Ecobat Battery provides the solutions for EV developments
In common with every electric vehicle (EV), the pre-2022 Tesla range incorporates a 12-volt battery to power the vehicles essential low voltage systems such as the lights, heating and touchscreen display, as well as the door locks and alarm. It also powers the vehicle’s onboard computer and diagnostic systems and plays a role in starting the main high voltage battery pack.
The reasons behind this inclusion are straightforward as it allows the manufacturer to not only use a safer, low voltage current for those systems that keep the vehicle operational should the high voltage battery become discharged, but it also offers it a far more cost effective solution to use standardised components also used by other manufacturers that produce combustion powered vehicles, alongside their hybrid and EV models.
Despite the advances in EV technology, batteries still have a finite lifespan and over time they will degrade and fail. Although the service life of a 12-volt battery in an EV application is not predetermined, but dependent on its usage, even the best cared for example will eventually fail at some point and these Tesla batteries are no different.
Evidence from the market suggests that the typical service life is between three and four years. However, the cyclic nature of the electrical loads and usage patterns when fitted in an EV, particularly if the vehicle is often used for short trips drawing heavily of multiple systems and accessories, can leave it in a discharged state, increasing the likelihood of premature failure.
Further risks arise when the weather is extreme, whether that’s when it’s excessively hot or subzero, and if there are charge related issues or the owner is inclined to maximise the vehicles range between recharging, these too can have a negative impact on battery life and lead them to fail.
This, however, provides the independent service and repair sector with an opportunity to benefit from the growth in EV sales, and for those partnering with Ecobat Battery, one of the largest battery distributors, specifically these pre-2022 Tesla applications.
Somewhat surprisingly the Model 3 and Model X both rely on a traditional lead acid battery, a B24 and B19 type respectively, whereas the Model S uses a U1 type AGM.
Irrespective of the model however, Ecobat Battery includes the original equipment fitment battery in its extensive range, so before surrendering a pre-2022 Tesla to the dealer, independent workshops should first assess the condition of the 12-volt battery and if that’s the issue, providing they use the correct protocols for working on the vehicle, they can order a situatable replacement from one of the company’s many customers, and benefit from the opportunity provided by this popular range of EVs.
