicle works.  but just out of my curiosity, i have a couple questions and hope someone can help me figure it out

 

1) on a non hybrid car, all electric power by the 12v batteries, for example: headlights.  so if we turn off the car with headlights on, the 12v batteries will drain down.  but on the cmax, headlights are powered by the high voltage batteries, how come it still drain down the 12v batteries?

 

2) why ford did not setup the cmax that, when the 12v batteries drain down, it can be saved and recharged by the high voltage batteries?

 

thanks for help in advance!

[drdiesel1]

sorry for my poor knowledge of a hybrid car.  I am just a regular driver with no knowledge of how a vehicle works.  but just out of my curiosity, i have a couple questions and hope someone can help me figure it out

 

1) on a non hybrid car, all electric power by the 12v batteries, for example: headlights.  so if we turn off the car with headlights on, the 12v batteries will drain down.  but on the cmax, headlights are powered by the high voltage batteries, how come it still drain down the 12v batteries?

 

2) why ford did not setup the cmax that, when the 12v batteries drain down, it can be saved and recharged by the high voltage batteries?

 

thanks for help in advance!

This is not correct. Everything is still powered by the 12V battery that same as all non hybrid vehicles.The only thing powered

by the HVB is the hybrid drive system. Even the hybrid controllers are powered by the 12V battery.

 

The DC/DC converter will charge the 12V battery, but only with the vehicle in RUN mode.  I would advise you to get a battery charger for this vehicle. 

  I use this one and many others on the Energi forum have purchased one. http://www.amazon.com/Schumacher-SSC-1500A-SpeedCharge-Charger-Battery/dp/B000H961YI/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1380558502&sr=8-1&keywords=ship+%26+shore+1500+battery+charger

 

 

 

 

 We are working on finding out why the 12Vbattery dies over time.  The site is not working right now, so I can't get you a link.

Edited September 30, 2013 by drdiesel1

[CMax-Traveler]

  I use this one and many others on the Energi forum have purchased one. http://www.amazon.com/Schumacher-SSC-1500A-SpeedCharge-Charger-Battery/dp/B000H961YI/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1380558502&sr=8-1&keywords=ship+%26+shore+1500+battery+charger

 

I don't suppose you can power this quick charger off of the 120VAC outlet in the car when the 12V battery is dead?  I don't have an outlet near my car, besides the one that's inside it.  If not, I may be better off getting a battery-operated jump starter.  What's the minimum amperage I should go for on a jump starter - I can't imagine it's much.

[ceemax71]

I don't suppose you can power this quick charger off of the 120VAC outlet in the car when the 12V battery is dead?  I don't have an outlet near my car, besides the one that's inside it.  If not, I may be better off getting a battery-operated jump starter.  What's the minimum amperage I should go for on a jump starter - I can't imagine it's much.

No.  The 120VAC outlet is powered from a 12 volt fuse.

[wab]

Which means it stops working :sad: when the car goes to sleep.

 

Jump Starters

There are cheeper ones out there but I'm sure you have a WalMart.

http://www.walmart.com/ip/Stanley-500-Amp-Jump-Starter-with-Compressor/13035281?action=product_interest&action_type=image&placement_id=irs_middle&strategy=PWVUB&visitor_id=32892513133&category=0%3A91083%3A1045959%3A1074767%3A1043587&client_guid=739231f3-1f4b-41ac-a390-c69818fa4d3b&config_id=0&parent_item_id=15140190&guid=b107f1ca-f31b-4c6e-91c8-30f9c61d66e0&bucket_id=000&findingMethod=p13n

 

Here's cheaper

http://www.autozone.com/autozone/accessories/Duralast-600-Amps-jump-starter/_/N-2629?itemIdentifier=905052_0_0_

 

http://www.amazon.com/Schumacher-XP400-Instant-Portable-Source/dp/B004EIDD2Q/ref=pd_sim_sbs_auto_3

 

http://www.harborfreight.com/automotive-motorcycle/battery/12-volt-jump-start-and-power-supply-38391.html

 

wab

Edited October 17, 2013 by wab

[drdiesel1]

I don't suppose you can power this quick charger off of the 120VAC outlet in the car when the 12V battery is dead?  I don't have an outlet near my car, besides the one that's inside it.  If not, I may be better off getting a battery-operated jump starter.  What's the minimum amperage I should go for on a jump starter - I can't imagine it's much.

Nope! The A/C outlet is only powered when the system/key/button is on. 

You'll need to get an extension cord to use the charger.

Edited October 18, 2013 by drdiesel1

[fbov]

So... could you drive with one plugged in??? That would keep the charger topped off in case you needed it...

Edited October 18, 2013 by fbov

[mtb9153]

Good thought, anyone know if this is possible?

[ceemax71]

Good thought, anyone know if this is possible?

It should work if the jump starter's charger AC load is less than 150 watts (~1.36 amps).

I have a 450 amp jump starter that has a charger AC load of .7 amps.

 

If the jump starter has a charger cord/adapter that you plug into a 12 VDC outlet, it would be more efficient to use it rather than the 110VAC charger.

There is some power loss in the car's built-in 12VDC to 110VAC inverter.