EVs - What Not to Do

[MTNestr]

What do I need to be certain not to do with an EV that I could do with an ICE Vehicle?

For example, can I touch the 12 Volt Battery Cables like I do on the ICE 12v battery? Where is the DC to DC converter? If I take the Frunk covers off to get to the 12 Volt Battery are their any Dangerous Cables/Connections that are exposed?

Still learning - this is my first EV.

Thanks

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[JamieGeek]

Just drive it and don't worry about such things.

Sure don't touch any of the High Voltage Wiring (its all bright orange to warn you).

But all of that is buried so if you don't remove any panels then you're fine.

Yes: Car washes are ok and driving in the rain is ok--no one will get shocked. Or driving in the snow/sleet/etc. will all be fine.

Even getting it stuck is ok...well but you're stuck.

Its a car, treat it as such.

 

[timbop]

It is a conventional 12 volt battery, so the same precautions apply for an ICE (e.g. don't touch both terminals at one). Otherwise, if you take the cover off the insulation on cables is fine but don't touch any exposed terminals. In general follow the rule "if you don't know what it is/does, then leave it alone".

 

[mixduptransistor]

What do I need to be certain not to do with an EV that I could do with an ICE Vehicle?

For example, can I touch the 12 Volt Battery Cables like I do on the ICE 12v battery? Where is the DC to DC converter? If I take the Frunk covers off to get to the 12 Volt Battery are their any Dangerous Cables/Connections that are exposed?

Still learning - this is my first EV.

Thanks

You shouldn't need to get into the 12v battery that often, but even when you do it's just a regular 12v battery. The DC-to-DC converter isn't going to be obvious and definitely no need for you to get into that at all. The High Voltage stuff is all marked in orange and you want to stay away from it

In terms of general don'ts, you don't want to scrape the bottom too bad or hit any humps that might damage the battery, don't drive through deep standing water. Other than that no special precautions are really needed

 

[dtbaker61]

Even getting it stuck is ok...well but you're stuck.

If you do get stuck, you probably want to turn OFF traction control to allow one wheel to spin if need be, and

DO NOT 'rock' from D to R repeatedly; you are better off to apply very slow gentle throttle to retain traction.... EV can't stall, so you can go very slowly to maintain traction.

 

[SnBGC]

What do I need to be certain not to do with an EV that I could do with an ICE Vehicle?

For example, can I touch the 12 Volt Battery Cables like I do on the ICE 12v battery? Where is the DC to DC converter? If I take the Frunk covers off to get to the 12 Volt Battery are their any Dangerous Cables/Connections that are exposed?

Still learning - this is my first EV.

Thanks

I cant think of much that you should do different. You dont have to let the engine warm up since it doesnt have one so you can just get in and go.

The 12v terminals are the same as an ICE vehicle so the same precautions apply. The DC-DC converter is mounted above the front crossmember.

Don't touch any wiring or connectors that are bright orange.

There is a connector under the front compartment cover that kills power to the HVB system. Your owners manual has details how to use it. Also posted here on this forum somewhere....maybe someone will get you a link.

Enjoy your first EV!

 

[dtbaker61]

There is a connector under the front compartment cover that kills power to the HVB system. Your owners manual has details how to use it. Also posted here on this forum somewhere...

hhmmm, presumably well hidden from the Emergency responders that might be looking for it prior to a 'jaws of life' extraction when they don't want to risk running a saw blade thru a high voltage cable.

I can't find it in the user's manual.... anybody have a picture/location?

 

[SnBGC]

hhmmm, presumably well hidden from the Emergency responders that might be looking for it prior to a 'jaws of life' extraction when they don't want to risk running a saw blade thru a high voltage cable.

I can't find it in the user's manual.... anybody have a picture/location?

Here it is.

 

[dtbaker61]

Here it is.

EXCELLENT.....
I may cut another access port specifically for this, and label it for Responders!

 

[SnBGC]

EXCELLENT.....
I may cut another access port specifically for this, and label it for Responders!

It wont matter. In the event you are in a collision and they go looking for that connector then they are likely to RIP off those compartment covers anyway.

Just my suspicion though.....

Also, keep in mind that you are unable to operate the front hood release handle while the driver door is closed. So if in an accident, the door needs to be opened before the hood latch release can operate. Just an FYI....

 

[GoGoGadgetMachE]

don't take it to a gas pump

don't attempt to drive it underwater

there, 2-for-1 bonus post

 

[JamieGeek]

don't take it to a gas pump

don't attempt to drive it underwater

there, 2-for-1 bonus post

Ah yeah I have a story of a former coworker who drove his Focus Electric through some floodwaters and discovered that it floated.

 

[GoGoGadgetMachE]

through water is not underwater

this is underwater:

 

[Murse-In-Airy]

Here it is.

Is it just me or does the labeled “Pedestrian Protection System” make it look like the frunk will launch any pedestrians back off the car for me? LOL

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