An electric vehicle (EV) owner has recently reported an unexpected battery drain issue with their new Windsor model. Over the past week, the car has been losing approximately 1% of its charge every three hours while parked. This anomaly did not occur during the initial days of ownership and has raised concerns within the EV community. The owner also observed peculiar behavior related to the low-voltage (LV) battery voltage and park brake status. Despite consulting with a service center expert, no immediate resolution was provided, leaving many questions unanswered.
Unraveling the Mystery of Persistent Charge Loss
The Windsor EV owner noticed an unusual pattern where the high-voltage (HV) battery loses around 1% charge every three hours when stationary. This equates to a continuous power consumption of about 127 watts. Initially, there were no signs of this issue for the first ten to twelve days after purchase. However, over the last week, it has become a recurring problem. The warning for battery discharge began sporadically before intensifying, now appearing consistently upon opening the driver’s door after the car has been idle.
Further investigation revealed that the LV battery voltage behaves unusually. After driving, the voltage stabilizes between 12.6V and 13V. Upon parking, it drops to 12.1V but then rises to 14.4V, indicating active charging. This suggests that certain components remain operational even when the vehicle is off, causing the HV battery to recharge the LV battery. The owner found this behavior concerning, especially since it did not occur initially. Additionally, the park brake status, which previously showed as "off," now consistently displays as "on" in the app, adding another layer of mystery to the situation.
Seeking Solutions and Community Insights
The Windsor EV owner sought assistance from the service center, where an "EV expert" downplayed the issue, citing a document stating that a 2% drop in charge over eight hours is acceptable for another EV model, Comet. However, the owner argued that the rate of charge loss in Windsor is significantly higher and inconsistent with normal behavior. The expert suggested keeping the car at the service center for further examination, but due to scheduling constraints, the owner plans to address this issue after completing the 1000km service.
To gain more insights, the owner shared their experience on a forum, inviting fellow EV enthusiasts to contribute their thoughts. Many owners have not encountered similar problems, making this case unique. The community discussion highlights the importance of understanding the nuances of EV maintenance and the need for transparent communication between manufacturers and consumers. By sharing experiences and observations, the community aims to find solutions and ensure a smoother transition to electric vehicles for all users.