outdoor temperatures can cause the batteries to cool to below –25°C
(–13°F) and prevent both charging and self-heating.
The Ranger Electric Vehicle should be connected to a PCS
whenever it is not being driven.
Battery self-heating following a complete charge will maintain the battery
at approximately –10°C (14°F). The cooling fan utilizes outside air, and
therefore cooling effectiveness depends upon the temperature difference
between the batteries and outside air. The cooling system works to
maintain the batteries at approximately 25°C (77°F).
Equalization
The battery control system will periodically equalize the charge in the
batteries, which smooths out battery-to-battery differences in the ability
to deliver energy. This results in optimum range and battery life.
Equalization is automatically performed approximately every three
weeks. The fuel gauge will indicate if insufficient charge time has been
allowed.
The Ranger Electric Vehicle should be connected to a PCS
whenever it is not being driven.
Partial recharges
A partial recharge is charging the battery pack to less than 100% state of
charge and can be performed occasionally without loss of range or
performance. However, long term multiple partial charges tend to create
imbalances in battery-to-battery state of charge and are strongly
discouraged. Usage patterns should be planned to include a full recharge
each time the vehicle is discharged. On vehicles equipped with the
nickel-metal hydride drive batteries, a full discharge is recommended
periodically to minimize battery memory effect.
Charging
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